Winter is truly over, the air smells of warm sunshine, and colorful flowers are blooming all around, buzzing with busy bees. It’s spring – and that means: time to rediscover nature. As part of the namuk Outdoor Challenge 2025, we’ve teamed up with our partner Switzerland Tourism to put together five very special May outing ideas for you and your family. Pack your backpack, slip on your comfiest shoes, and head outside – there's so much to explore!
A journey through time on the Industrialization Trail
Ready for a time travel adventure? Nestled among green hills, babbling brooks, and charming villages lies a trail that takes you right into the fascinating history of industrialization. The Industrialization Trail in the Zurich Oberland near Uster shows how a rural farming area became one of Switzerland’s first industrial hubs. This roughly 30-kilometer path leads past old spinning mills, power plants, canals, and the Museum of textile machinery at Neuthal in Bäretswil.
Some factories are now silent and have been repurposed – but everywhere, you can still feel the past. You might almost hear the clatter of looms, smell the steam from machines, or see smoke rising from old chimneys… The trail can be broken into stages – perfect for curious families, little explorers, and big fans of technology. Perhaps you’ll follow the stream that once powered machines? Or look for hidden details in old stone walls? Whether you bring a picnic, a compass, or a keen explorer’s eye: This hike isn’t just a walk – it’s a journey through time.
The right spot everywhere: Youth hostels for families
Whether you’re wandering cobbled old town alleys, hiking alongside waterfalls, or making your way toward the next mountain peak – every explorer team eventually needs a cozy hideaway. And that’s where they come in: Swiss Youth Hostels. Here, small and big adventurers can sleep in treehouses, castles, or alpine lodges – right by the lake or surrounded by wild nature. Every hostel is different – but they’re all cozy, affordable, and kid-friendly. In the common areas, people play, trade stories, laugh – and sometimes someone shares their discovery of the day. Swiss Youth Hostels offer over 50 locations, from A for Avenches to Z for Zug – so you’re sure to find a great place to stay along your route. Some are simple, others feature wellness areas or private family rooms: as individual as your adventure.
On the rails of adventure: The Railway Trail in Kandersteg
Train fans, get ready – this trail is like a living book full of locomotive legends and engineering wonders. High up in the Bernese Alps runs the Lötschberg mountain line, a marvel of railway history. And it’s along this line that the Railway Trail in Kandersteg winds its way – always in view: tracks, viaducts, and tunnels. On 47 lovingly designed info boards, you’ll learn how bold engineers once carved through mountains, built bridges across gorges, and connected entire villages. Always along for the ride: breathtaking views, crisp alpine air, and the distant rumble of trains. If you're lucky, a train driver might even wave to you from the cockpit! A true highlight for young techies, serious train lovers, and anyone who likes to press their nose to the window. Listen closely, and you might even hear the echo of old steam locomotives reverberating through the cliffs…
Between water, roots, and wonders: Parc des Eaux-Vives
Imagine standing barefoot in the sand, seagulls calling, a fountain sparkling, and a boat gliding by in the distance – all in the heart of the city! At Parc des Eaux-Vives in Geneva, urban exploration and wild nature go hand in hand. This green adventure playground right by Lake Geneva has everything little (and big) outdoor fans could wish for: spacious meadows for tumbling and rolling around, enchanted tree giants perfect for lying underneath, streams to splash around in, and a real city beach with lake views. Whether it’s a picnic under chestnut trees, shadow-chasing through fountains, or racing to the water – every moment here is its own little adventure. And if you still have energy to spare, stroll over to the neighboring Parc La Grange, with its floral beauty and quaint animal park.
Where giants dwell: The Giant Forest of Elm
Welcome to the Giant Forest – a place where trees whisper, stones tell stories, and mountains suddenly have faces. On this interactive adventure trail in Elm, you’ll be joined by Martin the Giant and his friend Sardona on a journey through myths, earth history, and natural wonders. You’ll learn how the famous Martinsloch (Martin’s Hole) came to be, listen to forest sounds from hidden speakers, climb over logs, and walk barefoot across the forest floor. Between storytelling stations, scenic viewpoints, and playgrounds, the hike turns into a game – and learning becomes an adventure. A particularly magical place for little explorer owls who roam the forest with wide-open eyes and wild imaginations.
