A family weekend in nature by night train
9 November 2026
What if you could leave Amsterdam on Friday evening and wake up surrounded by hills, forests and fresh air on Saturday morning?Our colleague Anne travelled with her family to Saxon Switzerland, a beautiful national park just across the German border with Czechia. From sleeping on the train to exploring the region by tram, ferry and on foot, she shares her experience and tips for a weekend away with children.
Friday evening: our evening starts on the train
Travelling with children can sometimes feel like an adventure before you've even reached your destination. But what if the journey itself could be part of the fun? We boarded the European Sleeper in Amsterdam on Friday evening, ready for a weekend in Saxon Switzerland. Instead of spending hours in a car or navigating a busy airport, we had our own private compartment in Classic where we could settle in for the night with the kids.
For the children, boarding a night train is always exciting. Finding their beds in the compartment, looking out of the window and watching the world go by. There's something special about falling asleep on a moving train, knowing you'll wake up somewhere completely different.
Having a private compartment made travelling as a family particularly comfortable. We had our own space to play games, read stories and get ready for bed. No rushing, no changing trains in the middle of the night. Just time together.
And the best part? While we slept, the train continued its journey towards Saxon Switzerland.
What to pack for a night train journey with kids
One thing I've learnt from travelling with children is that a little preparation makes the journey much more relaxed. You don't need to bring much, but a few familiar things can make all the difference.
Here are my tips for travelling by night train with kids:
- Pyjamas and a toothbrush: Keep these in a small bag so you don't have to unpack everything before bed.
- A favourite cuddly toy: Sleeping somewhere new is exciting, but having something familiar makes bedtime easier.
- A few small games or books: Card games, colouring books and bedtime stories are ideal for spending time together in your compartment.
- Water bottle and snacks
My biggest tip? Let the children enjoy the train experience. Watching the scenery, discovering their compartment and preparing their own little bed are all part of the adventure.
Saturday morning: arriving in Saxon Switzerland
After a night onboard, we arrived in Bad Schandau on Saturday morning at around 9 am. Bad Schandau is a small spa town on the Elbe river, surrounded by the remarkable sandstone landscapes of Saxon Switzerland National Park. Think steep rock formations, green valleys, forests and walking paths with beautiful views, especially during autumn.
What I particularly liked was how quickly we could get into nature. No long transfer or rental car needed. We had arrived right where we wanted to be.
Hiking with kids
Saxon Switzerland is known for its beautiful hiking trails, and it's a wonderful place to explore with children. Towering sandstone rocks, winding forest paths and viewpoints overlooking the valley make every walk an adventure.
Autumn adds something special, with colourful leaves covering the trails and plenty of little discoveries along the way. And you don't have to walk far to enjoy it. There are plenty of family-friendly hiking routes to choose from, including shorter walks for little legs.
On Saturday, we chose the hike to the felsentor kunsthall (start from the last stop of the Kirnitzschtalbahn tram with steep walk through the forest leading to impressive caves, a cute inn and the 'stairway to heaven').
On Sunday, we chose the hike from the picturesque village of Rathen uphill to the Bastei bridge.
My tip: Choose a trail that suits your children's energy levels, bring plenty of snacks and take your time.
Exploring the region: trains, ferries and a historic tram
One of the nicest surprises was how easy it was to explore Saxon Switzerland using public transport. During our weekend, we travelled by local train, bus and ferry. We also took a ride on the historic Kirnitzschtalbahn, a tram that has been carrying visitors through the Kirnitzsch Valley since 1898.
The tram follows a beautiful route through the valley, passing forests and impressive rock formations. It's a lovely way to see the landscape, especially with children who enjoy anything that runs on rails!
For us, the different types of transport became part of the experience. A ferry crossing the Elbe, a local train through the countryside and an old-fashioned tram into the national park. There's always something new to see.
My tip: Look into the VVO family day ticket. It makes exploring the region by local train, bus and participating ferries easy and flexible. The Kirnitzschtalbahn requires a separate ticket, so remember to plan for that too.
It's a pleasant way to explore the area without a car, with the freedom to stop whenever something catches your attention.
Time to unwind at the Toskana Therme
After spending time outdoors, we also visited the Toskana Therme in Bad Schandau. And this is definitely something I'd recommend to families.
The thermal spa has several indoor and outdoor pools, warm water, whirlpools and a children's pool with a small slide. It's a lovely place to slow down and enjoy some time together. It's also a good option if the weather isn't ideal for hiking.
Sunday evening: heading home while we sleep
After a weekend filled with fresh air, beautiful scenery and family time, it was time to head home.
On Sunday evening, we boarded the European Sleeper again in Bad Schandau. We settled in, shared our favourite moments from the weekend and got ready for bed. By Monday morning, we were back in Amsterdam, ready for a new week.
What I love about this way of travelling is that it makes even a short weekend feel like a proper escape. We could leave after the working week, enjoy two days away and return on Monday morning. And for the children, the journey was just as memorable as the destination.
Would I recommend Saxon Switzerland for a family weekend? Absolutely. With its beautiful landscapes, easy public transport connections and activities for all ages, it's a wonderful place to explore together. Sometimes, a change of scenery is only one good night away.
