If you are looking for a fun, easy outdoor activity during your Switzerland family travel adventures, Eichhörnchenwald Lenzerheide is a fantastic stop. Tucked away in the beautiful Canton Graubünden region, this “Squirrel Forest” sits right between the village center of Lenzerheide and Lake Heidsee. This shaded forest is filled with mature trees, making it the perfect habitat for local Eurasian Red Squirrels—energetic little creatures famous for the cute tufts of hair on their ears. For families, the area offers a forest loop trail and a squirrel-themed playground.
The Squirrel-Themed Playground
The playground is a major hit for families looking for kid-friendly things to do in Graubünden. Because it is partially shaded by the trees, it stays cool and comfortable even on a warm day.
The playground features:
- Climbing structures tailored for older kids
- A separate, smaller play structure for toddlers
- Slides, swings, and a trampoline
- Find the wooden squirrels on the play equipment
Hiking the Forest Loop Trail
The forest features a short, easy loop trail that takes about 30 minutes to complete.
- Stroller-Friendly: The gravel path is relatively flat and easy to navigate with a stroller.
- The Experience: The mature trees provide shade as you walk. If you remain quiet and patient, you have a great chance of spotting squirrels.
- Feeding the Squirrels: If you are lucky, the squirrels might even come close enough to eat right out of your hand.
Important Feeding Tip: Bring your own nuts. The squirrels prefer unsalted, raw nuts—whole hazelnuts and walnuts are their favorites. (Note: Local grocery stores are closed on Sundays.) Please keep in mind that because these are wild animals, there is no guarantee they will be hungry or want to interact. On our visit, we spotted a squirrel, but it wasn’t interested in our treats. Be sure to manage your kids’ expectations before you go.
Parking and Arrival
Reaching the squirrel forest Lenzerheide is simple, whether you are arriving by car or public transport.
- By Car: You can park at the paid “Julier Parkplatz” lot. From there, it is less than a 5-minute walk to the playground and trail entrance.
- By Public Transport: If you take the PostBus from Chur, get off at the Lenzerheide/Lai, Post stop. The forest is just a 3 to 4-minute walk from the station.
- Bonus Trip to Heidsee: If you want to turn this into a half-day trip, consider exploring Heidsee as well. This alpine lake is only a short 15-minute walk from the squirrel playground. It is a spot for family water sports and features a shipwreck-themed playground for the kids. Click here for the full Heidsee family guide.
Final Thoughts
For a quick, easy, and budget-friendly day out, Eichhörnchenwald Lenzerheide is a fun choice. Even if the local wildlife decides to play hide-and-seek during your visit, the fresh forest air and themed playground make for a wonderful afternoon.
Check out our blog for more family-friendly recommendations and hidden gems in Graubünden!