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From sipping fine wine in UNESCO vineyards to exploring festive Christmas markets, scenic train rides, and relaxing in Swiss spas, Switzerland offers endless experiences.
Switzerland in winter is more than just a trip. It’s an adventure waiting to unfold.
Imagine stepping into a winter wonderland where every corner offers something magical — a place where snowy landscapes, cosy towns and unique experiences create memories that last a lifetime. Switzerland in winter is more than just a trip. It’s an adventure waiting to unfold. From tasting fine wine in UNESCO-listed vineyards and exploring charming Christmas markets to gliding through the Alps on scenic train rides and soaking in steamy Swiss spas, the experiences here are as endless as they are enchanting.
Ready to make the most of it? Here are the top 10 things you must do in Switzerland this winter.
- Hike in the Albisgrat-Höhenweg in Uetliberg, Zurich: This trail offers a surreal hiking experience with stunning views of Zurich city, the lake, and the Alps. Reaching the summit, which often rises above the fog, transports you to another world.
- Experience the Illuminarium Light Festival in Zurich: Held at Zurich’s National Museum, the Illuminarium Light Festival features immersive 3D projections and light shows set to music, depicting mythical creatures. Open in November and December, the festival is closed on Christmas Day and Christmas Eve.
- Savour Zurich’s culinary delights: Alongside shopping at Zurich’s oldest Christmas market in the “Wienachtsdorf” Christmas village on Sechseläutenplatz near Bellevue, the city offers a variety of seasonal dining experiences capturing the essence of a Swiss winter. Enjoy the Winterzauber dining experience or visit bakeries like Sprüngli on Bahnhofstrasse for delightful Swiss treats.
- Take a literature tour in Zurich: explore the places holding handwritten manuscripts, diaries, and letters of Thomas Mann at the Thomas Mann Archives or visit Monte Verità (the “Mountain of Truth”), where Hermann Hesse and other philosophers founded a colony in the early 20th century. Lucerne and Zurich universities often hold seminars here.
- Embark on the Gornergrat or Lucerne-Interlaken Express train ride: For breathtaking views of Switzerland’s mountains, valleys, and lakes, enjoy a scenic train ride. Take the Gornergrat, the 125-year-old cogwheel train in Zermatt, leading to Matterhorn viewpoints, or the Lucerne-Interlaken Express for an unforgettable journey.
- Indulge in the Cheese Festival in Lucerne: A must for cheese lovers, Lucerne’s Cheese Festival in October celebrates Swiss cheeses, from the world-famous Sbrinz AOP and Emmental AOP to creamy Gruyère.
- Skate at Ice Magic Lucerne: Love ice skating? Put on your skates at Lake Lucerne, surrounded by the Swiss Alps from mid-November to New Year. With live music performed on a stage beside the rink, this is a truly enchanting skating experience.
- Create your own Swiss chocolate in Lucerne: Switzerland is synonymous with chocolate, so why not try making your own? Visit Lucerne or the historic town of Fribourg to create your own bar of Swiss chocolate.
- Wine tasting at Lavaux Vineyards: Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Lavaux Vineyards on the northern shores of Lake Geneva offer a stunning setting for wine lovers. Sample some of Switzerland’s finest white wines in this beautiful landscape.
- Paragliding over the Jungfrau region: No trip to Switzerland is complete without the thrill of paragliding. Take to the skies over the Jungfrau region, enjoying majestic views of the massif and Interlaken from an altitude of 2,150 meters, with guidance from a qualified pilot.
Each of these experiences promises memories to last a lifetime during your winter journey through Switzerland.
