Switzerland has a lot to offer the Christmas traveler, even if you think it might be the wrong time of year to visit.
There are actually a lot of different ways to enjoy the winter in the heart of Europe, and in this post I am going to show you how!
One of the big benefits Switzerland has over other countries in Europe is the mountains. Getting up high in winter allows you to enjoy clear blue skies when the lowlands are covered in fog. And, on top of that there are all the activities you can do such as:
No boredom here! There are so many options. And most of them you will be doing in the sun! All you need is pick
All you need to do is pick which mountain you want to head up, put on a warm winter jacket, and you are good to go.
Almost every big city in Europe is putting on a Christmas market these days, and Switzerland is no exception. From the bigger cities like Zurich, Basel and Bern, to the smaller ones like Montreux, Bremgarten, Stein am Rhein, Murten (and a whole lot more).
The markets can be a lot of fun because you get to shop til you drop. Something the ladies will enjoy! But you can also taste the local foods like raclette cheese, or a bratwurst and have one too many gluhweins! I always love a few gluhweins at Christmas, they warm you up, taste fantastic, and get you a little tipsy if you aren’t careful!
Any self-respecting winter town or city in Switzerland (especially Zurich) will also have an ice-skating rink. No clue how to ice skate? Fear not! They will probably have some beginners apparatus to help you learn (like a penguin to hold onto, seriously, you won’t look stupid!).
So, if you find yourself in a city in Switzerland over Christmas or even a big mountain town, head down to the local ice rink and hire yourself some skates! It’s fun, especially watching your loved-ones take a tumble or two!
Back to the mountains again, and why not, Switzerland is right in the center of the alps. And what else are the Swiss famous for (apart from Lindt chocolate) – their spas!
What a great way to spend your winter. Floating in the hot, healing waters of the alps, steaming yourself in a sauna, or just relaxing in your bathrobe on the poolside chairs (indoors of course). And there are so many stunning locations to choose from too:
And many many more.
Next time you think winter is all about staying inside and watching TV, just come to Switzerland and explore all the fun things you can do at Christmas and any other month of the year!
Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!