In this guide, discover the best places to visit in Switzerland in Winter
Dramatic mountain ranges, snow-clad peaks, and beautiful rivers – is this enough to describe a heavenly land called – Switzerland? I don’t think so! When you visit this country for its bucolic scenery, you’re always left enchanted with its striking vistas.
Be it any season – Switzerland is a year-round destination and it doesn’t disappoint you in terms of what the country has to offer. Let that be mesmerizing Swiss Alps, exploration of beautiful cities & towns and special romantic or family journeys – Switzerland is a place with never-ending adventure.
And that’s why we curated a guide culminating all the best places to visit in Switzerland in Winter.
What adds more to your experience – is visiting Switzerland during the winter months. It’s a perfect off-season to grab a chance to visit some of the top-notch places in the country. Luckily, the crowds are less! So say bye-bye to long queues for specific attractions.
However, since with the growing popularity of exploring Switzerland, traveling during winter has hyped up so much – that it doesn’t take a second for anyone to finalize their travel plans for winter. Still, I’d urge you to visit the country during the winter months. It’s an amazing getaway for couples, families, and youth to enjoy outdoor fun, a snowy season, and festive vibes.
And well – you really do not want to miss experiencing Christmas in Switzerland! That’s what it is known for. It’s such a pleasant feeling being around the town, taking a leisurely stroll, and shopping for some Swiss delicacies
WHY DO YOU NEED TO VISIT SWITZERLAND?
Again – do I need a reason to convince you guys to visit this country? Honestly – people do often compare Swiss with Canada or New Zealand and end up planning differently. Although there are some similarities – I think Switzerland is much more of a romantic destination when it comes to traveling to the region.
So if you’re planning a honeymoon trip, Switzerland has to be on top of your list! For singles out there – fret not! Switzerland is much more of a welcoming place to all age groups that charms you in its way. There’s everything for everyone to see & do.
Switzerland is also home to the world’s most picturesque train journeys, towering mountain peaks, thermal spas, alpine skiing, and hiking. Not only the activities, the cities & pretty little towns are so BEAUTIFUL – one could only fascinate! The other way of elevating your Swiss travel is to experience Switzerland in winter. It’s one of the best periods to enjoy Switzerland’s charming atmosphere.
When is Winter in Switzerland?
Winter in Switzerland starts from December and runs till March. Even if you’re traveling to the country during late October or November, you could feel the weather becoming chilly. Crowds are typically fewer but they get pulled in exactly the double during December.
Travelers hop into the country to experience the Christmas markets and towns. It’s actually the best month to experience the vibrant and cold side of the country. Also, since it is considered to be a peak season for most of the winter activities – (alpine hiking, skiing, sledding, and snowboarding) – you could expect crowds at the activity centres for ticket booking.
Just to give you a heads-up on temperatures during winter in Switzerland, check the below range –
Weather in September in Switzerland
Min 15°C and Max 20°C
Weather in October in Switzerland
Min 11°C and Max 14°C
Weather in November in Switzerland
Min 5°C and Max 7°C
10 Best Places to Visit in Switzerland in Winter
The below-detailed guide lists the best places to see in Switzerland in winter –
Zurich
With exquisite views of the Alps and the beautiful Limmat river banking the city – Zurich is one of the most popular cities in Switzerland to visit during winters. Over some time, Zurich has upscaled itself in terms of style, modernity, and experimental. Be it fine arts, entertainment venues, shopping markets & stalls, restaurants & cafes – you could just find everything around the corner. You also get the typical Swiss feeling with its broad decorum of tourism & hotel standards around the city.
The best part about visiting the medieval town of Zurich in winter – is experiencing the festive season. Streets are lit up everywhere, markets get in a more energetic groove and of course, the sightseeing attractions are splendid as usual. Exploring the Christmas markets in Zurich is a must-do activity for all tourists traveling. You cannot miss out on this! Check out the giant Swarovski Christmas tree, adorned with lights, which could be seen from a far-away distance as well.
Some of the attractions you could visit in Zurich in winter – Grossmunster, Fraumunster Church, and Bahnhofstrasse. Other prominent ones also include Lindenhof Hill, Limmatquai, and Rathaus. For me personally, the favorite thing to do in Zurich is to take a leisurely stroll around the historical Waterfront promenades with a hot chocolate in hand. All this whilst soaking up the festive cheer around the town!
Famous for Swiss chocolates, high-end watches, fancy cool accessories, Zurich is also a known hub for plenty of other affordable things to buy as souvenirs. Do plan your budget well, otherwise shopping in Zurich could go on an expensive side.
Zermatt
Zermatt is a pretty fairy-tale resort town, known for romantic experiences & adventure fun. The backdrop scenes of the towering Matterhorn peak, set amongst the Alps is a jaw-dropping visual for many travelers. Not just that, but when the town lightens up into an illumination of twinkling lights, the exceptional scenery will surely melt your heart.
Zermatt is a known place for activities like hiking, climbing, sledding, and skiing. One reason why many tourists flock into the city is to enjoy winter sports. It’s an unbelievable experience! Even if you’re not an adventurous person, then this might be a good time to visit Zermatt in winter and try out a couple of thrill things. Or maybe you could just embark on a cable car ride to the Swiss Alps.
Soak in the splendid views of the Alps and click some amazing photos to post them on Instagram! The cable car will take you around the gigantic peaks of Switzerland, so witness the Alps up close and personal.
The nightlife of Zermatt in winter is something beyond words! You could fit in a picture-perfect Christmas town in your head & you could see the city of Zermatt making it true. Indulge in an energetic nightlife scene, meet locals, make some friends, go party in the town, and do some fun activities.
If you’re wondering how to travel to Zermatt, then it’s a 4-hour one-way train ride.
Saas-Fee
Saas-Fee is a ski-village in the Saas Valley – which is a part of the Alps. The region comes under the Swiss canton Valais in Switzerland.
What makes Saas-Fee a special place to visit during winters – is the range of activities you can opt for. Set amongst the highest mountains of the Alps, with glaciers rising from above – Saas-Fee is a year-round destination for popular adventure sports. It’s not as popular as you think, when in comparison to Zermatt – but Saas-Fee is a hidden gem that ought to be explored at least once during your Switzerland trip.
Apart from being a charming ski-resort town, the place is known for a rich range of accommodations, enticing restaurants, and shops & bars covered with snow. If you’re not a ski person, then Saas-fee offers plenty of non-skiing attractions too.
The Jungfrau Region
Located in the Bernese Oberland region in Switzerland, Jungfrau is home to stunning peaks covered in milky white snow. The mountain is covered with 3 famous massifs – the Jungfrau, Monch, and Eiger. These snow-clad peaks offer contrasting views to the emerald valleys with their alpine mountain ranges.
In addition to the scenic pleasures you get around the region, do not forget to witness a natural wonder – the Jungfraujoch. What pulls in more crowd, is the highest railway station on the continent located on top called the ‘Top of Europe’. Imagine experiencing the Alps, snow, and ice at an impressive height of 3463m.
The Jungfrau region is loaded with tourists during winters because of its prime seasonal activities. You can expect crowds at activity centers and hence it’s advisable to book tickets well in prior.
Lucerne
Lucerne is one old charming medieval town, with its historic roots still being beautifully preserved. As soon as you take a walk around the town, you could feel the calmness of the region with splendid attractions spread across. The churches, castle walls, towers, and bridges all make Lucerne one of the pleasing waterfront towns in Switzerland.
If beauty is one thing, then the affordability of staying in the town is another. Yes, you heard it right! During an off-season period, Lucerne is relatively cheap when it comes to accommodation. If you’re thinking of booking up an Airbnb, then just do it! You might get some amazing deals. With an amazing stay in Lucerne, your travel plans could get much easier.
Wander off a bit around the town, meet and greet locals, and indulge in a fine-dining experience of your life. If that’s not enough, then Christmas markets in Lucerne in December will strike you with another amazing experience. Do plan your trip during December and January, so you could get the most out of the Christmas season in Lucerne. The markets are vibrant, locals are energetic and streets are illuminated all over the town under the crisp winter nights.
Some popular attractions in Lucerne include visiting – the iconic Chapel Bridge, Mount Pilatus, and Mount Rigi. You could wander off to visit the museums, churches and popular bridges in the town itself. So make sure you spend at least a couple of days here.
St. Moritz
St. Moritz is a snowy wonderland, with beautiful attractions spread across the region. It’s one of the stunning places to visit in Switzerland in winter. Interestingly, St. Moritz has been a hosting ground for two winter Olympics (1928 and 1948). Since then, the popularity has spiked up and the region spoils you down with its unique leisure and sports choices.
St. Moritz is a perfect place for all shopping lovers. Known to accommodate some of the luxurious brands and stores – you could go crazy with the shopping opportunities presented. If shopping isn’t your thing, then St. Moritz is a playground for outdoor lovers. Take some leisurely time off, stroll around the region, learn more about its historic presence & architecture, and indulge in some of the Swiss delicacies – the town has to offer.
For the adventure guys out there, St. Moritz is an amazing place to enjoy winter sports in Switzerland in December. Right from skiing, snowboarding, and alpine hiking, outdoor activities are endless.
I would urge you to stay a night at St. Moritz because the range of accommodations is classy & well-affordable. So you could always spend a few bucks here.
Interlaken
Nestled on a tapered stretch of the valley – Interlaken is an impressive resort town that attracts millions of tourists every year. Surprisingly, nobody excludes this traditional town from their itinerary. It’s on every traveler’s list to visit Interlaken when they touch down Switzerland.
The dramatic views from Interlaken are unbelievable! Bordered by three mighty mountains – the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau – the town boasts incredible views from the streets itself. It’s even more perfect if you plan to visit Interlaken in winter. The entire town is covered with white snow and you could enjoy the festive season around.
Interlaken is also considered to be the adventure capital of Switzerland. If you think there are better places in Switzerland to indulge in outdoor activities – then probably you’re wrong. The activities you can book are limitless. There’s so much to do in this town.
Some popular places you can visit in Interlaken include – Höhematte Park, Harder Alpine Wildlife Park, Unterseen, and Interlaken Monastery and Castle. Apart from these attractions, you could also kayak on Lake Brienz, cruise on Lake Thun, hike the Schynige Platte Trails and witness the majestic St. Beautus Cave and Waterfalls.
Davos
Elevated at an impressive height of 1500-meters – Davos is coined to be the highest town in the Alps. If that’s not enough, then add cable-car rides, funiculars, and ski-lifts that will even take you to the soaring heights.
Travelers always find Davos to be a charming town that presents a broad array of leisure and entertainment activities. Known for its nightlife, you could find plenty of options to enjoy a range of bars, casinos, and discotheques.
Ideal for all adventure lovers – Davos is a great point for skiing and snowboarding. With 320 kilometers of downhill pistes, adventure opportunities are abundant for ski-lovers. For snowboarding, head to Jakobshorn.
Rapperswil
If you’re in Switzerland in winter for Christmas markets, then head straight to Rapperswil. Located 30 minutes from Zurich, the medieval town of Rapperswil boasts a lively presentation of Christmas markets during the winter months. There’s nothing like Rapperswil when it comes to shopping décor & gifts for Christmas. More than 250 stalls are set up, with locals selling all kinds of items you will need.
The entire town is lightened up with lights and the old town area is filled with activities like musical carol songs, choirs, and live concerts.
Apart from the Christmas markets, you should also visit Rapperswil Castle. It’s the highlight of the city. During summers – you could opt to visit the castle’s beautiful rose garden that blossoms up nicely along with the romantic & serene views of Lake Zurich.
Château-d’Oex
If you thought Switzerland is known for just skiing, snowboarding, and sledding – then again you’re slightly wrong. In the quaint little town of Château-d’Oex, a popular festival is hosted known as the ‘balloon festival’. It occurs in January and runs for 9 straight days. So if you ever thought, this is something that you should witness in Switzerland in winter– then do add the festival to your bucket list.
Countries from all over the world participate in this festival, and each design of the balloons is unique and creative. Watching these colorful balloons fly over the snow-clad peaks of Switzerland is an incredible experience in itself.
If that’s not enough, then you could ride a balloon too. Honestly, this is the best way to soak in the panoramic views of the country.
Other Popular Things to Do in Switzerland in Winter
- Go on wine visits within the towns of Ticino, Vaud, and Valais or delight in Swiss craftsmanship culture in Basel.
- Go on a hot balloon ride and soak in the country’s dazzling geography from above.
- Take a train ride on the St. Bernina Express from Davos to Tirano and discover tunnels, snow, and glaciers.
- Visit the Cailler Chocolate Factory and take part in workshops.
- Go on a castle hunt. With over 500 castles in Switzerland, discover the ruins as you explore the country.
- Indulge in spa therapy, thermal bath, or wellness hotel.
- Witness the medieval architecture and Renaissance era of Switzerland by exploring museums, churches, bridges, and castles.
Packing List for Switzerland in Winter
Since I already gave a gist of what the temperatures would be for winter in Switzerland, it’s time to discuss some of the essentials you need to pack for your trip.
Jackets – Carry 3-4 jackets depending on the duration of your trip. Since I listed down some of the winter places to visit in this guide –most of them would have a freezing temperature.
Cardigan/thermals – Keep 2-3 cardigans in your bag. You could always wear them inside a jacket. If you want more protection against the cold, then wear thermals as your excess layer inside a cardigan.
Only long sleeve t-shirts – Do carry a couple of long-sleeve T-shirts that are thick in a layer.
Socks – Carry a pair depending on your stay
Hoodies – If not cardigans, then carry 3-4 hoodies for your comfort.
Pants/Jeans
Thermal Pants
Scarf – For outdoor travel
Warm Gloves – carry a couple of them and never remove them when you’re doing any outdoor activity.
Undergarments
Warm boots/shoes
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AND VISA FOR SWITZERLAND
A short-term visa is required to visit Switzerland. This is then valid for a period of 90-days. In other terms, this short-term visa is also known as ‘Schengen visa’. Since Switzerland comes under the Schengen agreement, a valid Schengen visa will work.
For more details on travel requirements & covid-19 guidelines, visit the official website here.
That was it! I hope this article was informative to help you figure out the best places to visit in Switzerland in winter. You can always post a comment/feedback under this post and let me know of any more additions to this guide. I always update my blog posts to keep travel information fresh and crisp. Hope you had a good read!
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Further Readings & Resources
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