Trust Switzerland to make the winter days as cool as can be, thanks to its multitudinous adventures, awe-inspiring Christmas markets, and surreal Christmas lights and decorations. By Bayar Jain
Switzerland’s wintery scene has caught every traveller’s attention for years. And justifiably so! Home to majestic snow-capped peaks, a plethora of activities, and warm comforting food, this winter wonderland is always a good idea. No wonder, then, this European country is a popular skiing destination too. Choose from their wide range of winter experiences and get planning for the next winter sojourn.
Snow adventures in Switzerland
Skiing and snowboarding
With a legacy of over 200 years of skiing, Switzerland is a haven of pristine skiing routes. When here, consider sliding down Gstaad, St. Moritz, Interlanken-Jungfrau, Engelberg Titlis, and Zermatt—each of which also house ski resorts aplenty, ideal for a post-slide snooze.
First timers, on the other hand, can give TITLIS First Ski Experience park a try. Not only do they provide ski equipment, but a guide also facilitates one’s maiden ski-steps. Alternatively, head to Förderband—a slope ideal for children and adults to practice. Trust the simple piste and conveyor belt here to help with the first attempts of skiing or snowboarding.
Snow tubing
Switzerland is no stranger to snow tubing. But Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, perched at an altitude of 3,883 metres, takes this adventure to another level. At Klein Matterhorn, the air-filled round tubes are available for free. So, simply slide into the tubes, hold on tight, and get ready to zoom! What’s more—the cable car station and perennial snow here also allows for year-round fun.
Jungfrau—Top of Europe
A popular destination among Indians, Jungfrau sits mightily above Europe. Picture icy winds paired with panoramic views of the Swiss Mittelland towards the Vosges and Aletsch Glacier that comes lined with 4,000-metre peaks, all from a soaring height of 3,454 meters above sea level.
When here, experience ethereal beauty at the Ice Palace. Created by mountain guides in the 1930s using picks and saws, this transient beauty boasts of ice sculptures and mirror-smooth tours through the frosty, artsy world. The Alpine Sensation lures travellers. Thirty memorial tablets of miners line the 250-metre-long corridor between the Sphinx Hall and Ice Palace, with goosebumps-inducing music to elevate the experience. A giant snow globe—perfect for the ‘gram—at the end of the journey awaits. Travellers hoping to refresh in powdery snows can give winter sports a try at Snow Fun Park. Here, even the hottest months hover above the zero degree limit!
Peak walk
Suspended at a height of 3,000 metres above sea level, Glacier 3000 viewpoint looks across the world’s first suspension bridge that connect two mountain peaks. It is also home to the highest toboggan run in the world—the snow bus—that takes visitors over the glacier via a dog sled run pulled by huskies. The highlight, however, are the Alps’ stunning views. The visuals of Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau greet people who dare to walk across the 107-metre-long bridge.
First Glider
Grindelwald First in Jungfrau is a hotspot for families and adventure lovers. Home to exhilarating activities for people of all ages, this place is sure to entice. The First Glider, however, takes the crown. Four passengers can float through the mountain landscape on an 800-metre-long route and enjoy panoramic views at high speeds.
Olympic bob run
Although a quick 75-seconds ride, the bobsleigh track located in the Engadin Valley of St. Moritz unravels a thrilling adventure unlike any other. Not only is it the world’s oldest, but it is also the only natural ice bob run still in operation.
Ice Magic
A first-class skating experience awaits right in the heart of Interlaken. Offering extravagantly lit runways and a variety of ice rinks, the Ice Magic at the Top of Europe is a one-of-a-kind winter experience for curling or playing ice hockey with family.
See in Switzerland
Swiss Museum of Transport, Lucerne
When here, look at the development of transport and mobility on road, rail, water, air, and space. The interactive museum has more than 3,000 objects, simulators, multimedia shows and interactive exhibits on display. Museum aside, make time to visit other attractions like the state-of-the-art planetarium, The Media World, and The Swiss Chocolate Adventure.
The Olympic Museum, Lausanne
Celebrate the world’s biggest sporting events at The Olympic Museum, Lausanne. Here, one can view exhibits of famous athletes from across the globe, including boxer Mary Kom’s gloves and hockey player Dhyan Chand’s hockey stick!
FIFA World Football Museum, Zurich
The interactive multimedia exhibition space is sure to please soccer fans and non-sports enthusiasts, both. The major highlights here are the original FIFA World Cup trophy and a gigantic Soccer Pinball where everyone can test their strength of speed.
Zurich Zoo
Home to more than 340 animal species and over 4,000 animals in all, the Zurich Zoo is great for a fun-filled family wildlife experience. With this expansive range, it comes as no surprise, then, that it is considered one of Europe’s best zoos!
Lindt, Zurich
Lindt is unabashedly the home of chocolate in Zurich. The three-floored multi-functional museum space is dedicated to the cocoa goodness, its history, and production. Lindt also has a nine-metre-tall Chocolate Fountain—the largest of its kind in the world, a Lindt chocolate shop, a Lindt café, and a Lindt Chocolateria for sweet lovers who like to make their own chocolate creations.
Funky Chocolate Club, Interlaken
Switzerland and chocolates are a match made in heaven. Taking this love of cocoa fondness a notch higher is the Funky Chocolate Club. The club provides guests with aprons, a chef’s hat and all the ingredients needed to step into the shoes of a real chocolatier and create a personalised Choco masterpiece.
Shop in Switzerland
During Christmas, Switzerland turns into an enchanting festive wonderland. And the sparkling Christmas markets in popular cities and towns like Zurich, Lucerne, Bern, Montreux, Lausanne, and Lugano are to be thanked for this!
Savour in Switzerland
Food in Switzerland is varied due to its influences by neighbouring Germany, France and Italy. While younger guests can bite into schnitzels, rosti, and the alpine macaroni (the Swiss version of Mac and Cheese), the family can savour cheesy delights. Think pizzas, pastas, cheese fondues, and raclettes. For desserts, indulge in gelatos, ice creams, and—of course, Swiss chocolates.
International cuisines like Thai, Japanese, and Indian also find space in Switzerland, as do vegetarian-only restaurants.
Related: Here’s Why Switzerland Is Women Travellers’ Ultimate Dream Destination
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