Reasons to visit Switzerland in Winter - Best Places to Visit

Switzerland is easily one of the most breathtaking countries on the planet and is frequently, and rightly, referred to as “paradise on Earth.” Although the country is stunning all year round, winter travel in Switzerland can be a magical experience. With freshly fallen powder all over, mountainsides converted into world-class ski slopes, postcard-perfect towns, and views that can’t be found anywhere else, Switzerland looks like a winter wonderland. A Swiss winter vacation promises incredible landscapes, adrenaline-fueled adventure, festive escape, warm comforting food, clean air, and some unforgettable moments for the entire family.

Whether you want to ride on the Glacier Express, attend local festivals, snuggle up with a mug of Swiss hot chocolate, or spend the entire trip in the great outdoors, there are plenty of reasons to plan a trip to Switzerland when the mercury plummets. Keep scrolling to find out why Switzerland is the ultimate winter paradise.

Temperatures and Weather in Switzerland During Winter

Switzerland’s winter season typically lasts from December to February, but can sometimes extend into March. Although November does not officially mark the start of winter, snow begins to fall in the Alps. December is perfect for holiday celebrations, city trips, and shopping at Christmas markets. Switzerland’s snowfall months are January and February when temperatures are lowest and everything is covered in snow. The winter temperatures vary significantly across the country. In cities and lowlands like Zurich and Geneva, average temperatures rarely fall below freezing and range from -1° to 6° Celsius. Traveling up to Zermatt and Jungfrau in the Alps will bring you to extremely low temperatures ranging from -3.5° to -12°C. Switzerland receives several days of snow each winter.

Reasons to Visit Switzerland in Winter

1). Fewer Crowds

The fact that Switzerland is less crowded in the winter is one of the main reasons to visit. Switzerland has a low tourist season during the winter. People come to the country primarily for snowfields and skiing, leaving the towns with fewer tourists. As a result, you can peacefully soak up the beauty and charm of picturesque cities like Zurich, Lucerne, and Geneva. The Old Town, squares, and amazing architecture of European towns never disappoint.

2). Great Hotel Deals

Switzerland is a very expensive country and everything comes with a heavy price tag. Given that the Swiss Alps are a popular ski destination, hotel rates would remain high even during the cooler months. However, hotel prices in lakeside towns are much lower in the summer because it’s the off-season and there are fewer tourists. There will be plenty of great hotel deals to grab, and that too in convenient locations.

3). Winter Sports

Switzerland is a haven for adventure sports enthusiasts. And it is not just about skiing and snowboarding. Husky sledding, ice skating, toboggan rides, snow tubing, and snowmobiling are among the many winter activities available. Hiking in Switzerland during the winter can be quite challenging. However, if you have the required expertise and gear, you will discover some of the best hiking routes in the world.

4). Christmas Festivities

Celebrating Christmas in Switzerland, with its breathtaking landscapes, amazing Christmas markets, and centuries-old traditions, is something to remember. If you are fortunate enough to be in Switzerland between late November and the end of December, you are in for a remarkable festive extravaganza. Pop-up Christmas markets line the cobblestone streets of Zurich, Lucerne, Lausanne, Lugano, Bern, and Montreux. The Christmas markets, brimming with a wide variety of gifts, locally crafted goods, and seasonal delights, will enchant you with their twinkling lights and festive vibes. Walking around the vibrant markets with a glass of mulled wine, savoring local food, and shopping for handcrafted trinkets is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season.

5). Train Journeys

One of the best winter activities in Switzerland is to take scenic train rides. Swiss trains, such as the Jungfrau Bahn, Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn, Glacier Express, and Bernina Express, transport you to some of Switzerland’s most beautiful places. If you’re not keen to go out in the freezing temperatures, board one of these trains and marvel at the snow-laden fir trees, stunning glaciers, frozen lakes, whimsical villages, and the majestic Alps that pass by your window. What is better than admiring the spectacular Swiss countryside from the warmth of your seat on a speeding train? 

6). Culinary delights

Nothing beats the pleasure of drinking rich hot Swiss chocolate or indulging in a big bowl of cheesy Fondue while it’s freezing outside. Switzerland is known for its chocolates, and now is the time to enjoy lusciously thick hot chocolate and other comforting desserts available in cozy little cafes across the country. The local cuisine is hearty and wholesome, and winter is the ideal time to savor traditional dishes like authentic Fondue, Rösti, and Raclette, which promise to keep you warm and full.

7). Ski Destinations

Skiing and snowboarding are undoubtedly among the best things to do in Switzerland during the winter. With its 200-year skiing history, Switzerland is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts offering virgin snow and slopes suitable for every skill level. During the winter, most tourists flock to the spectacular ski resorts in the Alps to ski on the magical slopes while soaking up the jaw-dropping panoramas. Gstaad, St. Moritz, Davos, Jungfrau, Titlis, Verbier, and Zermatt are some of Switzerland’s most-loved ski destinations.

8). Majestic Alps

Switzerland’s winter season is distinguished by snow-covered landscapes, particularly in the highlands. One of the main attractions for visitors to Switzerland in the winter months is the awe-inspiring beauty of the Swiss Alps. The iconic Matterhorn, the majestic Jungfrau, and the towering Titlis look even more incredible when cloaked in snow. With their snow-covered houses, trees, and cobbled pathways, mountainside towns like Zermatt and Interlaken appear to be straight out of a fairytale

9). Thermal Baths

Switzerland offers plenty of thermal baths and wellness centers that are particularly tempting during the colder months. Hot tubs and heated indoor pools with vistas of snow-capped peaks are an excellent way to relax after an exhausting day of outdoor activities in subzero temperatures. The thermal baths are enriched with naturally mineral-rich water known for its therapeutic properties. The thermal baths at Yverdon, Baden, and St. Moritz have long been recognized for their curative benefits.

Places to Visit in Switzerland in Winter

1). Zermatt, Switzerland

Zermatt should be on your winter travel bucket list, whether you are a skier or not. At an elevation of 1,620 meters, Zermatt sits at the foot of Switzerland’s highest peaks, including the glorious Matterhorn. It is the town you should visit if you want to do something other than skiing, such as winter hiking, snowshoeing, ice skating, ice hockey, sledding, or tobogganing. The Matterhorn Ski Paradise, located right next to town, is one of the highest ski areas in Switzerland and the Alps.

2). St. Moritz, Switzerland

St. Moritz is an idyllic hilltop village with some of the best slopes and iconic Art Nouveau hotels, including the legendary Badrutt Palace. However, Moritz is more than just a vacation spot. Since 1864, it has been known as the birthplace of Alpine winter tourism and has hosted the Winter Olympics twice. St. Moritz is also favored for its natural mineral springs, discovered more than 3,000 years ago, and established the town as a spa resort. The fairytale town has evolved into a coveted hotspot, widely known for its glam, glitz, and extravagance.

3). Glacier Express, Switzerland

If you want to make the most of your winter vacation, consider taking a train from St. Moritz to Zermatt or the other way around. The Glacier Express, also known as “the window of the Alps,” traverses through some of the most breathtaking panoramas in the Swiss Alps, passing through 91 tunnels and crossing 291 bridges. Onboard amenities such as panoramic-view windows, glass skylights, and three-course meals make the journey truly memorable

4). Basel, Switzerland

Switzerland is noted for its vivid Christmas markets, which can be found in many towns, but Basel gets bonus points for having two markets, one at Münsterplatz and the other at Barfüsserplatz. Hundreds of vendors sell artisanal goods, festive lights, decoration items, and local delicacies to put you in the holiday spirit.

5), Interlaken

Wintertime in Interlaken offers a delightful combination of leisurely walks and exciting activities in one of the most incredible settings on earth. This is the country’s adventure capital, and the winter activities available here are far more diverse and unique than in any other region. Adrenaline junkies can enjoy snowshoeing, skiing, paragliding, curling, night sledding, skydiving, as well as winter kayaking tours on Lake Brienz.

6). Lucerne, Switzerland

If you want to avoid crowded ski resorts, head to Lucerne. Located on Lake Lucerne, the charming city is best known for its 14th-century Chapel Bridge, which spans the river and connects the city. Lucerne features postcard-worthy squares, churches, and fresco-adorned houses from the Middle Ages. You can go shopping, visit museums, and take a ferry across serene lakes. If you’re feeling adventurous, Lucerne is close to several winter sports resorts.

7). Glacier 3000, Switzerland

Glacier 3000 is located over 3000 meters above sea level and can be reached by bus or cable car from Gstaad. Once at the top, you will be encircled by 24 mountain peaks, including the Matterhorn, Mont-Blanc, Jungfrau, and Eiger. Skiing, ice skating, dog sledding, mountain climbing, snowshoeing, and glacier hikes are just a few of the winter activities offered by the sports complex. Travelers can walk across the Peak Walk by Tissot, a gravity-defying bridge suspended 3000 meters above sea level. The bridge spans the tops of two mountain peaks and is accessible all year.

8). Davos, Switzerland

Sitting at an altitude of more than 5000 feet above sea level, Davos is the highest town in Europe. Davos has a long history of winter sports and is home to one of Switzerland’s largest ski areas. The winter sports metropolis has world-class skiing, modern amenities, and staggering mountain views, but it has far fewer visitors than other towns. So, if you want to ski without bumping into anyone along the way, Davos should be your winter getaway.

9). Jungfrau Region, Switzerland

Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest railway station, sits 3450 meters above sea level. The railway’s construction got underway in 1896, and the first train journey commenced in 1912. Jungfraujoch is situated in the heart of the Swiss Alps, surrounded by three major mountain peaks: the Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger. The family-friendly destination offers activities for all ages. Kids enjoy the Snow Palace and can participate in a variety of winter sports alongside adults. The Ice Palace showcases intricate ice sculptures and carvings, providing visitors with a one-of-a-kind and fantastic experience.

10). Château-d’Oex, Switzerland

The Festival International de Balloons is an annual event held in the small town of Château-d’Oex beginning January 19th. The exciting festival lasts nine days and includes live music, balloon flights, sporting competitions, night shows, and lots more. Visitors can ride the balloons or watch the horizon fill up with colorful hot-air balloons from below.