Are you planning to visit Switzerland in winter but not sure where to go and what to see? Or maybe even ask yourself if Switzerland in winter is worth visiting?
Well, you have come to the right place, let us show you the beauty of Swiss winter. In this article, we take a look at some of the best winter destinations in Switzerland that you must include in your travels. We also cover some great outdoor activities These winter destinations in Switzerland offer more than just skiing or snowboarding.
Switzerland is truly a winter wonderland and well worth a visit.
The Best Things to Do and Places to Visit in Switzerland in Winter
The time you have available in Switzerland will determine which of the following most beautiful winter destinations you can visit. For travelers who prefer logistical services – especially in the winter –Switzerland multi-day tour Can be a practical way to experience multiple areas without having to worry about traffic, weather changes or accommodation planning.
They are all unique and offer stunning winter scenery, exciting activities and unforgettable memories.
1. Zermatt and Matterhorn
The beautiful Swiss village of Zermatt will definitely be on this list. Watching the Matterhorn in its white coat from high up on the Gornergrat and snowshoeing in some of the most beautiful scenery will leave you in awe.
Of course, skiing or snowboarding are the main winter activities in Zermatt, but trust me, Zermatt can be fully appreciated without skis on your feet.
Taking the train up the Gornergrat, considered by many to be the most beautiful train ride in Switzerland, is an adventure in itself. Sit on the right side of the train, near a window that opens. This way you can get great photos of the snow-capped Matterhorn.
At the top, head to the observation deck where you can admire the glacier and more peaks.
There are restaurants, souvenir shops, hotels and even a gin distillery at the top of the mountain at 3150 meters above sea level. So you see there are many Things to do in Zermatt for non-skiers.
Winter hike from Rotenboden to Lieferalp
After visiting Gornergrat, take the train back to Rotenboden (one stop).
Starting from Rotenboden, embark on the beautiful 2.3 km long winter walking trail to the Riffelberg. The great thing about this hike is that the Matterhorn is always right in front of you.
On the way down, we passed the igloo village of Zermatt.
The perfect place to enjoy Swiss cheese fondue in incredible surroundings. Ask to visit the igloo hotel, or maybe you actually want to stay the night. Reservation required.
Visit the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
If you have more time in Zermatt, we recommend heading up high again and visiting the Matterhorn glacier paradise.
Take the Matterhorn Express cable car to Trockensteiger, then take the luxury cable car to Klein Matterhorn, 3883 meters above sea level.
The second cable car ride will take you across the glacier and enjoy stunning views.
Visit the world's tallest glacier palace at the top of the mountain. You will descend 15 meters inside the glacier. In fact, the elevator will take you down.
Walking inside the glacier is amazing. There are always some incredible ice sculptures, ice bars, and even ice slides to see.
2. Grindelwald – First Cliff Walk and Lake Bachalp
Grindelwald is another great winter destination in Switzerland. This Swiss village is surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountains and incredible views.
make your way to Grindelwald-First with cable cars. Next to the restaurant on the top of the mountain, you can walk the famous Grindelwald Cliff Walk by Tissot.
A railway that connects the cliffs provides stunning views and excitement.
Winter walk to Bachalpsee
Another winter activity in Grindelwald is walking to Lake Bachalpsee (Bachalpsee). A groomed winter trail takes you to Lake Bachalpsee. Calculate it takes about an hour and a half one way.
The famous lake seen on many social media posts in the summer is equally beautiful in the winter. Especially if you visit Switzerland in the winter before spring. In this way, you may have seen some of the ice on the lake melt and a blue glow shining through the surface.
Visit Jungfraujoch
Jungfraujoch, Switzerland’s unique dreamy winter wonderland
Visiting the Jungfraujoch, known as the top of Europe and the highest railway station in the world, is also an option for you.
However, this is a rather expensive event, with tickets costing CHF 100 per person.
At Jungfraujoch you can visit the Ice Tunnel. From the observation deck, you can enjoy views of almost all of Switzerland and the Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps.
Also read:
Ready to explore Switzerland on your own? Then this Complete Switzerland Road Trip Itinerary That's all you need.
3. Arosa and the Squirrel Trail – Eichhörnchen Weg
Heading to the Swiss canton of Graubünden is another unmissable winter destination in Switzerland. One of them is a lovely winter walk along the squirrel trail in Arosa. (Eichhornsing Road)
Why is this so special? Squirrels and birds will eat the nuts and seeds you bring from your hand. The road is only 1.7 kilometers long and passes through a forest.
Arosa itself is a very beautiful Swiss village. Some activities to do in Arosa include walks around the lake, sleigh rides, and even an ice bath. Of course, you can also ski in the connecting area between Arosa and Lenzerheide.
4. Bergün – Filisur – Sliding Prada and Darlux
Now, get ready for excitement and fun. Planning a trip to Bergün – Filisur is suitable for anyone who loves tobogganing.
Traveling through the Albula Pass Road, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an experience you will never forget.
Preda-Bergün toboggan run It is also the longest floodlit runway in Europe, with a total length of 6 kilometers.
If you prefer more excitement, you'll find a second, steeper and narrower run, the Darlux run.
Spend the night in Bergin to fully experience the place, as this typical Swiss village is also worth visiting.
5. Les Diablerets – Visit Glacier 3000
Glacier 3000 Suspension Bridge, Les Diablerets, Switzerland
When visiting Switzerland in winter, a visit to a glacier is a must.
Glacier 3000 is one of the most accessible glaciers in Switzerland. A 20-minute ride on two different cable cars takes you to an altitude of nearly 3,000 meters.
Needless to say, the views during the ride and at the top are second to none.
Head to Tissot for the peak-to-peak walking trail. This is the world's first suspension bridge connecting two peaks. These views will surprise you.
Winter 3000 glacier hike
If you have enough time, you can set foot on the glacier and walk 6 kilometers round trip from Glacier Station to Quille de Diable. Dedicated trails on the glacier make you feel like you're on top of the world.
On the other side of the glacier, there are views of Valais and the French Alps in the distance. A lovely refuge restaurant invites you to enjoy a snack or drink before returning.
Sometimes they offer dog sledding on the glacier. Another great thing to do when visiting Switzerland in the winter.
Like many Swiss mountain ski resorts, Glacier 3000 offers skiing.
6. Champex-Lac – Ice skating on a frozen lake
Fairytale moments are revealed as you step onto a frozen lake in Swiss Winter Wonderland. Champex-Lac is a winter destination in Switzerland where you can skate on a natural lake in the middle of the village (Great for family fun!).
If you don't have your own skates, there are many sports shops in town where you can rent them.
Located in the Saint Bernard region, Champex-Lac is a charming village well worth an overnight stay. The surrounding area offers many winter walking trails, and of course you can go skiing or snowboarding at one of the three ski areas in the St. Bernard area.
i hope these winter destination The beauty of Switzerland will make you want to experience a winter vacation in the Swiss Alps.
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Corina is the founder and author of Packed Again, a Swiss family travel and adventure blog. Based in Switzerland, you'll find plenty of great travel tips and itineraries for everyone who wants to visit the country. Additionally, this blog includes destinations from far and wide.
