When you think of Switzerland, you immediately think of snowy mountains, an environment full of hot drinks and fascinating landscapes, right? Have you ever thought about where to visit in Switzerland for Christmas at that magical time of the year? The first time I thought about it, I bought my ticket and went to Switzerland spontaneously. I still don’t forget the moment I got lost on those snow-covered streets. In this article, I will talk about both my own experiences and the most popular Christmas routes in Switzerland.
Zurich: The City of Bright Lights
I can never forget the first evening I arrived in Zurich. The lights along the Bahnhofstrasse were so impressive that I felt like I was in a movie. While walking down the street, I saw a stall selling mulled wine on a corner and immediately bought a glass. The steam of mulled wine combined with the lights around me, everything seemed even more magical.
The Zurich Christmas Sunday was one of the places that impressed me the most that evening. The Sunday established inside the main railway station offers not only shopping, but also a cultural experience. While reviewing handmade souvenirs, I had a long conversation with a seller. He told me that these ornaments were made by families living in villages. At that moment, these objects felt much more meaningful.
Also don’t forget to take a walk around Lake Zurich. It’s the perfect opportunity to listen to yourself in that calmness. Especially if you are walking with a hot drink with you, that’s when you really feel Switzerland.
Lucerne: Fabulous Lake Views
The train ride to Lucerne was one of the calmest moments I experienced after leaving Zurich. Even the views I saw from the window of the train were enough for me. When I arrived in Lucerne, the nostalgic atmosphere in the city took me to a completely different world. The wooden structure of the Kapellbrücke was even more impressive with the Christmas decorations hanging on top.
The Christmas Sunday is being held in the old town square. A couple I met while walking there told me that I should go up to Mount Pilate. “Make sure to do it,” the woman said, “because you will feel closer to the stars there.” And indeed it was so! A snow-covered world greeted me at the summit, and I still can’t forget the tranquility of that moment.
Walking by the lake in Lucerne is also a special pleasure. In fact, once when I was drinking hot chocolate in a cafe by the lake, the sounds of classical music coming from the cafe impressed me so much that at that moment it seemed that time had stopped.
Interlaken: Nature and Silence
When I first went to Interlaken, I was a little nervous because the fear of getting lost in the highlands always worried me. But when I reached the foot of the Jungfrau Mountain, I forgot all my fears. The smoke from the chimneys of the chalets, the peaceful air in the streets took me away from me. Interlaken is one of the places in Switzerland that looks like a postcard, I noticed it immediately.
The Sunday established here at Christmas time is a great opportunity to meet the locals. I remember having a conversation with an old uncle. He told me which restaurant I could eat the best fondue here. I went to the place he said and I can say that I had the best meal of my life.
And if you have the opportunity to go to Grindelwald, don’t miss it. This place is a complete winter paradise. If you like skiing, your time here will be unforgettable.
Montreux: On Santa’s Trail
Before I went to Montreux, I didn’t know how famous this place was at Christmas time. The area where the Christmas Sunday was was so impressive that I couldn’t believe my eyes. Wooden huts, decorations and the smell of hot drinks almost envelop you. The atmosphere on the shore of Lake Leman makes you feel the Christmas spirit most deeply.
Visiting the Santa Claus House on the Rochers-de-Naye Mountain was like a childhood dream for me. During my time there, the child in me revived. Especially the train journey was a perfect opportunity to see those magical sights.
In Montreux, you can find a different event at every corner. What I liked the most was the street artists. Their energy makes the already warm environment even more beautiful.
If you are asking where to visit in Switzerland for Christmas, I recommend all the places in this article. Switzerland is a paradise for those who are looking for both tranquility and adventure at Christmas time. From the lively atmosphere of Zurich to the silence of Lucerne, from the fabulous Sundays of Montreux to the mountains of Interlaken, each place will offer you an unforgettable experience. After exploring these routes, you will find yourself almost in a Christmas fairy tale.