Do you hear those sleigh bells jingling ring ting tingling, too? Winter in Switzerland is the best time to go to this amazing country, period.
As snow begins to fall, this place transforms into a magical wonderland for experiences and views you won’t find anywhere else. Read along to discover the five things to do in Switzerland in winter to have the most epic holiday ever!
1. Day trip to Grindelwald and Interlaken to see the Swiss Alps
The Swiss Alps is one of the most recognizable tourist destinations. Embark on your journey with a scenic drive to Interlaken for a quick orientation. Then head to Grindelwald, a village in the Bernese Alps, where you witness magnificent views of snow-capped mountain peaks: Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
A cable car can take you up the Cliff Walk on a high platform to see the famous Swiss Alps, where many travelers have packed a Toblerone just to take a photo of it side by side with the iconic mountain region. Your day trip journey ends at Interlaken, with ample time to shop around the area for watches and souvenirs.
2. Ski down Bodmi Arena
Speaking of Grindelwald, it’s a beautiful place to stay if you want to be nearer the mountains versus Interlaken. No trip to this country is complete without doing one of the most popular things to do in Switzerland in winter – Skiing! Bodmi Arena is a beginner’s sports paradise for all snow enthusiasts who are looking for a great place to learn how to ski.
Before you start on-ground experience, you’re given a 2.5-hour crash course by a certified instructor who’ll teach you all the basics of skiing. Don’t forget to look up once in a while as you slide down the pristine snow to see the majestic Eiger North Face.
3. Paragliding in Interlaken
It might seem scary at first, but what better way to conquer your fear of heights than paragliding over picturesque views of Interlaken and Lake Thun! If you’re worried about landing safely on the ground, don’t be—you’ll be accompanied by an experienced pilot, of course.
This tour is available all year round, but if you want to see snow-covered mountains, then booking during winter in Interlaken is for you. A short briefing is required before launching into the air from an inclined slope. And for a blissful 10-20 minutes, you get a bird’s eye view of Switzerland’s mesmerizing landscape.
4. Take a short hike up to the summit of Mount Pilatus
How many people are able to say they’ve gone winter hiking in Switzerland, specifically up the summit of Mount Pilatus? Yup, we thought so! Savor the breathtaking views of wintertime in Switzerland en route as you take a bus and cable car up the mountain, where the summit is just a short hike away! When you reach the top, there’ll be a terrace where you can take in the fantastic view of the Swiss Alps.
And don’t think the fun stops there. As you descend Mount Pilatus, you’ll take a thrilling train ride down the steepest cogwheel railway to Alpnachstad for an hour-long boat ride to Lucerne, a city known for its preserved medieval architecture.
5. Bungy jump from Stockhorn Mountain
If paragliding wasn’t enough, then bungy jumping is one of the most adventurous things to do in Switzerland in the winter season that’s sure to make your heart race. This is your sign to push yourself and do the unexpected! Because life is too short to stay in your comfort zone, right?
A gondola takes you 134m up Stockhorn, a mountain in the Bernese Alps where you jump from the open doorway over the Stockensee lake. Make sure to strike a pose before you take the leap of your lifetime to capture this unforgettable moment!
By now, we’re sure you’ve added Switzerland to your travel bucket list and it’s only a matter of time before you turn your dreams into reality. If these recommendations opened up your eyes to the wonderful things to do in the mountainous regions of the country, we provide lots more tours and activities to choose from. Share this article in your group chat and get Klooking!