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Twinkling Christmas markets? Snow-Capped Peaks? Crisp mountain air? Nothing can beat visiting Switzerland in the winters. Whether you love skiing, taking scenic train rides or simply dressing in your favourite long woollen coat and scrolling through Christmas markets, the Swiss winter season has something for everyone. If you're planning a trip with your family, Switzerland has diverse activities and places you can add to your itinerary. Here are some of our top recommendations. Zermatt & the MatterhornZermatt is the kind of place you see in movies — a car-free village at the foot of the Matterhorn, blanketed in snow. It’s famous for world-class skiing but also for its iconic views and romantic atmosphere. You can ride the Gornergrat Railway, enjoy panoramic views from cable cars, or go sledding down from the Gornergrat. If you’re not an expert skier, you can go on the popular hiking trail which is known as 5 Lakes Walk, which offers classic Matterhorn views. Zermatt is perfect for slow walks in crisp air or warming up with Swiss hot chocolate in a chalet-style café. St Moritz & the Engadin RegionImagine upscale mountain resorts, frozen lakes, and winter sports. Activities like skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, ice skating, and snowshoeing are popular in the winter months. Explore scenic trails like the Corvatsch Panorama Trail, the hike to the Morteratsch Glacier, or the trails around the Upper Engadine Lakes. Even mountain biking is available on some trails. Take a ride on the Bernina Express or the Glacier Express for breathtaking views of the Alps. If you want to know about the region's history, then visit the Segantini Museum or the Engadine Museum. To make your trip more adventurous, you can even go for paragliding for an aerial perspective of the landscape. LucerneLucerne combines lakeside charm with an Alpine backdrop. You can admire the world-famous Chapel wooden bridge, which is especially beautiful in winter. For a more relaxing experience, go on a cruise ride in Lake Lucerne to witness the winter landscape and snow-covered Alps. Mount Rigi, known as the "Queen of the Mountains", is a great destination for snow lovers to enjoy skiing, sledging, or winter hiking. You can stroll the old town’s cobbled streets, visit Christmas markets beside Lake Lucerne, or enjoy a golden-glow sunset over snowy hills reflected in water. Interlaken & the Jungfrau Region Nestled between two lakes and surrounded by towering Alpine peaks, Interlaken is your gateway to the Jungfrau region. It’s highly scenic and great for adventure activities: winter hiking, snowshoe walking, ice-skating, or even just enjoying the views. You can even try a unique mode of transport by sledding or skiing on a Velogemel, a snow bike. You can ride cogwheel trains, explore mountain villages like Wengen or Mürren, or simply sit back in a lodge watching thick snow drift over pine trees. Other options include exploring caves, taking a boat trip, or enjoying a Raclette Rafting adventure. Arosa & Small Alpine Villages If you prefer somewhere quieter and more offbeat, villages like Arosa deliver tranquil charm with winter activities. Other options include horse-drawn sleigh rides, taking the Arosa Weisshorn gondola for panoramic views, or visiting the Arosa Bear Sanctuary. For a unique experience, you can also attend a curling match or enjoy a meal at a traditional mountain restaurant. The Arosa-Lenzerheide region offers 225 km of slopes and is suitable for all skill levels. Go for a walk on the famous "Squirrel Trail", where you can often feed the local squirrels. Christmas Markets & Scenic Train RidesBeyond skiing and mountains, Switzerland’s winter magic has more than slopes. The Christmas markets in towns like Basel, Bern, and Geneva offer wooden huts selling artisan goods, mulled wine, cheese treats, and festive lights. And for views that stay in your memory, try scenic train journeys such as the Bernina Express or Glacier Express routes that traverse snowy valleys, frozen lakes, tunnels, and high-altitude passes. Travel News - Find latest news and tips based on Indian and World travel including top 10 travel destination, tourism information, how to reach visit and more at Times Now.
