This page was last updated by Annika on 18 June 2023.
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Must-knows about winter activities in Switzerland

  • Winter in Switzerland has snow attractions for everyone. Skiing, sledding, snowtubing, tobogganing, winter hiking and snowshoe hiking: it’s all possible.
  • There are non-snow options too. Visit cosy towns, make train rides or visit beautiful mountains.
  • It’s no problem if members of the same travel group have different preferences. Pick the right base town and you’ll all have a great winter vacation!
  • Prepare well: learn about winter weather and the best clothes to pack.
Beginner and kids' ski piste at Les Mosses

Beginner skiing

Even if you have no skiing experience, you can take classes and use easy ski runs in many Swiss snow …
Horse-drawn sleigh in Roseg Valley

Non-ski activities

This is how to enjoy winter in Switzerland if you don’t want to ski. Learn which towns, hotels and activities …
Sled on snowy hill

Snow fun

The best Swiss snow activities besides skiing: go sledding, snowtubing, ice skating and cross-country skiing. Or make a romantic husky …
Winter hiking at Motta Naluns in Graubünden

Winter hiking

Swiss winter hiking trails can be enjoyed with normal hiking boots or with snow shoes. We explain how it works …
Oldenhorn and Ice Express chairlift at Glacier 3000

Best snow mountains

Our insider tips for the best Swiss peaks to play in the snow, admire professional skiers, and enjoy beautiful winter …
Illuminated stalls at the Basel Christmas market

Christmas markets

These are the must-visit Christmas markets in Swiss cities and villages: the famous Zurich, Basel and Montreux markets, plus many …
The RegioExpress Lötschberger near Mitholtz in winter

Scenic trains winter

8 days across Switzerland in winter, using the most scenic winter trains. Simply customize this sample trip to your needs.

Find all activities for your Swiss winter holiday

Glacier Express scenic train at the Furka Pass
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Glacier Express
Scenic train tripMin. time required: 8:00
The Glacier Express is the most famous scenic train across the Swiss Alps, between Zermatt and St. Moritz. Check our must-read info about the route, …
Jungfraujoch mountain station and Konkordiaplatz
Jungfraujoch
Mountains, Scenic train tripMin. time required: 4:00
The Jungfraujoch excursion isn’t cheap, but it’s spectacular. We explain how to bring down costs, how to get there from Wengen and Grindelwald, what to …
Rotair cable car to summit of Titlis
Titlis
Adventure sport, MountainsMin. time required: 3:30
Mount Titlis at 3032 m can be reached a by revolving cable car. Enjoy the high-alpine scenery, the suspension bridge “Cliff Walk”, the restaurants, and …
Bernina Express panoramic train at Morteratsch
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Bernina Express
Scenic train tripMin. time required: 4:00
The scenic Bernina Express train ride is a beautiful, varied journey between south-east Switzerland and northern Italy. Learn about tickets, reservations, the route and the …
GoldenPass on snowy spring day in Montbovon
GoldenPass
Scenic train tripMin. time required: 5:30
Several special GoldenPass trains run on this beautiful route between Lucerne, Interlaken and Montreux. Here’s all you need to know about the trains, scenery, costs, …
Top station of Gornergrat with Matterhorn view
Gornergrat
MountainsMin. time required: 2:00
The Gornergrat offers a great view of the Matterhorn, and one of the best mountain panoramas in the Swiss Alps. We explain about the cogwheel …
Central and Bernese Alps from Rigi Kulm
Rigi
Mountains, Scenic train tripMin. time required: 3:00
The Rigi area can be reached by cogwheel train and offers magnificent views of Lake Lucerne and the Alps. Prepare with our planning guide.
Wetterhorn and Eiger above the clouds from Schilthorn
Schilthorn
MountainsMin. time required: 2:00
The Schilthorn is one of the best locations to view the Jungfrau massif. We explain about the cableway from Mürren, prices, views and catering at …
Wetterhorn and Schreckhorn with gondolas to Grindelwald-First
Grindelwald-First
Adventure sport, MountainsMin. time required: 2:00
The First is a mountain near Grindelwald, offering amazing views, hiking trails and fun family activities. Learn how to make the most out of your …
View of the glaciers from Klein Matterhorn, Zermatt
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
MountainsMin. time required: 2:30
Prepare for a trip up to the Klein Matterhorn (often called “Matterhorn Glacier Paradise”). We explain about the spectacular cable car ride to this high …
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Practical winter tips

Snowy rolling plains and forests at Chalet au Gobet above Lausanne

Winter weather and best time to visit

Essential info about winter weather in Switzerland: which months are best for a winter holiday, how cold it gets, when …
Hiking boots in snow at Rochers-de-Naye

Clothing and gear

How to dress and what to pack for your Swiss holidays, with tips for all sorts of activities: from summer …
Switzerland season calendar

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Switzerland depends on what you plan to do. Learn about the limitations and opportunities of …

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Annika
Page author: AnnikaSince early childhood I've been visiting Switzerland during my holidays and I just fell in love with the country. I spent many summers in the Bernese Oberland, which still feels like my second home, and then started to explore other areas. Traveling, hiking and photographing in the Swiss Alps are my absolute favorite activities.