Where to spend Christmas in Switzerland, in addition to Zermatt?
BigDad and his wife are planning to spend Christmas in Zermatt and want to find one or two additional places to visit before that. They have traveled extensively around Switzerland in the past and seek recommendations for Christmas experiences in different locations, ideally near their travel route from Zurich to Zermatt.
- Consider visiting the beautiful Christmas markets in various Swiss cities before heading to Zermatt.
- Saas Fee is a great spot to visit, but be aware the sun sets early, around 14:25.
- The Swiss Travel Pass offers excellent public transport options throughout the winter, even on Christmas Day.
- For a city stay, think about Bern, Lausanne, or Lucerne as good options before Zermatt.
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My wife and I plan on spending Christmas in Zermatt this year to experience the snow and holiday lights. We would like to add one or two other places to our itinerary before we get to Zermatt. We will be flying in and out of Zurich. The past two years we’ve spent our summers visiting Zermatt, Lauterbrunnen, Interlaken, Thun, Murren, Wengen, Lugano, St. Moritz, Zurich, Lucerne, Grindewald, and a few other day trips. We are not opposed to revisiting these places if they are worth it for the Christmas experience. Can you suggest locations that we should consider? The MySwissAlps Team has always shared such great suggestions. Thanks again!
BigDad,
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Hello BigDad
I have visited Switzerland in all four seasons, travelling around using a First Class Swiss Travel Pass. For the first time in nine years, I have booked this year to go at Christmas. But I will be staying in Zurich going out on day excursions.
https://www.myswissalps.com/travel-ticket/swiss-travel-pass/
Practically everywhere in Switzerland is attractive all year round. Just be aware that at Xmas it gets dark at about 16 30 to 17 00. In resorts surrounded by mountains, (for example Lauterbrunnen in its steep-sided valley) the sun ‘goes behind the mountains’ much earlier.
Saas Fee (near Zermatt) is well worth a visit at any time of year, but I know from experience that (down in the village) the sun goes behind the mountains at about 14 25!
Two points to keep in mind. The superb public transport runs 365-days-a-year. Friends here in Britain cannot believe that I have made long public transport journeys on Christmas Day!
On the negative side, ski resorts like Zermatt, Saas Fee and St Moritz are going to be VERY busy. On the other hand, the cities are great in winter, and I say that even though I am NOT an enthusiast for Christmas markets!
Best wishes
Roger
A postcript to my previous reply. For a ‘City Stay’ before you go on to Zermatt, consider BERN, Lausanne or Luzern.
Best wishes
Roger
Hi Big Dad,
I recommend arriving before Christmas so you can visit the various Christmas markets throughout Switzerland (https://www.myswissalps.com/activities/christmas/markets/).
If you are based in St Moritz, I suggest doing a day trip on the panoramic Bernina Express (https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/bernina-express/) train to Tirano.
You can find further tips and suggestions for your winter holidays here: https://www.myswissalps.com/activities/seasons/winter/
Regards,
Anna
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