Are you planning on visiting Switzerland during the winter months, but are not sure where to go and what to see? Or maybe even asking yourself whether Switzerland in winter is worth visiting?
Well, you have come to the right place, let us show you how beautiful Switzerland is during the winter months. In this article, we cover some of the best winter destinations in Switzerland that you must include on your trip. We also cover some great outdoor activities these winter destinations in Switzerland offer, there’s more than just skiing or snowboarding.
Switzerland is simply a winter wonderland and well worth the visit.
Best things to do and places to visit in Switzerland during Winter
The time you have available in Switzerland will determine how many of the most beautiful winter destinations listed below you can visit.
They are all unique and offer amazing winter views, great activities, and unforgettable memories.
1. Zermatt and the Matterhorn
The beautiful Swiss village of Zermatt simply had to be on this list. Seeing the Matterhorn in its white jacket high up from the Gornergrat and snowshoeing in some of the most beautiful scenery will keep you in constant awe.
Of course, skiing or snowboarding in Zermatt is a winter main activity but believe me Zermatt can also be fully appreciated without skis on your feet.
A train ride up the Gornergrat – stated by many as the most beautiful train ride in Switzerland, is an adventure in its own right. Sit on the right side of the train and by a window you can open. This way you can capture some great pictures with the snowy Matterhorn.
At the top, head up to the viewing platform from where glaciers and many more mountain peaks can be marveled at.
A restaurant, souvenir shop, hotel, and even a Gin distillery are located at the top at a 3150-meter altitude. So you see there are plenty of things to do in Zermatt for non-skiers.
Winter hike Rotenboden to Riffelalp
After you have visited the Gornergrat hop back on the train down to Rotenboden (one station).Â
At Rotenboden embark on a beautiful 2.3 km long winter walk down to Riffelberg. The nice thing about this hike is that you will have the Matterhorn always in front of you.
On the way down pass by the Zermatt Igloo village.Â
The perfect place for a Swiss cheese fondue in an incredible setting. Ask to check out the Igloo Hotel, or maybe you actually want to stay the night. Reservations are obligatory.
Visit the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
If you do have some more time in Zermatt we recommend heading up high again and visiting the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
With the Matterhorn Express cable car, you head to Trockenersteg, followed by the luxury gondola up to Klein Matterhorn at an altitude of 3883 meters.
The second gondola ride is over a glacier with breathtaking views.
At the top visit the highest glacier palace in the world. You will be descending 15 meters inside a glacier. Actually, the elevator will bring you down.Â
Walking within the glacier is amazing. There are always some incredible ice sculptures to see, an ice bar, and even an ice slide.
2. Grindelwald – First Cliff Walk & Bachalpsee
Grindelwald is another great winter destination in Switzerland. This Swiss village is surrounded by high imposing snowcapped mountains and unbelievable vistas.
Make your way up to Grindelwald-First with the gondola. At the top, by the restaurant, you can walk the famous Grindelwald Cliff Walk by Tissot.
An iron path attached to the mountain cliffs offers both amazing views and a thrill.
Winter walk to Bachalpsee
Another great winter activity in Grindelwald is the walk to Bachalpsee. A groomed winter path guides you to Bachalpsee. Count about one and a half hours for one way.
The famous lake seen on many social media during the summer is never the less beautiful during the winter. Especially if you visit Switzerland winter just before spring. This way you might get already some ice melting on the lake and the blue colors shining through.
Visit Jungfraujoch
Jungfraujoch, unreal Winter wonderland only in Switzerland
Visiting Jungfraujoch, known as the Top of Europe and also the highest train station in the world, could also be an option for you.Â
However, this is quite a pricy activity with tickets going for CHF +- 100.- per person.
At the Jungfrau, you can visit the ice tunnel. On the viewing platform, you have views pretty much all over Switzerland and down on the biggest glacier of the alps the Aletsch Glacier.
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3. Arosa and the Squirrel Path – Eichhörnchen Weg
Heading to the Swiss Canton of Graubünden provides another great winter destination in Switzerland you should not miss. One of them is the cute winter walk in Arosa along the Squirrel path. (Eichhörnchen Weg)
Why is this so special? The squirrels and the birds will eat the nuts and seeds you bring with you out of your hands. The path is only 1.7km long and through a forest.Â
Arosa itself is a very pretty Swiss village. Walk around the lake, go sledging, or even take an ice bath are some of the activities possible in Arosa. And of course, you can ski in Arosa and the connecting domain of Lenzerheide.
4. Bergün – Filisur – Sledging the Prada & Darlux run
Now, get ready for some thrills and lots of fun. Planning a trip to Bergün – Filisur has to be for everyone that loves tobogganing.Â
Passing under the Unesco World Heritage site of the Albula pass road is an experience you won’t forget.Â
The Preda -Bergün sledge run is also the longest floodlight run in Europe with a length of 6km.Â
If you like more thrills you will find a second run which is steeper and narrower, the Darlux run.Â
Spend the night at Bergün to get the most out of this place because it is also worth visiting this typically Swiss village.
5. Les Diablerets – Visit Glacier 3000
Glacier 3000 suspension bridge, Les Diablerets, Switzerland
When visiting Switzerland during the winter months a visit to a glacier simply cannot be missed out.
Glacier 3000 is one of the easiest Swiss glaciers to step foot on. A 20 minutes ride in two different gondolas will lift you up to nearly 3000 meters altitude.Â
Needless to say, the views during the ride and on the top are second to none.
Head to the Peak to Peak walk by Tissot. This is the world’s first suspension bridge connecting two peaks. The views will blow your mind.
Winter walk on Glacier 3000
If you have some more time, step foot on the glacier and walk the 6km round trip from the glacier station to the Quille de Diable. A dedicated path on the glacier makes you feel like being on top of the world.
On the other side of the glacier, the views open up onto the Valais and far beyond over the French alps. A cute refuge restaurant invites you for a snack or drink before walking back.Â
On some days they offer dog sledding on the glacier. Another great activity when visiting Switzerland during the winter months.
As on many Swiss mountain stations, there is also skiing up at Glacier 3000.
6. Champex-Lac – ice skating on the frozen lake
A fairy tale moment reveals when stepping on a frozen lake in a Swiss winter wonderland. Champex-Lac is such a winter destination in Switzerland where you can go ice skating on the natural lake in the middle of the village.
There are sports shops in town from where you can rent your skates should you not have your own.
Champex-Lac, located in the Pays du St. Bernard, is a village full of charm and well worth staying the night. The surrounding area offers many winter walks and of course, you could also go skiing or snowboarding in one of the three ski domains of the Pays du St. Bernard.
I hope that these winter destinations in Switzerland have made you want to experience a winter holiday in the Swiss alps.
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