Switzerland is a land of breathtaking alpine scenery, rich history, and festive charm. My recent journey through this stunning country brought all of that to life.
Hosted by Switzerland Tourism, this familiarisation trip was a whirlwind of unforgettable experiences, from snow-covered peaks to magical Christmas markets.
Travelling on the efficient and scenic Swiss Travel System, we visited Zurich, Montreux, Interlaken - including Jungfraujoch and Kleine Scheidegg - while we were there, Lucerne and Mount Pilatus, and Andermatt. Here’s a detailed account of my adventure—one that has left me dreaming of Switzerland ever since.
Zurich: A Festive Wonderland of Lights and Flavours
Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich, was the perfect place to begin our journey. Known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, Zurich’s festive season transforms the city into a sparkling winter wonderland.
Exploring Zurich’s Christmas Markets
Zurich is home to several Christmas markets, each offering its own festive charm: 
The Lindt Christmas Tree
- Zurich Sechseläutenplatz: Situated near the Opera House and Lake Zurich, this market was a vibrant hub of handmade crafts, Swiss chocolate, and festive cheer.
- Zurich Main Station (Hauptbahnhof): Here, we marvelled at the towering Lindt Christmas Tree, adorned with glittering ornaments (and maybe chocolate too?!). The market itself was bustling with over 150 stalls offering everything from artisanal gifts to indulgent holiday treats.
- Zurich Münsterhof: This intimate market in the Old Town felt like stepping into a Christmas storybook, with historic surroundings and warm cups of Glühwein (a traditional mulled wine) to complete the scene. This market was a little quieter than the others and was a great place for a warm Glühwein.
- Zürcher Weihnachtsallee (Christmas Avenue): A more modern take on Christmas markets, this stretch along Europaallee combined stylish decorations with a trendy, urban vibe (all the while still feeling very Christmassy).
Festive Highlights in Zurich
- Lucy on Bahnhofstrasse: Zurich’s famous shopping street transforms during the holidays with a light installation known as "Lucy", inspired by Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds. Thousands of cascading lights created a dazzling canopy, making it one of the most magical walks of the trip.
- Jelmoli Märlitram (Children’s Tram): While we didn’t ride the Jelmoli Märlitram, seeing it in action was a delight. Exclusively for children, this special Christmas tram takes kids on a magical journey through Zurich, with Santa himself at the helm. The excitement and wonder on the faces of the children—and their parents—were infectious, adding an extra dose of holiday cheer to the city streets.
- The Singing Christmas Tree: At Werdmühleplatz, we enjoyed local choirs performing Christmas classics from a tree-shaped stage decked in lights—a heartwarming moment of festive joy.
 Gingerbread House, Sechseläutenplatz |  Zurich Sechseläutenplatz |  Jelmoli Märlitram (Children's Tram) |
Unique Zurich Experiences
- Hürlimann Spa: Relaxing in the rooftop thermal baths of this historic brewery-turned-spa was an incredible way to unwind and soak in the city views. A great idea to soak away the jet-lag after a long flight. The day-use rates are quite good!
- E-Tuk Tuk Tour: Touring Zurich in an electric tuk-tuk was a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the city’s neighbourhoods, food markets and landmarks.
- Dining at Uetliberg: We savoured a traditional Chinoise Fondue paired with Glühwein at the summit of Zurich’s local mountain, Uetliberg. The panoramic views of Zurich’s twinkling lights below made the evening truly special. The food was so delicious I didn't get a chance to take a photo!
Where We Stayed
The vibrant 25hours Hotel Langstrasse was our base in Zurich. This eclectic property’s colourful décor and thoughtful details perfectly complemented Zurich’s cosmopolitan energy.
 Italian food stall at Zurich Main Station Christmas Market - look at that cheese! |  Peaceful relaxation at the thermal baths, Hurlimann Spa |  The amazing view looking over Zurich from Uetliberg |
Montreux: Lakeside Elegance and Festive Magic
Montreux, nestled along the shores of Lake Geneva, was a highlight of our journey with its festive spirit and alpine beauty.
A Magical Journey to Rochers-de-Naye
- Cogwheel Train to Santa: We rode the cogwheel train up to Rochers-de-Naye, ascending to 2,042 metres through stunning snowy landscapes. At the summit, we met Santa in his alpine grotto, a magical experience for all ages.
- Panoramic Views: Unfortunately the day we were there it was very cloudy, but from Rochers-de-Naye, you can enjoy sweeping views of Lake Geneva and the surrounding Alps—a sight to behold.
Montreux Noël Christmas Market
Returning to Montreux, we wandered through the famous Montreux Noël market along the lakeside promenade. This was my favourite Christmas market to visit. Such a great atmosphere with Christmas carols coming through the speakers and so many stalls to look at, the markets stretch all the way along the riviera.
- Festive Treats: We sipped warm Glühwein and browsed charming stalls filled with handcrafted gifts, Swiss chocolates, and holiday decorations.
- Santa’s Flying Sleigh: As night fell, we watched Santa soaring over the market in his sleigh, a dazzling spectacle of lights and music that added a touch of magic to the evening.
- Dinner at the Market: That night, we indulged in our first Swiss cheese fondue, a delicious and comforting way to end the day.
Where We Stayed
The luxurious Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic, Autograph Collection, was a lakeside retreat that perfectly combined modern elegance with timeless charm.
 The famous cogwheel train to Rochers-de-Naye |  Experiencing the Montreux Riviera by night |  Freddie Mercury and I at the Lakeside Promenade in Montreux |
Interlaken: Alpine Adventures and Christmas Cheer
Nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Interlaken is the gateway to Switzerland’s most dramatic alpine landscapes.
Day One: Chocolate Fondue on Lake Brienz and Exploring Interlaken
- Chocolate Fondue on the Lake: We enjoyed a decadent chocolate fondue while rafting on Lake Brienz, dipping fresh fruit, pretzels and marshmallows into warm chocolate as we drifted across the emerald waters.
- Dinner at Restaurant Stadthaus: Our evening ended with a delightful meal at this cosy restaurant in Unterseen, serving traditional Swiss dishes with a modern twist. They serve the best Roesti I’ve ever had, and the apple fritters for dessert (all gluten-free of course) were great too!
Day Two: Jungfraujoch and Winterheart Interlaken
- Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe: There are a few ways to reach the famous Jungfraujoch, and we opted for an unforgettable journey. Starting in Interlaken, we took the train to Grindelwald, then boarded the Eiger Express cable car to Eigergletscher station. From there, the Jungfrau Railway carried us through mountain tunnels to the "Top of Europe." At 3,454 metres, we explored the magical Ice Palace, marvelled at the vast expanse of the Aletsch Glacier, and took in the panoramic views from the Sphinx Observatory.
- Lunch at Kleine Scheidegg: On the return journey back down to Interlaken, we stopped at Kleine Scheidegg, a charming mountain pass with jaw-dropping views of the Jungfrau massif. Here, we enjoyed a leisurely lunch while watching visitors have fun on the toboggan runs, and locals enjoying the opening day of the ski season—a lively and joyful scene that added to the magic of the day.
- Return via Lauterbrunnen and Wengen: The journey back to Interlaken via the Wengernalp Railway was a visual masterpiece. Passing through Wengen and the stunning Lauterbrunnen Valley, often called the "Valley of 72 Waterfalls", we were treated to awe-inspiring scenery. The cascading waterfalls, snow-dusted alpine meadows, and picturesque villages made this a highlight of the day.
- Winterheart Interlaken Christmas Market: That evening, we immersed ourselves in the festive cheer of Winterheart Interlaken, the town’s enchanting Christmas market. Inside a cosy pine bauble, we indulged in yet another round of creamy cheese fondue (with a local drink made from ginger to help wash it all down…), surrounded by twinkling lights and the warm holiday ambience.
Where We Stayed
The modern Hey Hotel provided a comfortable and stylish base in the heart of Interlaken.
 The Sphinx Observatory at Jungfrau |  At the Top of Europe, Jungfraujoch |  Gluhwein (mulled wine) at Winterheart |
Lucerne: Lakeside Charm and Alpine Adventures
Lucerne’s blend of medieval architecture and alpine beauty made it an unforgettable stop.
Hotel Pilatus-KulmMt Pilatus: A Peak Experience
Upon arriving in Lucerne, we headed straight for Mt Pilatus, a majestic peak that combines breathtaking scenery with unforgettable experiences.
- The Journey Up: We reached Pilatus-Kulm via the cable car, as the world’s steepest cogwheel railway was closed for the season. The ascent was spectacular, with panoramic views of snow-dusted forests, rolling hills, and the city of Lucerne below. The experience of gliding above the serene alpine landscape was truly magical.
- Lunch at Hotel Pilatus-Kulm: At the summit, we enjoyed a beautiful lunch at the historic Hotel Pilatus-Kulm, where the combination of delicious Swiss cuisine and awe-inspiring mountain views made for an unforgettable experience. The hotel’s elegant charm and inviting atmosphere impressed us, and I highly recommend it as a place to stay for anyone visiting Pilatus.
- Exploring Mount Pilatus: After lunch, we explored the summit, taking in the breathtaking scenery and watching paragliders gracefully launch into the crisp mountain air. The colourful sails drifting against the backdrop of snowy peaks added to the magic of the moment.
Lucerne Highlights
 Chapel Bridge |
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Where We Stayed
The Hotel Waldstätterhof, conveniently located near the train station and Old Town, was the perfect base for our time in Lucerne.
Andermatt: Alpine Luxury and Farewell Snow
Andermatt, a tranquil alpine village, was the perfect place to end our trip.
Snow shoeing fun in Andermatt
Andermatt Activities
- Snowshoeing Adventure: Exploring the snowy trails around Andermatt was invigorating and serene.
- Lunch at Restaurant Alp Hitta: This cosy mountain hut served up hearty Swiss dishes, offering a warm and welcoming break amidst our snowy adventures.
Luxury at The Chedi Andermatt
We toured the stunning Chedi Andermatt, a five-star property that blends Asian-inspired design with Alpine charm. The evening concluded with a private hosted dinner in their elegant dining room, where we savoured exquisite Swiss cuisine paired with some amazing wines! If you’re a cheese lover like me, you will be amazed by The Chedi’s 5.5m tall cheese room…heaven!
A Magical Farewell
On our final day, fresh snowfall transformed Andermatt into a winter wonderland—a fitting goodbye to an unforgettable journey.
Thinking of a White Christmas in Switzerland?Switzerland’s enchanting landscapes, festive spirit, and seamless travel system made this journey a dream come true. Whether it’s enjoying fondue at a Christmas market, exploring snow-covered peaks, or cruising serene lakes, Switzerland offers a magical experience for every traveller. As someone who has just returned from this incredible country, I’d love to help you create your own unforgettable Swiss adventure. What are you doing for Christmas next year? Let’s start planning! Contact Me |
 Looking down the Great Aletsch Glacier |  Scenery between Interlaken and Lucerne |  Our brilliant skipper from Outdoor Interlaken |
