By Gemma Tedaldi | Published: 16th February 2024 | Updated: 16th February 2024
Switzerland in winter is a country full of breathtaking landscapes, often covered with a layer of thick snow, perfect for those wanting to experience the Alps in all their wintery glory or city hop around the country eating perfect fondue and drinking incredible hot chocolate as you go.
Winter in Switzerland isn’t just for those wanting to ski either, (we’ve lived here a little while now and still haven’t learnt to ski or snowboard!), with winter festivals and other snow-related activities that you can take part in too, (tobogganing is particularly good fun!), all in all making Switzerland a stunning destination to visit in the winter. So, are you looking to find out more about this winter wonderland destination? Here is our guide to Switzerland in winter.
Planning Your Trip? Use our favourite travel resources below:
Accommodation: We recommend Booking.com
Rental Car: We recommend Rentalcars.com
Flights: We recommend Kiwi.com
Tours: We recommend Get Your Guide
Is it worth visiting Switzerland in winter?
100% yes, it is worth visiting Switzerland in winter, even if you aren’t visiting for any snow sports. With numerous festivals being held throughout the season and the opportunity to take part in tobogganing or snowshoeing if you do fancy some fun in the snow.
This season is a great one to see the country at lower prices too if you are around the lakeside towns and cities rather than in the ski resorts. There is also a high chance of a dusting of snow in the lower elevations and in the main cities as well.
Average temperatures across Switzerland in winter:
📍 5 – 10° C / 41 – 50° F in Zurich
📍 0 – 12° C / 32 – 53° F in Basel (it did hit -12° C / 10° F for us in Basel for multiple days in December in this last year though!)
📍 -1 – 11° C / 30 – 52° F in Geneva
Average rainfall across Switzerland in winter: 25 – 196mm rainfall
Is this peak season or low season?
After the Christmas and New Year rush this time of year is technically a low season for Switzerland with fewer tourists visiting the main cities and opting for skiing or snowboarding resorts in the Alps instead. However, if you are looking to visit for snow sports then it can be very busy and pricey still.
If you’re thinking about visiting Switzerland but at a different time of year, check out our other posts for Switzerland in spring, summer and autumn.
Holidays and Festivals in Switzerland in winter
Officially in Switzerland, winter falls from the 22nd of December through to the 20th of March and during this time there are numerous festivals and holidays, with Christmas Day, St Stephen’s Day and New Year’s Day as the main holidays across the country. Alongside the holidays there are some great and unique festivals as well; here are the top 6 festivals in Switzerland in winter that you should try and visit:
Switzerland in December
📍 Christmas Markets
There are multiple Christmas markets across the country from the end of November through to the end of December, all with their own flair and unique delicacies. Basel Weihnachtsmarkt is often voted as the best Christmas market in Europe, (we may be biased but we tend to agree!), and with the whole city set up to celebrate it is the perfect place to visit in the run-up to Christmas.
Switzerland in January
📍 World Snow Festival, Grindelwald
In the third week of January, the World Snow Festival comes to Grindelwald, with international artists showcasing their ice sculpting skills with three-metre-tall blocks of snow throughout the village. Started in 1983, the festival happens annually based upon a new theme, (unless there is little to no snow, which meant the 2023 festival was cancelled!).
📍 International Hot Air Balloon Festival, Château-d’Oex
The last two weeks of January are the perfect time for 9 days of hot air ballooning in the snow-covered alps. This alpine festival that is over 40 years old is one of the most popular events in Switzerland in winter, and one of the most unique in Switzerland. Be sure to book accommodation and balloon flights in advance for this festival.
Switzerland in February
📍 White Turf, St Moritz
February is home to the White Turf Festival in St Moritz, a horse racing event that takes place on the frozen lake St. Moritzersee. Jockeys from all over the world have been thrilling the crowds since 1907 at this unique event, where else can you watch horse racing on a frozen lake?
📍 Basel Fasnacht
There are multiple ‘Fasnacht’ that happen in the larger towns and cities across Switzerland, (Lucerne, Zurich and Bern have quite large events), but by far the most well-known is Basel Fasnacht. Held in late February or into early March depending on when Easter falls in the year, Basel Fasnacht is a UNESCO World Heritage festival that really has to be seen to be believed.
Switzerland in March
📍 Engadin Skimarathon
Since 1969 the largest cross-country event in Switzerland with quite literally thousands of participants takes place. The second Sunday in March sees the Engadin Skimarathon, a 42km long route starting in Maloja and ending in S-chanf start, with a half marathon, women’s only race and night race as well.
Best Things To Do In Switzerland In Winter
Switzerland is a wonder to explore any time of year, and the winter is no exception. With numerous events happening across the country as well as fantastic things to experience. So here are our favourite and top things to do in Switzerland in winter;
Hikes to do in Switzerland in Winter
📍 Rehberger-Weg, Basel
Connecting Switzerland with Germany via two art galleries and a host of outdoor art works, this five kilometre long trail is an easy hike to do. It takes roughly 2 hours to walk end to end, but you will want to stop and take in the views back to Basel through the vineyards. We’ve walked this wonderful route a few times over the years, and it is especially beautiful when covered in snow in the winter.
You can start at either end, but we would recommend starting at Fondation Beyeler in Riehen on the outskirts of Basel, (easy to get to via the number 6 tram from Basel city centre) and walking to the Vitra Campus in Weil am Rhein in Germany. From here you can then take the number 8 tram back to the centre of Basel.
📍 Grindelwald First to Bachalpsee, Grindelwald
The hike from Grindelwald First out to Bachalpsee is one that is relatively easy, (there are a couple of steeper sections near the beginning, and it is all gravel track so not the best for pushchairs), and the perfect one to embrace hiking in winter, with snow past your heads in places and the most incredible views over the surrounding mountains.
It takes roughly an hour to complete the 3km route one way out to the lake, (assuming you don’t stop to take in the scenery and look out for marmots) but be aware this can take much longer if the ground is covered in snow and ice.
Be sure to check if this hike is open before you set off up the cable cars to Grindelwald First, as if there has been a particularly heavy snowfall, or there is a risk of avalanches then the trail will be closed.
If you can you should also do this hike in both the winter and the summer to get a taste of the difference in the seasons, we’ve visited during both and boy are they polar opposites!
📍 Brunni, Engelberg
Engelberg may be more well known for its good ski routes but there are also numerous winter hiking trails and snowshoe trails in the surrounding mountains as well, including at Brunni. The less busy side of the valley than that at Titlis, Brunni is great for hiking as there are numerous trail options of varying length and difficulty you can pick from starting from an easy 45-minute round route at the Schneetandliweg to a 7-hour-long full-day hike from Ristis to Engleberg.
Here there are also two toboggan runs you can try, which are great fun if not a little scary with the speed in places, (we did not stop smiling and laughing the entire way down the route we chose!).
Activities to do in Switzerland in Winter
📍 Visit the Swiss Christmas markets
Switzerland is one of the top European countries to visit if you want to visit some of the best Christmas Markets there are. With quaint elaborately decorated stalls selling handmade crafts, traditional local delicacies and a mug of warming glühwein or two, even if it is cold and snowing, (which it often is in Switzerland in winter!), visiting the Christmas Markets is a must.
Some of the biggest and best, (although this often means the busiest), markets are found in Basel, Bern, Zurich, Lucerne and Montreux. Montreux’s Christmas Market is particularly famous in Switzerland as Santa Claus and his sleigh fly over the crowds and the lakeside!
📍 Eat Fondue
If you are visiting Switzerland in winter, you can’t come and not eat at least one fondue. With different varieties, (different cheese mixes or spices that are added to the mix – we can vouch for ginger and chilli being quite good), depending on the location, fondue is basically a ritual for the Swiss, (and tourists), to partake in once the temperature drops outside and the warming gooey cheese once again becomes a staple winter comfort food.
📍 Ride The Glacier Express Or The Bernina Express
Passing over snow covered landscapes, past quaint Swiss towns and villages and through incredible mountain passes, these panoramic trains are one of the best things to do in Switzerland in the winter if you want to experience both breath-taking views and the cosy comfort on board a train. They can be a little pricey, but the experience is worth it.
📍 Go Winter Hiking or Snowshoeing
Winter in Switzerland isn’t all about hitting the slopes, especially if you can’t ski or snowboard, so instead why not go winter hiking or snowshoeing? Winter hiking involves just you and some good hiking gear and shoes taking to ‘maintained pathways’ that are basically the summer hiking paths, whilst snowshoeing means hiring snowshoes and taking to the deeper snow pathways that are set out only during the winter. Both are great fun and great ways to experience winter in Switzerland without having to ski.
Top Tip:
Be sure to bring sunscreen with you if you plan on being in the mountains in the snow, as even though it may seem counter-intuitive the sun reflects off the snow which can cause sunburn, (we found that out the hard way whilst hiking in Grindelwald, so you don’t have too!).
📍 Go Tobogganing
If you are after a bit of winter adventure with a thrill, but skiing isn’t your thing, then try tobogganing. They aren’t the easiest to control, (I seem to have the knack whilst Matt on the other hand does not!), but they are incredibly fun and a great way to experience the snow and the Swiss mountains in winter. Most ski destinations also have tobogganing on offer, just be sure to check the difficulty of a route as some can be great for beginners but others are very steep and very fast.
📍 Hit The Slopes Skiing Or Snowboarding
If skiing or snowboarding is your thing, then you should of course head to some of Switzerlands world class ski resorts and hit the slopes. Particularly popular destinations include Zermatt, Gstaad, Engelberg and of course, the famous St Moritz, which are known for their Apres Ski vibe with stunning views just as much as for their ski runs.
📍 Hop On Board A River Cruise Or Lake Cruise
During the winter in Switzerland, you can very easily hop on board a city river cruise or lake cruise to not only take in the sights, but enjoy the cosy setting and more often than not enjoy some delicious food. Be it a cheese fondue cruise, fondue chinoise or simply a winter cruise with glühwein, this is another one of the best things to do in Switzerland in winter.
Best Places To Visit In Switzerland In Winter
📍 Basel in winter
Visiting Switzerland in winter isn’t just about experiencing the mountains. The cities and towns in the low-lying regions of the country are also wonderful to visit, with Basel being one of the best. Basel in winter is not only home to beautiful Christmas Markets but also the world-renowned Fasnacht, which simply has to be witnessed to be believed.
📍 Gstaad in winter
Picturesque hiking, perfect skiing conditions and giant fondue pots you can sit in and soak in the views of the Bernese Oberland, (yes you read that right), Gstaad is a great place to visit during the winter in Switzerland. If hitting the slopes isn’t quite your thing, (there are hundreds of kilometres of varying levels pistes and trails), then the après-ski scene here will definitely keep you entertained, alongside the boutiques and restaurants throughout the town.
📍 Château-d’Oex in winter
The mountain village of Château-d’Oex is particularly beautiful during the winter months. Known for its hot air balloon festival, held every January, (yes Switzerland has an incredible winter hot air balloon festival!), you can see the snow-covered Alps from a completely different perspective. Château-d’Oex is also a great place for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter.
📍 St Moritz in winter
Home to the rich and famous, world-famous White Turf Festival and even a leaning tower, (although it doesn’t quite rival the one in Pisa), St Moritz is known for its glamour. With high-end shopping and fine dining for those who want it, as well as plenty of options for those looking for less luxury, (Le Lapin Bleu is a particularly great restaurant). The lake at St Moritz also freezes over each year, making it the perfect place for activities like ice skating and polo.
📍 Engelberg in winter
Engelberg and the surrounding area are a haven for people wanting to experience the Swiss Alps in peak winter. Great for getting out into the mountains for snow sports, including skiing, snowboarding and some rather fun tobogganing, Engelberg is easy to get to and the village itself is full of cosy cafes and chalets brimming with warming food – perfect after a day on the slopes.
Where should I stay in Switzerland in winter
This is slightly dependent on what you want from your trip to Switzerland in winter, but if you want the best of both the city life and incredible day trips to the mountains then we would suggest staying in either Bern or Lucerne. Both are within easy reach of the nearby alpine towns, mountain peaks and quaint countryside villages.
That being said, if you want a taste of real Swiss life and a bit more snow, then we highly recommend staying in Lauterbrunnen!
Planning your own trip to Switzerland? Make sure you check out our Travelling Tedaldi Amazon Store Travel Guides for all your guidebooks and maps. (We’ve done the hard work for you and linked all the things we used to plan our trip!)
Switzerland in Winter FAQ’s
How to get to Switzerland
Switzerland is well connected to the rest of mainland Europe as well as further afield internationally, with three main international airports at Geneva, Zurich, and Basel, as well as smaller airports at Bern, St Gallen and Lugano. Due to Switzerland’s central location in Europe, you can also easily get a train to Switzerland from any of the neighbouring countries of France, Germany, Austria, and Italy.
How to get around Switzerland
By far the best way to get around Switzerland is by public transport. There is a vast network of trains, boats, buses, trams, cable cars and funicular railways across the country that can transport you between the cities and the mountains in a matter of hours.
If you want to really get the most out of your time and budget then be sure to book your transport tickets in advance through the SBB website or SBB mobile app. Depending on how long you plan to visit Switzerland, you can get a Swiss travel pass or a number of day passes instead, these tickets are great value for money and give you public transport access across the entire length of your ticket i.e. a day pass is 24 hours worth of transport anywhere in the country, (some cable cars / funicular railways aren’t included).
If you would rather make your own way, then you can of course hire a rental car to see the sights at your own pace. We would highly recommend using Rentalcars.com for this, we’ve used them a number of times throughout Europe and in Switzerland and they always have a great selection of vehicles as well as being budget friendly, (something you will want when visiting Switzerland!).
How many days do I need in Switzerland in winter?
If you want to see Switzerland in winter, then you should try and spend at least a week in the country, any less and you won’t get the chance to experience both the cities and the mountains.
Is Switzerland expensive to visit in winter?
Depending on when you visit, Switzerland can indeed be expensive in winter. If you plan on visiting over Christmas or New Year, then this is one of the most expensive times to visit Switzerland and also one of the peak times of the year for snow sports. If you visit out of the peak season, so in mid to late January or February, then this is one of the cheapest times of year to visit Switzerland in winter.
What is Switzerland like in winter?
Switzerland in winter is wonderful, with cold days filled with snowy skies, twinkling lights filling city squares and cosy cafes and restaurants serving local delicacies. It can however also be very cold and wet, with more rain than snow in some locations. It is one of the peak seasons in Switzerland, only second to summer, so it can get quite busy in more touristy locations, but don’t let that put you off visiting Switzerland in winter.
What is the coldest month in Switzerland? How cold does it get in Switzerland in winter?
The coldest month in Switzerland is January, with averages around 0°C / 32°F. It can of course get much colder, especially in the more mountainous locations as well as in the cities, (it hit -12°C / 10.4°F in Basel last year, but we had -17C / 1.4°F when we visited Mount Rigi one November!).
How cold is Switzerland in December?
December temperatures are similar to that of January, although a little warmer, with the lower elevation cities such as Lugano, Zurich and Basel averaging around 4°C / 39.2°F. The higher into the mountains you adventure will of course be much colder than this.
Where is the warmest place in Switzerland in winter?
The canton of Ticino, and more specifically the towns of Lugano or Locarno, are some of the warmest locations in Switzerland in winter. The weather throughout the canton is always one of the warmest in the country and winter is no exception, with typically mild weather perfect for a walk around Lake Maggiore.
What are the best winter months to visit Switzerland?
There isn’t a bad winter month to visit Switzerland, but some can be busier than others and some much colder than others. December and early January are some of the busiest months, so opt for February or early March instead, there will still be snow around and cheaper accommodation options. There are also some great late winter festivals and events happening so opt for visiting after New Year.
Switzerland in Winter Tours
Tours are some of the best ways to see Switzerland, and we would highly recommend booking one, (or a few!), through Get Your Guide, especially as they have some amazing tour options such as Night Sledding with Fondue in Interlaken, winter kayaking on Lake Brienz and tours up to the incredible Glacier 3000.
What are you waiting for? Book your Switzerland winter tours here!
Is it advisable to visit Switzerland in December?
Switzerland in December can be a great time of year to visit, with wonderful Christmas Markets in full swing and the possibility of snow making everything a bit more beautiful. It can however also be one of the busiest times of the year, both in the cities and on the slopes, which of course pushes the price of accommodation up. If you really want to visit in December, we would suggest booking as far in advance as you can and maybe steering clear of the week between Christmas and New Year as a lot of things will be shut over the seasonal holidays.
What are the best places to celebrate Christmas in Switzerland?
There is no right or wrong answer here, but anywhere that has a lovely Christmas Market, or a dusting of snow is surely a great place to celebrate Christmas! We would recommend either opting for somewhere like Lucerne or Lauterbrunnen for Christmas, both being close to both some wonderful snowy walks, but one with a modern city vibe and the other with a more traditional quaint Christmas feel.
Where are the best places to celebrate New Year in Switzerland?
If you want to celebrate New Year with a big fireworks display and some good food, then opt for staying in one of the main cities in Switzerland such as Geneva, Lucerne, or Zurich. They often have special boat trips on the neighbouring lakes to see the fireworks from too. If you would rather a quieter night, then any of the mountain towns or villages are a great option, just book in advance to avoid high accommodation costs!
Is Switzerland a good place to visit in January?
Although it is often the coldest month of the year, January is a great time to visit Switzerland as it is often one of the cheapest months to get flights and accommodation. There are also fewer tourists, assuming you visit after New Year, meaning quieter tourist hot spots.
Does Switzerland have snow all year?
Certain locations in the mountains have snow year-round, such as the Eiger, Jungfrau and Mönch, but most of the rest of the country will lose its winter snow during the warmer spring and summer months.
What to do in Switzerland in winter if you don’t ski?
Even if you don’t ski, Switzerland is still a great place to visit in the winter. We live in the country and have still yet to pick up skis or snowboards due to the various other winter activities that you can partake in. The best of these include tobogganing, which is insanely fun, fast and something that you’ll want to do again and again, snowshoeing i.e. hiking designated pathways with a form of crampon attachment on your shoes and of course simple winter hiking on ‘groomed’ trails.
Is it safe to drive in Switzerland in winter? Do Switzerland require winter tires?
It is very safe to drive in Switzerland in winter, assuming you take more care whilst driving if the conditions aren’t the best. Winter in Switzerland often leads to thick fog as well as snowy conditions. If you are planning on driving certain routes such as the mountain passes, be sure to check if they are open before setting off as they are often closed due to snowstorms.
Winter tires and / or snow chains are highly recommended in the winter months, and some roads will require them before allowing you to pass, so ensure you know how to use them, and if hiring a vehicle, that you actually have some with you. Most rental companies will provide this sort of thing if you ask or mention your trip plans.
Conclusion: Switzerland in Winter: Best Things To Do & Places To Go
Switzerland in winter is like no other place in Europe, with its picturesque snowy landscapes, the vast array of outdoor activities to take part in and of course its cosy mountain villages and city cafes brimming with local warming delicacies. Whether you are after a more relaxed time or a more adventure-filled and fuelled trip then, Switzerland in winter is the place for you. We’re dreaming of the fondue, glühwein and snow-covered market rooftops throughout the country already.
Gemma Tedaldi
Gemma is the owner and author of The Travelling Tedaldi, a travel blog helping travellers to discover the best road trips and travel itineraries throughout the UK and Europe. When she isn’t writing about her favourite travel destinations, she can often be found out exploring local hikes or planning future trips.