Switzerland in Winter for Non-Skiers

Switzerland is a winter wonderland, and while skiing is undoubtedly one of the most popular winter activities, the country offers a wealth of other exciting things to do in winter. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, Switzerland has something to offer everyone during the colder months. Here are some of the best things to do and best places to visit in Switzerland in winter besides skiing:

1. Winter Hiking

Switzerland offers several winter hiking routes. These trails allow you to be enchanted by the beautiful white landscapes while you walk on especially set and safe paths. The trails are often crowded and lead through picturesque Alpine villages, forests, and alpine meadows with fantastic mountain panoramas. Zermatt, Grindelwald, and Engelberg are especially popular for winter hiking trips.

2. Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing in the Swiss Alps is an even more immersive winter experience. Wearing snowshoes, you can access an unreachable area by a regular hike, snowy woods, or unsullied mountain territories. You can find snowshoeing trails in regions like Saas Fee, Lauterbrunnen, or Stockhorn.

3. Visit Swiss Christmas Markets

Zurich: The Zurich Christmas market is one of Switzerland's most significant and charming markets. Visit the Christkindlimarkt in Zurich's central train station, which is transformed into a festive market with over 150 stalls selling everything from handmade crafts to delicious holiday treats.

Basel: Basel's Christmas market is famous for its atmosphere, with beautifully decorated streets, local artisan goods, and delicious food. Enjoy the opportunity to warm yourself with a mug of mulled wine and the holiday lights.

Lucerne: Lucerne’s Old Town is perfect for strolling, and during the winter months, the town turns into a Christmas wonderland with festive decorations, holiday shopping, and local holiday delicacies.

4. Take a Scenic Train Ride

Glacier Express: The Glacier Express offers a unique, year-round scenic route connecting Zermatt and St. Moritz. It passes through some of Switzerland's most spectacular winter landscapes, including deep valleys, snowy forests, and towering peaks.

Bernina Express: The Bernina Express, known for its breathtaking views, takes you through the Swiss Engadine Alps. It’s a great way to experience Switzerland’s winter beauty without entering the snow yourself.

GoldenPass Line: Connecting Montreux to Lucerne, this scenic train journey offers stunning winter views of the Swiss countryside, the Alps, and lakesides. It’s particularly magical when the trees and landscapes are covered in snow.

5. Explore Swiss Cities and Museums

Zurich: Zurich offers a great mix of cultural activities, even in winter. The Kunsthaus Zurich (Zurich Art Museum) showcases Swiss and international art, while the Swiss National Museum offers an immersive experience of Swiss history and culture. The Felsenegg cable car provides excellent panoramic views of the city and Lake Zurich, especially with a snowy backdrop.

Geneva: Geneva is known for its winter charm, with the Jet d'Eau fountain standing out in the icy waters of Lake Geneva. Visit the Museum of Art and History or stroll the Old Town for its cozy ambiance.

Bern: The capital city, Bern, is enchanting in winter, with its medieval streets, the famous Zytglogge Clock Tower, and the Bern Historical Museum. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has a magical atmosphere in the winter months.

6. Relax in a Swiss Spa

Switzerland is home to some of the best thermal baths. It’s a fantastic place to relax and unwind, surrounded by snow-covered peaks. Many complexes in Switzerland offer outdoor thermal baths with stunning alpine views.

Some spa experiences stretch to the posh Swiss St. Moritz, assuring world-class treatments against a stunning white backdrop.

There are other thermal modern spas amidst quaint villages with natural hot springs. Their minimalist design and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains stand out, hence an oasis of serenity.

7. Ice Skating

Many Swiss cities, including Zurich, Geneva, Lucerne, and Davos, offer outdoor ice rinks during the winter months. These rinks often have charming settings and are a great way to enjoy a traditional winter activity.

8. Ice Climbing

Try ice climbing for something more daring in the Swiss Alps. Regions like Kandersteg and Grindelwald are famous for their frozen waterfalls and ice-climbing routes. Beginners can take lessons with guides, while more experienced climbers can explore the challenging routes independently.

9. Visit the Ice Palaces

Jungfraujoch: Known as the "Top of Europe," Jungfraujoch is home to an ice palace carved out of the glacier. The icy tunnels and sculptures create a magical experience for visitors. You can reach Jungfraujoch by taking the famous Jungfrau Railway.

Sphinx Observatory: While at Jungfraujoch, don’t miss the chance to visit the Sphinx Observatory, which provides sweeping views of the surrounding glaciers and mountains. It’s incredibly stunning during winter when the landscape is blanketed in snow.

10. Go Tobogganing (Sledding)

Klausen Pass: Enjoy thrilling sledding adventures in Switzerland, where the long sledding runs are some of the best in the world. Klausen Pass and Zermatt offer fantastic runs catering to beginners and experts.

Grindelwald: The Grindelwald First offers a variety of winter sports, including tobogganing down the scenic mountain slopes. It’s an exhilarating way to enjoy the Swiss winter landscape without skis.

11. Winter Cruises on Swiss Lakes

Lake Geneva: During winter, Lake Geneva offers cruises that give you an entirely different perspective of the surrounding snow-capped mountains and lakeside towns. You can enjoy a cozy boat ride while savoring Swiss hot chocolate or mulled wine.

Lake Lucerne: A winter cruise on Lake Lucerne is another unforgettable experience. You can enjoy views of the lake's snow-covered mountains while staying warm inside the boat.

12. Winter Camping and Igloo Stays

For an unusual and magical experience, stay in an igloo village like Iglu-Dorf in Zermatt or Engelberg. These cozy igloos offer the chance to sleep in a snow dome and enjoy unique activities such as ice bar visits, snowshoeing, and fondue dinners in the igloo.

13. Ice Fishing in Switzerland

For a unique winter experience, ice fishing is a fun and peaceful way to spend time in Switzerland’s beautiful winter landscapes. The practice is widespread in the colder, high-altitude lakes, where the ice thickens enough to fish through safely. Lake St. Moritz, Lake Davos, and Lake Sils are Switzerland's best ice fishing locations. These lakes freeze solid sufficiently in winter, allowing visitors to drill holes in the ice and fish for native species like perch and trout.

Join a guided ice fishing tour to ensure you enjoy this adventure safely and with all the necessary equipment. Your guide will show you the best techniques and where to fish. It is a fun, laid-back activity outdoors, merging the serenity of winter with the thrill of catching your fish.

The most frequent winter ice fishing festivals occur in particular regions of Switzerland, such as Engadine. These festivals are events where locals and tourists come together on the ice to engage in some sort of competition, but above all, they gather and share a common interest on the ice. Other frequent winter events, combined with these festivals, include ice skating, snowshoeing, or sledding, which make the event a day full of fun activities.

Switzerland’s winter season is not just about skiing—countless other activities highlight the country’s stunning landscapes and cultural offerings. From the outdoor adventure of snowshoeing and tobogganing to indulging in the country's rich culture through Christmas markets and museums to simple relaxation in a spa or an ice palace, Switzerland has something for every traveler. Give in to the magic of this winter wonderland and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of this alpine paradise.