Last updated: Nov 2024
Visitors to Switzerland can enjoy the beginning of the winter festivities that start in mid-November. If you are planning a trip for the winter months, here is a 7-day itinerary that starts and ends in Zurich to inspire you.
Days 1-2: Zurich
Welcome to Zurich! Drop off your luggage at the hotel and head out to beat the jet lag!
Zurich exploration: Take a stroll through Zurich’s Aldstadt (Old Town) with its charming cobbled streets, medieval architecture, and cultural heritage stops. You can visit on your own, with a walking tour, or accompanied by a small group/private guide (reach out to us for recommendations). Interested in food or architecture? There are ways to experience Zurich through specific lenses.
Take a stroll along Bahnhofstrasse from Zurich HB (the main train station) and end at Burkliplatz. The holiday season kicks off in late November with the lighting of the “Lucy” lights on Bahnhofstrasse and opening of many Christmas markets. (The Christmas markets tend to close around Dec 23-24th.) If you’re here during the holiday season, stop by the Christmas markets, listen to the Singing Christmas Tree, and check out the holiday lights as you walk along.
✨🎄👀 Here is a full guide to the seasonal events. If you want to have fondue at a Christmas market fondue chalet, be sure to reserve in advance!
From there, walk around Lake Zurich in the direction of Bellevue/Chinagarten (east side of lake; though both sides are nice!).
Lindt Chocolate Museum: for those who are chocolate-inclined, head to Lindt. It starts with a feast for the eyes with its 9-meter-tall structure consisting of 1400kg of chocolate. Enter the museum to learn about the origins of chocolate, the pioneers who shaped the history of chocolate production, and why Swiss chocolate is so yummy. And of course, there are samples to be had. Tickets can sell out early during the holiday times, so be sure to buy them online a couple of weeks beforehand (earlier if going on a weekend).
Getting there: use Google Maps or the SBB app* to determine your route and you can come by bus, train, or even the Lake Zurich boat. Tip: for the boat times and tickets, use the SBB app and enter Burkliplatz (See) to Kilchberg (See) or check the boat site. Or if you are really short on time, take an Uber or pre-arrange a ride with Welcome Pickups.
🚴♀️ If you want to explore Zurich by bike, free bike rentals are available at Europaallee by HB. Helmets are included too. There are limited kid-size bikes available so go early if you need one. I suggest this for middle school-aged kids and older.
Days 3-4: Lucerne and nearby mountains
Lucerne Old Town: 45 minutes from Zurich, Lucerne is an easy day trip. Stroll by Lake Lucerne, walk across Chapel Bridge, and stop by Lion Monument. You can visit on your own, with a walking tour, or accompanied by a small group/private guide
Lake Lucerne is a beautiful lake and you can take a boat ride to see everything from a different perspective.
For your second day in Lucerne, head up to Pilatus for a day trip. If the weather is not too cloudy, a visit to Mount Pilatus will provide stunning views. Check its webcam and facilities schedule here.
Or if you want to get some fun in the snow, head up to Titlis. There is a snow tubing park, a glacier cave, and a cliff walking path among other experiences. Check its webcam and facilities schedule here.
Days 5-6: Jungfrau region
Take the Luzern-Interlaken Panoramic Express train to spend the next two days in the Jungfrau region. (Note: due to storm damage, this route will be partially served by bus until November 26, 2024.) Should you not want to ride the bus, there are alternative routes available by train; just look at SBB for your options.
Interlaken: a charming town nestled between two beautiful lakes, Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. Explore the area for a more relaxed day. On the weekends (and also weekdays during certain holiday weeks), head to Beatus Caves for an underground cave experience. Legend has it that JRR Tolkien was inspired by the area before publishing Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.
🪂 For an active experience, try paragliding with the family.
If hiking and nature are more what you are looking for, Lauterbrunnen is a short train ride away. Explore this beautiful valley of “many fountains” (there are 72 waterfalls) and/or head up to Murren and Schilthorn or Wengen and Jungfraujoch. Be sure to check the cable car/mountain train schedules and weather beforehand as several have maintenance closures. Get a list of maintenance closures here.
For the second day in the area, head in the opposite direction to Grindelwald. Check out the village, head up to Grindelwald First, go for a Cliff Walk, and go hiking, sledding, and snowshoeing as desired.
🎿 I didn’t mention much about skiing/snowboarding, but all these areas will have easy access to ski areas. In addition to alpine skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing and “langlaufing” (cross-country skiing) are also popular. And there are also day spas and thermal baths for those who prefer something warmer.
Day 7: Zurich
For your last day, grab some last remaining gifts and souvenirs such as chocolate, Swiss Army knives (Victorinox shops like the one off Bahnhofstrasse offer engraving), and wooden handicrafts. Pro tip: for special gifts, Laderach and Sprungli are worth the splurge. But if you need to bring back a lot of chocolate, the Migros and Coop brands – Frey and Halba respectively – are pretty tasty and well-priced.
Time permitting, head up to Zurich’s own mountain, Uetliberg. Use the SBB app to plan your trip. At the end of the train ride, there is a 10-15 minute uphill walk (stroller accessible) to the top.
Don’t leave without trying these munchies
Finally, let’s talk about some food! There are munchies that are part of Swiss food culture, and some of them are only available in winter. Try some of these out while you’re in Switzerland!
Raclette – While fondue is the more famous export, raclette is the lesser-known dish that, in our opinion, is completely underrated. 😉 The fondue in Zurich is delicious, but there is more wine added to it than we are used to, so we find the kids don’t like the taste as much. If your kids (or you yourself) like melted cheese, then don’t miss trying raclette. You’ll find them in Christmas markets around town and on restaurant menus.
Grillables – For a quick bite to eat, stop by Sternen Grill for some Swiss classics like grilled bratwurst with their famous mustard and plenty of other (including vegetarian) options.
Roasted chestnuts – Roasted chestnut stands can be found all around town in winter. In Zurich, they will have the name “marroni” on them.
Sweet chestnut vermicelli – Chestnut lovers will enjoy a sweet version of chestnut! These treats can be found in bakeries and restaurants during winter.
Movenpick ice cream – There’s just something about Swiss milk! It may be cold outside, but that doesn’t stop us from getting some ice cream from Movenpick by the opera house.
Luxembergli – Head to Cafe Sprungli in Paradelpatz (or any Sprungli shop) for some mini macarons, which they call Luxembergli. We think their fruit-flavored ones in particular have bursts of flavor.
Hope this inspires you! If you need assistance on using SBB app and buying tickets, here is aguide on how to look up and buy tickets on the app, online, and at the kiosks.
If you would like assistance in tailoring this itinerary to your family or group’s needs, just contact us. We can personalize the activities so they are appropriate for the group’s ages and abilities. We don’t just book travel; we curate experiences!
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