Summer vs Winter in Switzerland
Switzerland is a popular holiday destination – for both short breaks and long, but there’s much more to the Alpine nation than you may first think – if you can get past clichés about chocolate, skiing and world class watches.
Best known for its powder-soft snow, exciting slopes, wide range of winter sports and cosy chalets, the Central European country is landlocked – nestled in between Italy, France, Germany, Austria and Liechtenstein; this makes Switzerland officially multi-lingual and a fascinating country that’s influenced by its many neighbours. Home to beautiful lakes, mountains, forests, and quaint countryside villages, as well as bustling cities stacked with arts, culture and history, it’s an excellent year-round destination thanks to its natural beauty and fantastic transport system.
So, is Switzerland better in winter or summer? We compile the best things to do in each season to help you decide whether to book a stay at a Swiss ski resort or visit in the sunshine months. Call us today on 0800 0856 846 to plan your Switzerland holiday!
Winter
Take the scenic route: There are no seasonal restrictions on taking the train but, although the Swiss countryside looks plenty scenic when it’s lush and green, it’s an all-together different experience to glide through the Alps while everything is covered in a sparkling blanket of snow. A quintessential Switzerland winter break experience, you’ll be spoiled for choice with railway routes that twist and curve while providing mesmerising mountain views. If you take one of the nation’s most famous journeys, on the Glacier Express, you can dine and drink at your own pace while taking in the sights – as you’re carried from the bottom of the majestic Matterhorn glacier to the alpine Engadine valley, in a leisurely eight or so hours.
Be cheesy: Arguably Switzerland’s most famous meal, fondue is best consumed after a chilly day on the slopes and it’s a decadent dinner worth sharing. Dip whatever you want into your puddle of gooey, melting cheesy goodness – although the traditional dish of Emmental and Gruyere is usually consumed with chunks of crusty bread and followed with a shot of Calvados. You’ll want to choose somewhere the locals go for a truly authentic experience, which means you’ll find the best of this delicacy during the snowy months.
Soak it up: Try out one of Switzerland’s rejuvenating thermal baths, such as the Mineral Baths & Spa Rigi-Kaltbad, to relax and rest your weary feet after winter sports adventures. Bathing in steaming hot water after being out in the cold all day is hard to beat, and these baths, situated on top of Mt Rigi, are best reached by cable car. Once you’re up there, you can unwind with spectacular views from the outdoor pool, and lounge in an indoor herbal sauna.
Make a run for it: You don’t just have to stick to your skis and snowboards while in Switzerland; you can also embrace your inner child and go tobogganing too. One of the nation’s most famous toboggan runs is the Preda-Bergün route, which also happens to be Europe’s longest flood-lit run at 6 km – it’ll see you shoot dramatically through the Albula Valley towards your destination, Cool Runnings-style. You’ll have to use the Rhaetian Railway to get there but you can hire a toboggan on site. It’s not quite the same as using your plastic sledge…make sure to hold tight.