10

Beautiful Cities and Villages in Switzerland in Winter

Located beneath the legendary Matterhorn, Zermatt is one of Switzerland’s most stunning winter destinations. This is a car-free village, known for wooden chalets, clean air, and picture-perfect streets. Here, you can ski or snowboard at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, go hiking on snowy trails, or enjoy panoramic views from the Gornergrat Railway. With a Zermatt tour package, you can also explore the charming Christmas market and cosy cafés serving hot chocolate with views of the Alps. If you are looking for winter fun, you can take part in ice skating or sleigh rides. As the sun sets, the village sparkles under twinkling lights, making it one of the most magical places to visit in Switzerland during winter.

Why Visit: Car-free alpine village at the base of the iconic Matterhorn, offering skiing, cozy cafés, and panoramic winter views.

Winter Temperature Highlights:

Winter daytime highs typically range between -10°C and +2°C in Zermatt. 

Must-Do Experiences:

• Ride the Gornergrat Railway for sweeping Alpine vistas.

• Explore the Christmas markets in Switzerland and charming cafés beneath the Matterhorn.

• Try sleigh rides, ice skating, and enjoy fresh snowfall in the surrounding winter terrain.

Located between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Interlaken is a paradise for winter adventurers. The town is surrounded by snowy peaks such as the Jungfrau and Eiger, providing incredible views and endless activities. You can go snowshoeing, snowboarding, or skiing, or try winter paragliding for a unique experience. For panoramic glacier views, you can also enjoy a scenic train ride to Jungfraujoch, the “Top of Europe”, a part of many Interlaken tour packages. In the town, you can explore charming shops, stroll along the lakeshores, or enjoy fondue in a cosy chalet restaurant. Interlaken also hosts winter festivals like Interlaken Ice Magic or the SnowpenAir Concert to enjoy. 

Why Visit: Adventure-filled town nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.

Winter Temperature Highlights:

• Winter daytime temperatures generally range between approx. -5°C and 1°C.

• Average lows in the coldest months drop to around 8°C.

Must-Do Experiences:

• Ride to the “Top of Europe” at Jungfraujoch for panoramic winter views.

• Try snowshoeing, skiing, or paragliding over snowy valleys.

• Explore festive Christmas markets and cosy cafés in the town centre.

Grindelwald is a fairytale-like alpine village surrounded by towering mountains, including the Eiger, making it one of the top villages to visit in Switzerland in winter. You can walk along the First Cliff Walk by Tissot for breathtaking views or take the Grindelwald First Cable Car to enjoy panoramic sights of the snow-covered peaks. Another must-do is riding the cable car to Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest railway station. Travellers booking a Grindelwald tour package can also explore the Glacier Canyon and ice sculptures while visiting this famous city. It is known for world-class snowboarding and skiing, and if you are a non-skier, you can enjoy snow hiking, sledding, or horse-drawn sleigh rides through the valley. The mountain backdrop, wooden chalets, and glowing lights of the village make it look magical. 

Why Visit: A charming alpine village surrounded by the Eiger and Wetterhorn peaks, ideal for winter hiking, skiing, and cable-car adventures.

Winter Temperature Highlights:

• Average winter highs range between -2°C and 2°C, while lows drop to -8°C to -10°C. 

• January is the coldest month, with an average low of -9°C. 

Must-Do Experiences:

• Take the First Cliff Walk by Tissot for thrilling alpine views.

• Ride the cable car to Jungfraujoch—Europe’s highest railway station.

• Go sledging or snowshoeing, or visit the Glacier Canyon’s ice sculptures.

Travel Tip: Expect variable mountain weather with clear mornings and snowfall by evening. Dress in thermal layers and wear anti-slip boots for hiking trails.

One of Switzerland’s most beautiful valleys, Lauterbrunnen, is known for its 72 waterfalls that freeze beautifully in winter. This scenic village is surrounded by cliffs and snowy peaks, giving a peaceful ambience. Many Lauterbrunnen tour packages include taking cable cars to nearby resorts like Mürren and Wengen for skiing and panoramic views. You can also explore Staubbach Falls, even in its icy form, or walk along quiet trails lined with wooden chalets. Lauterbrunnen is also known as a base for visiting the Jungfraujoch and Trümmelbach Falls. The crisp mountain air and snow-dusted scenery make Lauterbrunnen a magical winter hideaway, perfect for those who love nature and Swiss mountain charm.

Why Visit: Nestled in a deep valley with 72 waterfalls, Lauterbrunnen is a peaceful base for winter hikes and access to alpine resorts like Mürren and Wengen.

Winter Temperature Highlights:

• Typical daytime highs are around 1°C to 3°C, while nighttime lows reach -7°C to -10°C.

• The crisp winter air often makes it feel colder in the open valley.

Must-Do Experiences:

• Explore Staubbach Falls and Trümmelbach Falls in their frozen glory.

• Take a cable car up to Mürren for panoramic winter views.

• Enjoy quiet snow trails and wooden chalets dusted in white.

Travel Tip: Bring snow boots for slippery paths and plan short day trips before sunset, as the valley loses sunlight early in winter.

St. Moritz is one of the most glamorous cities in Switzerland, popular for its world-class winter sports, elegance, and sunshine. Situated in the Engadin Valley, the town is well-known for snowboarding, skiing, and ice skating on frozen lakes. Here, you can watch the famous White Turf horse races or enjoy snow polo on Lake St Moritz. With St. Moritz tour packages, you can take part in running or admire stunning alpine views on the Corviglia and Corvatsch slopes. Off the slopes, you can relax in thermal spas, explore designer boutiques, or ride the scenic Bernina Express through snowy landscapes. With luxury hotels, cosy cafés, and a lively après-ski scene, St. Moritz is also famous for its breathtaking scenery.

Why Visit: Iconic winter-sports resort in the Engadin Valley known for luxury, high-altitude snow, and alpine elegance.

Winter Temperature Highlights:

• Average high temperatures in January are around 5.1°C, and lows are about -15°C. 
• In general winter day temperatures may be around 10°C, with nights dropping to around 20°C in some cases. 

Must-Do Experiences:

• Ski or snowboard on the renowned Corviglia and Corvatsch slopes.

• Witness snow polo or horse races on frozen Lake St. Moritz.

• Relax in high-end spas and soak in the snowy Alpine setting.

Travel Tip: Book accommodation early for peak winter events; prepare for extremely low night?time temperatures with serious insulation.

It is a calm and car-free alpine village, located above the Lauterbrunnen Valley, where you can admire some of the most breathtaking winter views. Surrounded by the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks, the village is suitable for winter sports such as sledding, skiing, and snowboarding. You can enjoy the famous Lauberhorn World Cup ski race, held every January, attracting visitors from around the world. In Wengen, you can enjoy snowshoe walks through quiet forest trails or take a cable car to Männlichen for panoramic mountain views. After a day outdoors, you can enjoy Swiss fondue with a view or relax in cosy mountain lodges. With its charm, calm atmosphere, and stunning alpine scenery, Wengen is the prettiest village in Switzerland.

Why Visit: A serene, car-free alpine village overlooking Lauterbrunnen Valley, known for family-friendly skiing and sweeping mountain panoramas.
Winter Temperature Highlights:

• Average highs range between 3°C and 2°C, while lows can drop to -10°C in January.

• The village stays cooler than Lauterbrunnen due to its higher altitude (1,274 m).

Must-Do Experiences:

• Watch or join the annual Lauberhorn World Cup Ski Race in January.

• Take the cable car to Männlichen for stunning alpine views.

• Enjoy snowshoeing through forest trails or try night sledding.

Travel Tip: Pack sunglasses, as the bright snow glare at high altitudes can be intense even on cloudy days.

The capital of Switzerland, Bern, transforms into a magical city where snow-covered rooftops and glowing lights create a cosy, festive charm. One of the most charming cities in Switzerland, it is known for its beautifully preserved medieval Bern Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can walk through the historic arcades, explore the Bern Cathedral, or admire the Zytglogge Clock Tower. Book a Bern Tour package to combine your visit with Waisenhausplatz, where you can see the Christmas Market filled with dazzling lights and local crafts. While roaming around the city, you can visit the Einstein House, enjoy panoramic views from the Rosengarten, or warm up in cozy cafes. You can also have peaceful winter walks in the Bear Park and River Aare paths.

Why Visit: The Swiss capital combines medieval beauty with festive winter charm, featuring UNESCO-listed Old Town streets and warm cafés.

Winter Temperature Highlights:

• Daytime highs in winter average around 0°C to 5°C, with lows of -4°C to -6°C.

• January is the coldest month, averaging -1.6°C. 

Must-Do Experiences:

• Stroll beneath the arcades of Old Town and visit the Zytglogge Clock Tower.

• Enjoy Bern’s Christmas Market at Waisenhausplatz for gifts and mulled wine.

• Visit the Bear Park and Rosengarten for snowy city views.

Travel Tip: Carry heat-retaining gloves and a thermos; exploring Bern’s open squares and cobbled lanes can be chilly with the breeze from the River Aare.

Set along the shores of Lake Geneva, Montreux offers a mild yet magical winter experience with panoramic views of the snow-covered Alps. The town is known for hosting the Montreux Market, one of the best Christmas markets in Switzerland, where you can enjoy local food and festive stalls. You can explore the medieval Château de Chillon or take a scenic walk along the flower-lined lakeside promenade. Many Montreux tour packages include the cogwheel train to Rochers-de-Naye, where you can enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, and panoramic views of the lake and mountains. If you are a music lover, you can visit the Freddie Mercury Statue or enjoy live performances.

Why Visit: Lakeside resort on Lake Geneva, framed by vineyards and snow-covered Alps, known for its Christmas markets and music legacy.

Winter Temperature Highlights:

• Average highs are 4°C to 7°C, and lows are around -1°C to 1°C, making it one of the mildest Swiss winter destinations. 

• January averages 4.5°C during the day. 

Must-Do Experiences:

• Visit the Montreux Christmas Market, one of Switzerland’s best.

• Explore Château de Chillon and the lakeside promenade.

• Take the cogwheel train to Rochers-de-Naye for skiing and views.

Travel Tip: Winter weather is milder but still windy near the lake; layer light wool or fleece and enjoy outdoor cafés facing the Alps.

Davos, one of the highest towns in Europe, is a famous Swiss winter destination known for its world-class ski resorts and alpine beauty. In winter, the town transforms into a snowy paradise, with over 300 km of ski slopes spread across six areas. In Davos, you can enjoy tobogganing, snowboarding, skiing, or riding the Parsenn funicular for scenic mountain views. If you're an art lover, you can visit the Kirchner Museum, which is a cosy indoor escape. The town also hosts the World Economic Forum every January, attracting visitors from across the world. With spas, mountain lodges, and vibrant après-ski spots, Davos is a popular destination to explore.

Why Visit: One of Europe’s highest towns and a premier Swiss ski destination offering vast slopes, spa resorts, and world events like the World Economic Forum.

Winter Temperature Highlights:

• Average January highs hover around 3°C, with lows near -13°C. 

• Temperatures can fall below -20°C at higher elevations and during night hours. 

Must-Do Experiences:

• Ski or snowboard across over 300 km of slopes in six resort areas.

• Visit the Kirchner Museum or unwind in luxury spas.

• Ride the Parsenn funicular for breathtaking mountain panoramas.

Travel Tip: Davos’ dry mountain air can dehydrate quickly—stay hydrated, apply lip balm, and wear layered thermal clothing.

Lucerne sits beside Lake Lucerne, surrounded by snow-covered mountains, making it one of the most popular cities to visit in Switzerland in winter. Here, you can stroll across the historic Chapel Bridge, explore the Old Town’s medieval streets, or admire the Water Tower. You can also take a boat cruise on the calm winter lake or ride the cogwheel railway up Mount Pilatus for sweeping alpine views. Lucerne’s Christmas Market at Franziskanerplatz is a must-see for gifts and local treats. For a memorable experience, book a Lucerne tour package and relax in a lakeside restaurant or warm up with Swiss fondue while watching snowflakes fall. Known for its nature and culture, Lucerne is an ideal winter escape for visitors who seek both city life and mountain serenity.

Why Visit: Picturesque city beside Lake Lucerne, framed by snow-dusted mountains and rich in culture and heritage.

Winter Temperature Highlights:

• Typical winter temperatures range from approx. -2°C to 5°C in the city. 

• In December the average high is around 4.3°C, and the average low is near -1°C. 

Must-Do Experiences:

• Walk the historic Chapel Bridge and Old Town under a winter sky.

• Take a boat cruise on Lake Lucerne with snowy peaks reflecting off the water.

• Visit the Franziskanerplatz Christmas Market for seasonal treats and crafts.