Curator’s statement
Have you always wanted to experience a Swiss ski trip, but don’t have the budget for St. Moritz or Davos? If your budget is more Swatch than Rolex, don’t fret. There are plenty of ways to enjoy a winter holiday in Switzerland while being mindful of your finances. I recommend staying in a small town like Interlaken and going skiing in Grindelwald (only half an hour away by car or train). Here, you get a cozy, authentic experience of a Swiss winter wonderland without breaking the bank.
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Things to do in Switzerland
Interlaken and the nearby towns of Thun and Wilderswil are home to delightful Christmas markets from November through December. Enjoy gingerbread, cheese, hot chocolate, and some excellent souvenir shopping at these festive outdoor markets. Specifically, you’ll want to catch the annual Winterheart Interlaken, Wiehnachtsmarit Wilderswil, and Thun Christmas Markets.
After your shopping spree, enjoy Interlaken’s great sledding spots. Beautiful mountain scenery, cozy chalets, and fir trees, make Interlaken the perfect sledding backdrop. Rent the equipment and head to nearby Diemtigtal Nature Park for great sledding and gorgeous views.
Interlaken also offers multiple ice-skating rinks. Ice Magic in nearby Hohematte and Grabengut in nearby Thun (both venues rent ice skates) are ideal venues to practice your triple axels.
A quick train ride from Interlaken brings visitors to Grindelwald, home of the famous Eiger and Jungfrau mountains. Grindelwald boasts two main skiing areas: Grindelwald-Wengen and Grindelwald-First. In addition to great skiing, Grindelwald-Wengen offers toboggan runs and hiking trails, while Grindelwald-First is ideal for more advanced skiers and snowboarders.
Places to eat & drink in Switzerland
Chocolate shop in Interlaken
You’ve been skiing, skating, snowboarding, and sledding all week. You deserve a calorie reward! For your Swiss chocolate fix in Interlaken, don’t miss Läderach. The milk, dark, and white chocolate artworks found at this chocolate shop are perfect for indulging and gift-giving.
For traditional Swiss fondue, do the quick walk across the Aare River to the village of Unterseen. Here, you’ll find Fondue Villa & Garden, a restaurant that’s peak Swiss-charm. Enjoy both cheese and chocolate fondue (and don’t miss out on their hot chocolate).
For your fix of Gruyere, Emmentaler, and Appenzeller, head straight to Chäs Fritz, a Swiss cheese emporium like none other. You’ll also find jams, spreads, and other Swiss culinary delights so you can create the cheese plate of your dreams.
For Swiss dining with a mountain view, there’s the Panorama Restaurant Harder Klum (accessible via funicular). Look down on Interlaken and Unterseen as you enjoy some hot soup or rosti.
If all the wintry weather makes you crave carbs, there’s Da Rafmi for a nice plate of spaghetti or a risotto done just right.
Need to know
Language basics
Hello = Hallo
Goodbye = Auf Wiedersehen
Please = Bitte
Thank you = Danke
Where’s the bathroom? = Wo ist die Toilette? (pronounced “Vo Eest Dee”)
How much is it? = Wie viel kostet das?
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Switzerland page.