Viking Christmas Market Journey: Zurich to Amsterdam in 11 Days

Zurich is a city that shines in the winter, with twinkling lights reflecting off the Limmat River and the scent of mulled wine filling the air. Begin your festive adventure with a visit to the Lindt Home of Chocolate, an immersive experience where you’ll walk beneath a 30-foot-tall chocolate fountain, learn about Switzerland’s rich chocolate-making history and indulge in tastings of some of the world's finest confections. This is an unmissable stop for any chocolate lover and the perfect way to ease into the holiday season. Afterward, explore Bahnhofstrasse, one of Europe’s most luxurious shopping streets, which dazzles with holiday lights and high-end boutiques.

As the evening sets in, dive into the holiday spirit at Zurich’s Christkindlimarkt, one of the largest indoor Christmas markets in Europe, located inside the main train station. Here, the centerpiece is a magnificent Swarovski Christmas tree, adorned with thousands of crystals. Continue to the Wienachtsdorf Christmas Market at Bellevue, known for its charming wooden chalets offering Swiss delicacies like raclette and handmade crafts. End the night with traditional Swiss fondue in a cozy Alpine-style restaurant like Swiss Chuchi Restaurant, warming up with a glass of Glühwein before heading back to your luxurious accommodations.

Switzerland’s train system is a marvel, and today’s journey from Zurich to Zermatt proves exactly why. With a seamless transfer en route, the experience feels effortless — Swiss trains truly do run like clockwork. As you settle into your seat, the world outside transforms into a real-life snow globe, with frost-laced trees, alpine villages dusted in white and deep blue lakes shimmering under the winter sun. Arriving in Zermatt on a clear day is a rare gift, so without wasting a moment, head straight for the Gornergrat Railway, a scenic cogwheel train that climbs to over 10,000 feet, offering breathtaking views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks. The crisp air and untouched snow create an ethereal atmosphere, making this the perfect welcome to the Alps.

After soaking in the stunning panoramas, descend back into Zermatt’s charming village and check into your luxury apartment, where sweeping views of the valley stretch before you. The property includes a private thermal spa, where the steamy waters provide a serene escape while still offering breathtaking views of the snowy rooftops below. As evening falls, take a leisurely stroll through Zermatt’s pedestrian-friendly town, where twinkling lights frame historic wooden chalets, creating an almost cinematic holiday setting. Enjoy dinner at a mountain-view restaurant, indulging in truffle fondue and a glass of crisp Valais white wine, before retreating to your cozy suite for a well-earned night of relaxation.

After an exhilarating arrival in Zermatt and a visit to the Matterhorn via the Gornergrat Railway, today is all about slowing down and fully immersing yourself in the serene beauty of the Alps. The morning begins with a luxurious surprise — a local host discreetly enters your apartment and sets up an extravagant Swiss breakfast spread in the kitchen. Freshly baked pastries, artisan cheeses, Alpine-cured meats, jams, fruit and rich Swiss coffee make for a feast worthy of a five-star hotel, but with the comfort and privacy of your own space. As you sip coffee while looking out over the snow-covered village, there’s no rush — just the quiet charm of mountain life unfolding outside.

The rest of the day is spent wandering the charming streets of Zermatt, stopping into boutique chocolate shops, high-end outdoor outfitters and cozy cafés serving steaming mugs of hot cocoa. If relaxation is on the agenda, the private thermal spa in your apartment offers a blissful retreat. Enjoy soaking in the steamy waters while watching the sun set over the village rooftops, casting a golden glow over the snow. For dinner, opt for a cozy fondue experience at a local chalet-style restaurant, indulging in a classic cheese fondue paired with crisp white wine from the Valais region. The day winds down with a peaceful walk through the twinkling village streets, breathing in the crisp, pine-scented air — the ultimate Alpine winter escape.

The morning begins with one last gaze at the Matterhorn, standing tall against the crisp Alpine sky, before boarding the train for Basel. The journey is nothing short of cinematicv — passing through snow-dusted valleys, frozen lakes and picturesque Swiss villages that look like they belong in a Christmas postcard. With each passing mile, the Alpine peaks gradually soften into rolling hills, leading to the urban elegance of Basel, Switzerland’s cultural capital. The Swiss train system continues to impress, running with effortless precision, making for a seamless and stress-free travel day.

Upon arrival, Basel welcomes you with sleet and misty winter air, adding an atmospheric charm to the medieval streets. After settling into your luxury riverside hotel, an afternoon of rest is in order — perhaps a warming cup of tea while watching the rain drizzle against the windows. As evening falls, umbrellas in hand, you head to Basel’s famous Christmas Markets at Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz, where twinkling lights reflect on the wet cobblestone streets. Despite the damp weather, the market’s warmth comes from glowing wooden stalls, the scent of roasting chestnuts and the comforting steam of mulled wine. Cozying up in a chalet-style hut with a Basler Läckerli (spiced honey gingerbread) and a mug of Glühwein is the perfect way to end the night.

The day begins with a pilgrimage to Christmas heaven — Johann Wanner Christmas House. Nestled in the heart of Basel’s old town, this legendary boutique is a dream for Christmas lovers, offering hand-blown glass ornaments, traditional nutcrackers and shimmering baubles in every color imaginable. Christmas is my passion, and glass ornaments are my obsession, so stepping into Johann Wanner felt like entering a personal wonderland. With its floor-to-ceiling displays of exquisite holiday décor, it’s nearly impossible to leave without an armful of treasures. Each ornament feels like a small, delicate memory of this magical trip — one that will sparkle on the tree for years to come.

After securing my Christmas keepsakes, it was time for one last festive stroll through Basel’s Christmas markets. Despite visiting the markets the night before, today brought a fresh experience of flavors and generosity, as vendors eagerly passed out samples of their delights — from freshly baked Basler Läckerli to warm, golden potato pancakes with applesauce. The midday air was filled with the scent of cinnamon, roasted nuts and sizzling sausages, creating the perfect farewell to Switzerland’s festive charm. In the afternoon, we boarded our Viking river cruise, greeted with warm drinks, cozy staterooms and the excitement of the journey ahead. As the ship prepared to set sail, the city of Basel faded into the mist, and a new adventure began — drifting toward the heart of Europe’s most enchanting Christmas markets.

The morning unfolded in a dreamlike haze — a thick veil of fog clung to the riverbanks, muting the world into soft grays and silvers. The only sounds were the gentle hum of the ship’s engine and the rhythmic splash of water as we glided toward Breisach. Cold air wrapped around us like a woolen cloak as we stepped onto the deck, watching as the silhouettes of hilltop churches and half-timbered houses slowly emerged from the mist. It was the kind of moody, atmospheric morning that made you want to curl up in Viking’s Explorer’s Lounge, hands wrapped around a steaming mug of coffee, watching the world awaken through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Breisach itself was charming, but the real magic lay just beyond, in the depths of the Black Forest — a land of shadowed evergreens, winding trails and fairy-tale folklore. The scent of pine, damp earth, and chimney smoke filled the air as we ventured into the misty woods, where cuckoo clocks ticked inside cozy workshops and artisans blew delicate glass ornaments over roaring furnaces. In a tucked-away café, we warmed up with a thick slice of Black Forest cake, its layers of kirsch-soaked chocolate sponge and whipped cream melting on the tongue like a winter indulgence. Some travelers chose to explore further, hiking deeper into the forest’s labyrinth of trees, while others lingered in the small villages, collecting handmade wooden toys and traditional nutcrackers. As the fog thickened once more, we made our way back to the ship, where the warmth of the lounge, flickering candles and the promise of another exquisite dinner awaited. This is what river cruising is about — gliding effortlessly between worlds, one misty morning at a time.

The morning mist slowly lifted as we drifted into Strasbourg, the self-proclaimed ‘Capital of Christmas.’ Even from the ship, the city radiated holiday magic — church spires and half-timbered houses wrapped in garlands, market stalls glowing beneath twinkling fairy lights, the air thick with the scent of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine. Stepping ashore, we found ourselves in the heart of Alsace, where French and German influences blend seamlessly, creating a city that feels like it was plucked straight from the pages of a holiday fairytale.

What sets a Viking river cruise apart is the way it effortlessly immerses you into each destination — there’s no rush, no stress, just the quiet luxury of stepping off the ship and finding yourself in another world. Unlike larger ocean liners, Viking’s smaller, more intimate experience allows you to dock in the heart of historic cities, making it easy to wander through Strasbourg’s charming streets without long transfers or crowds. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärik, one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in Europe. Nestled beneath the towering Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, the market was a feast for the senses — rows of wooden chalets offering hand-painted ornaments, spiced bredele cookies and fragrant bundles of cinnamon and dried oranges. The Gingerbread Man stall was a personal favorite, with oversized, beautifully decorated pain d'épices wrapped in ribbon. Vin chaud (Alsatian mulled wine) warmed our hands as we wandered past carolers and twinkling trees, savoring a freshly baked flammekueche (Alsatian tarte flambée). In the afternoon, we strolled through the picturesque Petite France district, where medieval houses leaned over cobbled canals, their balconies draped in festive wreaths. The evening ended back on the Viking ship, where the chef prepared an Alsatian-inspired feast — duck confit, tarte flambée and a perfectly crisp Riesling to toast another magical day of Christmas markets.

The morning greeted us with frosted vineyards and misty riverbanks as our Viking Longship glided into Rüdesheim, a charming Rhine Valley town known for its wine, music and old-world charm. After days of bustling Christmas markets in larger cities, Rüdesheim offered a more intimate, small-town holiday experience. Viking, as always, made the arrival effortless — docking right at the heart of the town, allowing us to step off the ship and into the magic within moments.

The first stop was the famous Drosselgasse, a narrow, cobblestone street lined with half-timbered wine taverns, twinkling lights and Christmas stalls selling everything from ornate cuckoo clocks to steaming mugs of Rüdesheimer Kaffee — a local specialty of brandy-infused coffee topped with whipped cream. The holiday spirit was alive and well here, with vendors offering generous samples of roasted almonds, gingerbread, and Riesling wine. We spent the morning exploring the charming boutiques and festive market before visiting Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet, a quirky, one-of-a-kind museum showcasing elaborate self-playing instruments, from massive fairground organs to delicate music boxes. The blend of history, craftsmanship and hauntingly beautiful melodies made for a mesmerizing stop.

Back on board, Viking kept the festive spirit going with holiday-themed activities that made the cruise feel like an extension of the Christmas markets themselves. Guests gathered in the lounge for a lively game of “Name That Christmas Tune”, followed by a friendly Christmas trivia competition that sparked laughter, a little bit of rivalry and plenty of mulled wine-fueled cheer. As the ship set sail, we settled in for an evening cruise through the breathtaking Rhine Gorge, where medieval castles and twinkling villages dotted the hillsides like a holiday postcard. Wrapped in blankets with a warm glass of glühwein in hand, we toasted to another unforgettable day on this magical journey.

The morning began with a breathtaking sail through the Middle Rhine, one of the most magical stretches of the journey. Fog clung to the riverbanks as towering castles emerged from the mist, perched high above the vineyard-covered hills. The Viking crew provided a perfect start to the day — warm blankets, steaming mugs of glühwein and quiet commentary that made the scenery come alive. Every bend of the river revealed another storybook fortress, from the legendary Marksburg Castle, one of the few untouched by war, to the ruins of Rheinfels Castle, standing as a silent guardian over the Rhine. Then came the famous Lorelei Rock, where Viking’s program director shared the legend of the siren who lured sailors to their fate — a hauntingly beautiful story to match the dramatic landscape.

By midday, we arrived in Koblenz, where the Moselle and Rhine Rivers meet at the famous Deutsches Eck (German Corner). The town was alive with Christmas spirit, its market stalls glowing beneath the half-timbered houses. Unlike the sprawling markets of larger cities, Koblenz’s Christmas market felt intimate and inviting, with cozy chalets selling handmade wooden crafts, steaming bratwurst and delicate glass ornaments. The scent of roasted chestnuts and spiced nuts filled the air as we sipped Apfelwein (hot spiced apple cider) and indulged in freshly baked stollen. Some guests took the cable car up to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, offering panoramic views of the Rhine, while others opted for a leisurely stroll through the festively decorated old town.

As night fell, we returned to the Viking Longship for yet another evening of holiday festivities. The lounge was buzzing with live German folk music, and the Viking chefs prepared a special Middle Rhine-themed dinner featuring regional wines, hearty stews and, of course, more Christmas treats. With the glow of Koblenz’s Christmas market still reflecting on the river, we raised a toast to another enchanting day of castles, Christmas and the effortless luxury of a Viking Christmas cruise.

This morning, we awoke to the towering spires of Cologne Cathedral piercing through the winter sky, a sight so breathtaking it momentarily made us forget about the chill in the air. Viking had us docked in the heart of the city, allowing for an effortless stroll straight into one of Germany’s most magical Christmas experiences. Cologne is home to multiple Christmas markets, but the one that immediately stole the show was the market beneath the cathedral, where the scent of roasted nuts, gingerbread and mulled wine mixed with the grand, Gothic beauty of the UNESCO-listed Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral).

As we wandered through the charming wooden stalls, we couldn’t resist sampling Cologne’s famous Reibekuchen (crispy potato pancakes served with applesauce) — a must-try market specialty. The vendors were warm and welcoming, offering samples of local chocolates and spiced cookies that made it nearly impossible not to leave with a bag (or two). We then made our way to Heinzelmännchen Market, inspired by Cologne’s folklore of house elves. This was a personal favorite, with medieval-style stalls selling handmade wooden toys, twinkling glass ornaments and artisan cheeses from across the region. Every turn of the city seemed to sparkle with Christmas magic, from ice skaters gliding beneath strings of fairy lights to carolers singing in the crisp December air.

A scheduling change meant we had the rare opportunity to spend the evening in Cologne as well, fully immersing ourselves in the festive glow of the markets after dark. The Elf Market (Heinzels Wintermärchen) took on an even more magical quality in the evening, with thousands of twinkling lights illuminating the old town, casting a golden glow over the timber-framed stalls. This was also where we discovered some of the best ornaments of the trip — delicate hand-blown glass baubles and intricately carved wooden nutcrackers, perfect additions to our ever-growing collection of Christmas treasures. As we made our way back to the ship, arms full of market finds, the Cologne Cathedral stood illuminated against the night sky, a breathtaking farewell to one of the most enchanting stops on the journey.

The morning greeted us with a change of pace— Dordrecht, a picturesque Dutch town with a different kind of winter charm. Unlike the festive, twinkling Christmas markets of Germany, Dordrecht was quiet, subdued and wrapped in the stillness of a cold December morning. The Viking ship glided into port under a pale gray sky, the canals lined with elegant gabled houses reflecting softly in the water. There were no bustling holiday markets here, no mulled wine stands or gingerbread stalls — just the peaceful beauty of a historic Dutch town at winter’s edge.

Despite the contrast to previous days, Dordrecht’s charm revealed itself in the calm of its cobbled streets, the soft ripple of the canals and the warmth of its small cafés. We wandered through the old town, admiring the 13th-century Grote Kerk (Great Church), its Gothic tower standing watch over the city. The streets, though quiet, held their own treasures — antique shops filled with Delftware, cozy bookstores and a few hidden bakeries offering fresh stroopwafels. The cold air carried the scent of fresh coffee and warm pastries, inviting us to linger indoors and savor the moment. As the afternoon settled in, we returned to the ship, where the cozy lounge and Viking’s signature hospitality welcomed us back from the cold. With steaming cups of Dutch hot chocolate in hand, we reflected on the journey so far — from the magic of the Christmas markets to the quiet beauty of Dordrecht.

The final morning aboard the Viking Longship arrived far too soon. As the ship gently pulled into Amsterdam, the city’s iconic canals, gabled houses and cycling commuters signaled that our Christmas market cruise had come to an end. Disembarkation was as effortless as the entire journey had been — Viking’s signature touch of seamless luxury and warm hospitality made saying goodbye to the crew feel almost bittersweet. Over the past week, the ship had become a home, a sanctuary of glühwein, holiday cheer and unforgettable views of Europe’s winter wonderland.

But the adventure wasn’t over yet! With a few extra days to explore, we checked into our Amsterdam hotel, swapping river views for charming canal-side streets. The city, while not as overtly festive as the German and French markets, still carried a cozy holiday ambiance — golden fairy lights strung over bridges, ice skaters gliding across Museumplein and the scent of fresh stroopwafels filling the air. Over the next few days, we indulged in sightseeing, Dutch cuisine and one last round of Christmas shopping before heading home, our suitcases now considerably fuller — packed with ornaments, holiday treats, and memories of a journey unlike any other.