Curator’s statement
Switzerland, while most see it as a smaller European country, it has a lot to offer during the winter months. From skiing to traditional cheese fondue, each little town brings it's own culture and offers activities for the whole family.
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Where to stay
Altstadt Hotel Krone Luzern
Immerse yourself in the historic charm and modern comforts of Altstadt Hotel Krone Luzern, where timeless elegance, convenient location and warm hospitality create an exceptional stay in the heart of Lucerne's Old Town.
Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Q
Embark on an adventure-filled stay at BaseCamp Hotel & Apartments, where stylish accommodations, modern amenities and a prime location offer a comfortable and exciting experience in the heart of your destination.
Hotel Chesa Languard
Discover alpine charm and breathtaking mountain vistas at Hotel Chesa Languard, where cozy accommodations, warm hospitality and a serene ambiance invite you to experience an unforgettable retreat in the heart of St. Moritz, Switzerland.
ibis Styles Bern City
Experience vibrant city living and modern design at Stay Kooook City Bern, where stylish accommodations, convenient amenities and a central location create a welcoming and comfortable stay in the heart of Bern, Switzerland.
Ruby Mimi Hotel & Bar
Indulge in the chic and eclectic ambiance of Ruby Mimi Hotel & Bar, where contemporary design, a lively bar scene and personalized service combine to offer a unique and vibrant experience in the heart of the city.
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Day 1: Lucerne
If flying into Zurich, hop on the train and head to Lucerne. Starting off in this beautiful little city, you can ride across the entire lake (for free if using a rail pass) where drinks and snacks are available for purchase. Taking the boat a short ride to Stans, go atop The Stanserhorn, a mountain that the top is reachable via cable car. Walk across the famous Chapel Bridge and view the internal paintings that cover the roof. If the weather permits, take the worlds steepest cogwheel railway up to Mount Pilatus to catch the view of Lucerne. Depending on overall trip, the Swiss Travel Pass should be purchase which not only includes rail/boat fares but also may include free or discounted excursions.
Day 2: Top of Europe
From Lucerne, travel to Interlaken for two days. Here you can visit the famous "Top of Europe" in the Jungfraujoch region which I highly recommend. The trek from the city center does take quite some time, so do be sure to leave early enough that allows you enough time to explore each of the different exhibits at the top. Their website has a helpful planning tool that maps out each train time you should aim to follow for a smooth day.
Day 3: St. Beatus Caves
For the second day in Interlaken, you can take a funicular to Harder Kulm or if you opted out of "Top of Europe" you can visit the more accessible Schilthorn. If you've had your fill of mountain tops, you can travel underground and visit St. Beatus Caves which are accessible via a short bus ride.
Day 4: Matterhorn
In Zermatt, you must see the Matterhorn up close and personal! The Gornergrat Train takes you to the observatory where you can learn more about the infamous Toblerone candy logo. The city is small so take some time to get fresh mountain air and relax with a great view.
Day 5: "Glacier" Express to St. Moritz
If your budget allows, take the official "Glacier" Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz. If not, you can take the route on public transportation, but this option will take up the entire day. If going the self created route, be sure to map out the train path that crosses over the Landwasser Viaduct.
Additional days
With any remaining time, spent it in Zurich and Bern making sure to walk and see both cities in full. The Bern Zoo is a nice pastime and be sure to check out the Lindt Home of Chocolate which includes unlimited (yes, you heard me) samples with the price of a tour.
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Travel Advisor
Alanna Zappariello
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For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Ashtin Robison’s guide, A Guide to Winter Magic in Zermatt, Switzerland.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Switzerland.