(late November through early April)
Switzerland is an all season destination – with the country`s mesmerizing landscapes which are beautiful whole year through. My personal favourite being Spring (April – June), Autumn (September – early November), and Winter (late November – March) in that order. Just that summer (July and August) feels super warm to do outdoor activities for me, nevertheless the landscape is still very pristine and beautiful.
It is tough to find a place not to like in Switzerland – Michele Bachmann
There is a certain charm to Swiss winters – Alpine towns white washed with snow, standing in a sundeck snugly holding a warm mug of apple punch with a crunchy rösti by the side, watching the skiers and snowboarders glide through the fresh powder snow. There is a certain magic to the Christmas lights glowing amidst the backdrop of giant snow capped peaks and wooden chalets holding centuries worth of stories.
From Luxury Ski resorts, warming up in fire places in cozy restaurants dipping into melting fondue to a leisure snow shoe hikes in well manicured snow trails, Swiss winter caters to all categories of travellers and age groups.
Here are my favourite things to do in Winter
Zermatt
Zermatt tops the list for me with its stunning view of snow clad Matterhorn. Zermatt can be one of those places where you can take a short day trip to enjoy couple of its highlights or experience the place over a week. Zermatt is a car free town, the best option is to take a train to Zermatt from any city/ town in Switzerland or alternatively you can drive upto the town Tasche (the last town leading to Zermatt where you can reach by car), from there get a train to Zermatt. When in Zermatt,
Best view of Matterhorn
- Visit Gornergrat for excellent views of the Matterhorn, Duforspitze (the tallest mountain in Switzerland) and over 25+ 4000m peaks.
As you come out of the Zermatt train station, right opposite is the ticket counter to purchase mountain train tickets to the Gornergrat. From 12pm onwards, there is a 25% discount in the ticket prices to go upto the Gornergrat. The cogwheel train takes you to over 3100 m above sea level, all through with scenic view of the Alps.
Luxury – There also is a wonderful option of staying at the Gornergrat Kulm hotel, where you can watch Matterhorn and other Alps through sunrise, sunset and the star studded night sky.
Budget (only in comparison to the Luxury option, given there is hardly anything budget about Switzerland) – You can spend a few hours at the Gornergrat, soaking in the mountain views and get a meal and warm drink at the sun terrace or restaurant at the Kulmhotel before heading back to the town of Zermatt or explore other attractions nearby.
2. Kirchbrucke (translating to churchbridge) is another great spot to watch Matterhorn from the Zermatt village if you are not planning on going to Gornergrat.
Kirchbrucke bridge shows the face of Matterhorn facing eastwardly direction, thereby making it a perfect spot to watch the first rays of sun light up the Matterhorn in a crimson glow. So beautiful to watch, despite the freezing temperature outdoors.
3. Visit the Zermatt Matterhorn viewpoint located on top of Mürni hill to capture some amazing pictures and videos of Zermatt. It is a 10-15 min. walk from the Zermatt train station. Try visiting the place both during daylight as well as when dusk sets in for a magical view of Matterhorn and the Zermatt town. It is open through the day and is free to visit.
For the curious mind – History and Interesting facts
4. Take a walk through the Hinterdorfstrasse to experience the old town of Zermatt lined with houses, stores and stables built during 16th to 18th century.
Like me, if you are more than just a pretty landscape person and are curious to know more about history, culture and people who created impact in the topic of mountaineering in Zermatt, then
5. Visit Zermatlantis – The Matterhorn museum. It shows Zermatt’s development from a village of mountain farmers to a world-famous alpine resort. Original houses and interiors, recreations of the inhabitants and former mountain explorers.
Food and Culture
6. As a vegetarian, I enjoyed the many option we had at Fuchs Bakery and Bistro for breakfast / brunch. Their menu is wide with exciting regional Valais special dishes also for vegetarians.
As one of the souvenir from Zermatt you can choose to take with you – Matterhörnli (Matterhorn shaped chocolates with decadent filling that change with season) or the Mountain guide bread loaded with nuts and dry fruits – healthy and delicious!
The Indian Traveller blog 