Ah, Switzerland, land of the Alps, jaw-dropping plateaus and winter vistas.
But are gorgeous mountains and snowy sights all there is to this tiny, gorgeous nation?
Of course not. In fact, the Swiss actually have a number of charming cities that only get more attractive during the winter! One of these cities is Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland and a good contender for one of the best places to spend a white, snowy winter at.
Not exactly sure what to do? Well, here is a list of 5 winter activities to make sure your Zurich stay is a fun wintery time, arranged by month!
December
Christmas Markets
We start at the cool first breaths of winter in December, landing right in the middle of the festive Christmas season. Here in Zurich, that can only mean one thing―it’s famous Christmas markets!
Zurich’s streets and town squares are transformed into bustling centers of Christmas commerce, offering shoppers plenty of Christmas trinkets, gifts and of course―food! Expect to savor plenty of local Swiss fare such as cheeses, sausages and mulled or spice wine!
Related: 8 Crazy Diverse Asian Winter Foods
Once you’ve eaten your fill, take a stroll and enjoy the mesmerizing Christmas trees, lights and other decorations!
Don’t forget to snap a pic when Santa rides past you in the Jelmoli Märlitram, a charming crimson tram decorated in the festive Christmas spirit! Or listen to the singing Christmas tree at Werdmühleplatz singing some classic carols!
Lake Zurich
Want to sample more sights? Then take a boat cruise around Lake Zurich, which offers unparalleled views of the city along with the almost ghostly Alps looming above it.
If you prefer a bird’s eye view, then head up to the Felsenegg viewpoint with a thrilling cable car ride, where you’ll be rewarded with a commanding view of Lake Zurich and the city itself!
Related: Austria’s 5 Must-visit Cities
January
Mount Uetliberg
Next comes January, the peak of Swiss winter with heavy snowfall and biting winds. For those who live for thrilling snow activities, there’s no better time to visit!
For hikers, you can climb up the nearby snow-covered Uetliberg Mountain to get picture perfect winter views of Lake Zurich and the Swiss Alps. But keep an eye on the trail, because during winter, it transforms into a sledding trail!
After reaching the peak, why not ride a toboggan and slide past a magical forest filled with frozen trees of pure white?
Want a winter hike that’s closer to home? Then try out the quarries and ridges of Mount Nokogiri, Japan.
Skiing
Zurich is also pretty close to some excellent ski slopes, most taking only 90 minutes or so by public transport. Have some family friendly fun at the Sattel-Hochstuckli and Atzmännig or get a little wilder at the Mythenpark!
Ice lovers, don’t fret, because Zurich’s ice skating is just as good as its skiing! One such place is the Dolder Open-Air Ice Rink, one of the oldest rinks in Europe built in the 1930s! Its wide space and facilities make it easy to learn for beginners.
But for grand beauty, you simply can’t beat the Live on Ice Küsnacht rink at the Romantik Seehotel Sonne hotel. Its comfy mood is achieved with trees in and around the ring bathed in amber lighting.
February
Hot Chocolate
In February, Zurich starts to heat up as winter comes to a close, but the cold is still real!
To help warm yourself up, make sure to try out some of Zurich’s classic winter delicacies, particularly the toasty “Heisse Schoggi” or hot chocolate. These rich and comforting drinks are served in cafes or specialty stores alongside delicious pastries such as buns and cookies.
Another seasonal food enjoyed in Zurich is the fondue, a classic Swiss dish where you dip bread and vegetables into a bowl of melted cheese mixed with wine. Many seasonal restaurants serve this savory dish during winter, so don’t forget to try them out!
Besides hearty winter food, February is also the time for festivals in the Swiss calendar, most notably the Fastnacht festivals. These festivals usually take the form of large celebrations to celebrate the coming of spring and the beginning of Lent, a period where Christians traditionally fast to commemorate the 40 days Jesus fasted.
In Zurich, Fasnacht typically involves participants parading through cities and towns dressed in colourful costumes, makeup and masks.
Music also features heavily, with bands playing music deliberately out of tune to drum up a festive and cheery atmosphere! Make sure to take some videos and snapshots of this unique local festival!
So that was a quick look at stuff to do in Zurich during the three months of winter. As you can see, winter is not an off-season at all when it comes to this charming city.
Still looking for more cool winter destinations? Check out our other articles on the best winter towns around the world and the best countries to experience winter on each continent!
