Festive Christmas Highlights of Switzerland - 10 Days

Highlights

• Visit famous Christmas markets in major cities from Geneva and Zürich
• Wander the cobbled streets of Bern's UNESCO-listed Old Town
• Learn the secrets to making Switzerland's famous cheese and chocolates
• Travel up mountains on cable cars and explore high-altitude glaciers 

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Bern, Cheese Tour & Christmas Markets

Welcome to Switzerland! You're visiting at the right time—this Central European nation is at its most charming during the holiday season. The Alpine peaks and valleys are blanketed in snow, winter sports are abundant, and the cities and towns are alive with the Christmas spirit. You'll arrive in Bern, the nation's capital and epicenter of Swiss culture and history.

At the airport, a driver will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel. Before embarking on Christmas-themed adventures, you'll first participate in a Swiss-centric activity: a cheese workshop. During this one-hour experience, you'll discover the history of Emmentaler. Not only is this the quintessential "Swiss" cheese (complete with holes), but it's one of the best cheeses anywhere in the world. Learn about its over 800 years of history as you visit production facilities and maturing cellars to see where 200-pound wheels are aged. And don't worry—samples are included.

Later, you'll venture into Bern's famous Old Town (Altstadt) to tour one of the most well-preserved medieval centers in Europe. All along the cobbled streets of this UNESCO-listed enclave, you'll find the city's most iconic landmarks, from the 13th-century Zytglogge clock tower to the Einstein House, where the German-born physicist lived from 1903 to 1905. However, during Christmas, this area comes alive with holiday markets, which pop up at various locations. You'll visit some of the best in Old Town, including Waisenhausplatz, which features craft, gift, and food stalls to keep you busy for hours.

Day 2: Train to Lausanne, Mountain Cable Car & Christmas Market

Rise and shine! This morning, you'll transfer to the station and board a train for the 1.5-hour ride southwest from Bern to Lausanne. Switzerland's fourth-largest city enjoys a scenic location on Lake Geneva and is famous as a hub for all things Olympics. It's home to the Olympic Museum, which celebrates the history and culture of The Games. Scenic vineyards and Alpine peaks also surround the city.

Once you've checked into your hotel, you'll discover this natural beauty on a scenic ride east from Lausanne to the resort town of Gstaad. There, you'll board the Glacier 3000, a cable car that will take you on a journey up to the Scex Rouge mountain station at 9,650 feet (2,940 m). Here, you'll be treated to panoramic views of no fewer than 24 snowcapped summits, including Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau, the Matterhorn, and even Mont Blanc in the distance.

After returning to Lausanne, get back in the holiday spirit with a trip to Lausanne's Christmas market. You'll quickly discover that most cities and towns in Switzerland offer some festive variation of a Christmas market, often located in Old Town Lausanne is no different, and you'll stroll the colorful streets of its historic center, browsing market stalls offering everything from traditional arts and crafts to treats like roasted chestnuts, fresh gingerbread cookies, and glühwein (mulled wine). You can also feel free to lace up the skates for some time on the ice.

Day 3: Train to Geneva, Christmas Markets on the Lake

Leave after breakfast on a one-hour train trip around the lake to Geneva. Sitting on the shores of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) and surrounded by the Alps and Jura mountains, is a global city in the most literal sense. This lakefront metropolis is a diplomatic hub that's home to the European headquarters of the United Nations.

Like many cities in Switzerland, Geneva also boasts a well-preserved Old Town. After checking into your hotel, you can visit this area to explore the maze of narrow streets and historic buildings. Highlights include St. Peter's Cathedral, the 12th century Maison Tavel (Switzerland's oldest house), and Place du Bourg-de-Four, a lively square with cafés and shops.

This is another opportunity to visit the enchanting markets that pop up in the city this time of year. You'll find a great Christmas market at Place de la Fusterie, near the Old Town. Browse the vendor stalls as you snack on tasty tidbits like waffles, raclette (melted cheese), and artisanal Swiss chocolates. Also, be sure to hike down to Jardin Anglais, a waterfront park that hosts a Christmas market complete with a carousel and holiday-themed pub perfect to whet your whistle. 

Day 4: Train to Montreux, Château de Chillon Tour & Christmas Market

The morning kicks off with a 1.5-hour train ride from Geneva to Montreux. Located on the northeast end of Lake Geneva, this resort town is famous for its scenic beauty and pleasant climate. All around Montreux are UNESCO-listed vineyards and historic castles.

Speaking of which, after checking into your hotel, you'll head out to visit the star of the show: Château de Chillon. Located just south of town, this medieval fortress dates to the 12th century and dominates the waterfront. On a private guided tour, you'll explore the imposing towers and fortified walls and even venture underground to hidden passageways and a prison.

You'll be pleased to learn that in a country with no shortage of gorgeous Christmas markets, Montreux has one of the prettiest. After the castle, you'll visit the market, which is located on the town's lakeside promenade. Later, you'll return to your hotel and will have the evening free.

Day 5: Day Trip to Vevey & Cooking Class

After breakfast, you'll transfer north along the lakeshore to the adjacent town of Vevey. Here, at a local culinary workshop, you'll learn to cook regional gourmet cuisine alongside an expert chef. It's an excellent opportunity to learn sophisticated culinary techniques as you prepare a multicourse meal. Once the cooking is complete, you and your instructor will sit down and feast on your creations.

You'll also have the option to visit the Alimentarium. This unique museum enjoys an idyllic lakeside location, but the real treat is what's inside: various interactive exhibits that cover a wide range of topics related to food, nutrition, and the cultural aspects of eating. Highlights include artifacts and an educational vegetable garden. Afterward, you'll return to your hotel in Montreux. 

Day 6: Train to Lucerne, Chocolate Workshop & Christmas Markets

Transfer to the station in the morning for the three-hour ride north from Montreux to Lucerne (known locally in this German-speaking region as Luzern). Sitting on the shores of the eponymous lake and backed by snowcapped peaks, this city is the perfect hub for nature excursions. It also boasts many cultural attractions, which you'll discover during your stay.

Start with a visit to the workshop of a famous chocolatier. During this one-hour experience, you'll learn the secrets to creating the perfect praline. Not only will you get to make your own mouthwatering confections, but you can decorate them as you wish. Snacking is expressly permitted!

Then, it's a return to the streets to check out the joys that Lucerne's Christmas markets have in store. During this time of year, the Old Town area is transformed into a Christmas wonderland, complete with wooden cottages and the largest Advent wreath in central Switzerland. At this market, you can browse handcrafted items like art and jewelry as well as pop in at food stalls and a "fondue chalet," which abounds with cheesy delights.

Day 7: Day Trip to Bürgenstock Alpine Spa

Time for some pampering! Meet your driver in the morning for the short ride out of Lucerne to Bürgenstock Alpine Spa. Perched high on Bürgenberg mountain overlooking Lake Lucerne, this luxurious spa is part of the Bürgenstock Resort, which is renowned for its world-class amenities. You'll have the entire day to avail yourself of these facilities, which include a handful of pools and saunas. Also on offer are body treatments like massages as well as facials. At the end of the afternoon, you'll transfer back to Lucerne.

Day 8: Day Trip Up Mount Titlis & Glacier Activities

Get ready for another exhilarating mountain adventure, as this morning, you'll transfer south to the storybook Alpine town of Engelberg. There, you'll board a series of cable cars for the ride up to the top of Mount Titlis. A highlight of this scenic journey involves riding the Titlis Rotair, a revolving cable car that offers wraparound views of glaciers and mountain peaks. 

Eventually, you'll arrive at the station atop Mount Titlis, which sits at 9,934 feet (3,028 m). Here, you can visit a restaurant and enjoy your meal amid magnificent views of the Swiss Alps. After eating, explore Glacier Cave, a fascinating ice cave with sculptures and tunnels carved into the Titlis Glacier. Other highlight attractions in this winter wonderland include the Titlis Cliff Walk suspension bridge and a ride on the Ice Flyer open-air chairlift. Later, you'll return to Lucerne.

Day 9: Train to Zürich, Christmas Markets & Fondue Party

Leave in the morning on a quick 45-minute train ride to Zürich. Though most famous as the financial heart of the country, Zürich offers more than just commerce. At the Zürich Main Station train terminal, for example, you'll find one of the largest indoor Christmas markets in Europe. It offers over 160 wooden stalls and stands where vendors sell handicrafts and food. Soaring above the bustle is the market's real highlight: a 32-foot (10 m).

After spending the first part of the day browsing Zürich's indoor and outdoor Christmas markets, you'll embark on a brief city tour later in the afternoon. Highlights include a stop at a local chocolate shop and a ride up a cable car to a mountaintop restaurant. There, amid sunset views, you'll enjoy a four-course meal that includes one of Switzerland's culinary staples—cheesy fondue!

Day 10: Depart Zürich

You've hit the highlights and browsed Switzerland's most festive Christmas markets. Now it's time to pack up the memories, gifts, and souvenirs and head home. After breakfast, meet your driver for the transfer to Zürich's airport, where you'll catch your departing flight. Safe travels!

More Great Switzerland Itineraries 

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Switzerland? Check out these other Switzerland itineraries, explore different ways to spend 10 days in Switzerland, or discover the best time to visit Switzerland.