Switzerland offers travelers a perfect mix of adventures and cultural experiences in winter. For those planning things to see and do in Switzerland in January, this comprehensive guide covers everything from historic cities to Alpine excursions, with practical tips to maximize your winter visit.
Whether you’re watching the sunset in the Bernese Alps or sampling artisanal cheeses in a historic mountain dairy, winter in Switzerland offers experiences that can’t be replicated elsewhere. Here’s a Switzerland travel guide for the best activities this January.
Quick Planning Essentials:
- Cheap flights to Switzerland are often available in January (except peak ski weeks)
- Best arrival airports: Zürich, Geneva, or Basel for easy access to major Switzerland attractions
- Swiss Travel Pass (8 days: CHF 419) covers most tourist attractions in Switzerland
1. Sip Wine from a Medieval Fountain in Zürich
Photo from Zurich Tourism website
In Zürich’s historic core, the Münsterhof Fountain performs an almost mythical transformation during winter festivals. This 15th-century monument, one of 1,200 fountains dotting the city, dispenses wine instead of water, a tradition that hearkens back to medieval celebrations. Join a 2-hour-long guided tour to discover this and other fountains while learning about the city’s remarkable water engineering heritage.
Getting There:
- From Zürich HB: 8-minute walk
- Nearest tram stop: Paradeplatz (lines 2, 11)
- Nearest parking: Parkhaus Opera
2. Discover Contemporary Art at Plateforme 10
Photo from Platforme 10 website
Lausanne’s ambitious cultural district, Plateforme 10, represents Switzerland’s contemporary artistic pulse. Housing three museums under one roof — Musée Cantonal des Beaux-Arts (MCBA), Photo Elysée, and the Museum of Contemporary Design and Applied Arts — it offers shelter from winter winds while showcasing everything from Chaplin’s cinematic legacy to cutting-edge installations. These cultural venues represent some of the best things to do in Switzerland, offering insights into the nation’s rich heritage while providing shelter from winter weather.
Getting There:
- 2-minute walk from Lausanne main station
- Bus lines 1, 3, 21 (stop: Gare)
- Underground parking available (CHF 3/hour)
3. Experience the Legendary Bernina Express
The UNESCO-listed Bernina Express delivers Switzerland’s most spectacular rail experience. The 4-hour journey crosses 196 bridges and traverses 55 tunnels while climbing the dramatic Bernina Pass. January travelers enjoy stops at scenic points like the Alp Grüm. If available, choose the right-side seats (odd numbers) as these provide optimal views of the Morteratsch Glacier.
Getting There:
- Chur to Tirano: 4 hours
- St. Moritz to Tirano: 2.5 hours
- Connection to Lugano available
4. Trek the Scenic Simmental Valley Trail
Listed among notable tourist attractions in Switzerland, the Simmental Valley’s 12-kilometer winter trail showcases traditional Swiss alpine life in its most serene season. Local guides offer tours combining wildlife spotting with visits to historic farmhouses and cheese-making demonstrations. If you don’t have trekking gear, rental equipment, including spikes and poles, is available in Lenk.
Getting There:
- From Bern: 2 hours by train
- From Interlaken: 1.5 hours
- Regular PostBus service available
5. Experience Rhine Falls in Winter
Europe’s largest waterfall transforms into a spectacular ice palace during January. Due to the weather, boat tours at Rhine Falls are only available from April to October, but you’ll still have access to a viewing platform to get up close to the enchanting Rhine Falls. The falls are beautifully illuminated after dusk, providing a spectacular view, except on full moon nights.
Getting There:
- From Zürich Airport: 45 minutes
- From Schaffhausen: 10 minutes
- Schloss Laufen parking available
6. Explore Switzerland's Best-Preserved Medieval Town
To make the most of your trip, visit the medieval town of Stein am Rhein after the Rhine Falls tour. Stein am Rhein is a living museum where winter frost adds an ethereal quality to its famous painted facades. Daily guided walks reveal how these architectural masterpieces have survived centuries of Alpine winters. The best time to visit is during the early morning tours, which offer optimal lighting for photography.
Getting There:
- From Zürich: 1 hour by train
- From Schaffhausen: 30 minutes by regional train
- Free parking at P+R Bahnhof
7. Take a Cozy Tuk-Tuk Tour Through Geneva
Photo from Welo Swiss website
For unique things to do in Geneva, Switzerland, electric tuk-tuks offer a novel way to explore the old town. These intimate tours include stops at historic chocolatiers, artisanal bakeries, and cozy wine cellars. If you have extra time, add cheese tasting to this gastronomic experience. Sunset tours (4 PM) offer the most atmospheric experience.
Meeting Location:
- Place du Bourg-de-Four
- Near St. Pierre Cathedral
- Multiple pickup points available
8. Discover Ticino's Mediterranean Winter
Adding variety to your Switzerland itinerary, Ticino’s Italian-speaking paradise offers a fascinating contrast where palm trees meet snowy peaks. A Ticino day trip from Zürich includes first-class rail travel, guided walks through historic towns, and an authentic risotto cooking class. Local guides share hidden spots for photography and cultural insights. Book the Swiss Travel Pass in advance for 25% savings on local excursions and pack layers if you’re traveling in January, as temperatures can range from 35°F to 59°F (2°C to 15°C) throughout the day.
Getting There:
- Direct trains from Zürich (3.5 hours)
- Milan Malpensa Airport (2 hours)
- Regular boat services on Lake Lugano
9. Make Your Way Through Entlebuch Biosphere
Photo from Switzerland Tourism website
Among the lesser-known but remarkable things to do in Switzerland in January, Switzerland’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve offers a perfect mix of natural wonders and family-friendly adventures. Entlebuch spans 400 square kilometers of mystical moorlands, Alpine pastures, and the towering Schrattenfluh mountains. It earned its reputation as Lucerne’s “Wild West” and became a UNESCO model biosphere in 2011.
Many paths are suitable for families with strollers, and the main attractions offer rest areas and family facilities. Winter equipment rentals include child-sized options and pull-sleds.
Getting There:
- From Lucerne: 45 minutes by train
- Regular PostBus connections
- Free parking at the visitor center
10. Master Swiss Chocolate Making
Photo from Switzerland Tourism website
Completing our list of things to do in Switzerland is an exclusive chocolate-making experience at one of Lucerne’s most prestigious family-owned chocolatiers. Aeschbach Chocolatier, established in 1972, invites chocolate enthusiasts for a comprehensive 3-hour private workshop. You learn the art of tempering, molding, and hand-dipping chocolates, sample over 100 varieties during an exclusive tasting session, and create your own chocolate bar.
Getting There:
- 5-minute walk from Lucerne station
- Near Chapel Bridge
- Parking at the Altstadt parking garage
Takeaway
The destinations and experiences in this Switzerland travel guide showcase a mix of indoor and outdoor activities during the winter season. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly activities in the Entlebuch Biosphere, romantic evenings watching illuminated waterfalls, or hands-on experiences with master chocolatiers, Switzerland in January offers enriching experiences for every interest and budget.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to get around Switzerland in winter?
The Swiss Travel Pass (CHF 419 for 8 days) is your golden ticket to seamless travel. It covers trains, buses, and even many mountain lifts. While driving is possible, winter road conditions can be challenging, especially in mountain passes.
Are restaurants and attractions open in January?
Most major attractions maintain regular hours in January, though some mountain railways operate reduced schedules. Restaurants in tourist areas stay open, but small-town establishments might have limited winter hours. Always check official websites for current schedules.
Is January a good time to visit Switzerland?
In January, travelers enjoy lower accommodation rates, especially outside ski resorts, making it budget-friendly. With fewer tourists, major attractions are more relaxed and enjoyable. However, daylight hours are shorter, so plan indoor activities for the late afternoons.
Can I see the Northern Lights in Switzerland?
While rare, aurora borealis sightings are possible in northern Switzerland during January. However, don’t plan your trip around this – focus on the guaranteed spectacular winter scenery instead.
What's the ideal budget for a Swiss winter adventure in January 2025?
Switzerland caters to all budgets. Budget travelers can spend CHF 150-200 daily on hostels and self-catering, while mid-range travelers should budget CHF 250-350 for comfortable hotels and dining. Luxury experiences start from CHF 400+ daily.
How can I maximize a 3-day trip to Switzerland?
Focus on two destinations: Interlaken and Lucerne. In Interlaken, enjoy the Brienz Rothorn Railway and Lake Brienz. In Lucerne, try chocolate-making workshops, explore the old town, and visit Mount Pilatus. Stay in Lucerne and take a day trip to Interlaken to maximize your experience.
Which Swiss cities offer the best value?
Zürich and Geneva excel in culture but have higher costs. Interlaken and Lucerne provide perfect mountain access with mid-range prices. Basel and Bern offer budget-friendly options with excellent transport connections. For a unique experience, consider Lugano for its Mediterranean charm or St. Gallen for its historic atmosphere.
What winter gear is essential for Switzerland in January?
Pack smart with these essentials: Waterproof winter boots, thermal base layers, insulated winter coat, warm accessories (hat, gloves, scarf), and swimwear for thermal baths. Many hotels partner with gear rental shops to save luggage space by renting heavy winter equipment on arrival.
When are attractions open during Swiss winters?
Most major attractions maintain regular winter hours (typically 10 AM – 6 PM), though mountain facilities depend on weather conditions. Museums often offer extended hours on Thursdays. Christmas markets run through early January. Note: Daylight hours are limited (8:30 AM – 4:30 PM), so plan outdoor activities accordingly.
What are the unmissable winter experiences in Switzerland?
Must-do winter activities include riding the scenic Bernina Express, exploring medieval towns like Stein am Rhein, experiencing the illuminated Rhine Falls, joining chocolate-making workshops in Lucerne, and discovering the UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch. For unique experiences, try the heated tuk-tuk tours in Geneva or wine tasting at Zürich’s medieval fountains.
