Starting in Zurich taking trains to Grindelwald, maybe Zermatt, Basel then to Colmar, Strasbourg, Paris and fly home. 2 weeks, ideas about hotels, restaurants, or if we should stay in Colmar and Strasbourg? We mostly are going for the beauty of the markets and not interested in buying a lot of things especially if not locally made. Anyone that has done a winter trip any ideas welcome. We were wanting to do the Glacier Express but with the weather being so unpredictable we are thinking we should just do the regular trains. Thank you!
Posted by
Bend, Oregon
2570 posts
We went to the Alsace area for Christmas markets in early December. We stayed in Strasbourg because the prices in Colmar were much higher at the time we started planning (August). I would stay in Colmar if you can, and if you plan to stay for at least 3 nights (preferably not a weekend). This will give you time to go to Strasbourg - be sure to stay until it gets dark (4:30ish). The city is so beautifully decorated. You can also visit the surrounding villages for their markets. Be sure to check hours, as some are only open on weekends.
Be prepared for serious crowds at the markets on weekends and at night. More crowded than shoulder to shoulder. Especially around the stalls that sell food. If this doesn’t appeal to you, go early in the day. Most markets open around 10-11, and are much more pleasant during the day. That’s also why it’s nice to stay for a few days, so you aren’t limited as to how much time you can spend there.
Make reservations for meals. On our day in Colmar, not a single restaurant was taking walk ins for lunch. We tried several! We ended up eating at the covered market.
Switzerland isn’t as known for its markets, and I don’t know if Grindelwald even has any. But it’s a beautiful place.
Be aware that many of the markets in the Alsace are end on Dec. 23. Many shops & restaurants will close early on the 24th, and be closed on the 25th and 26th (holidays).
Posted by
OP
Maineville Oh
40 posts
Thank you for the advice, we plan to find a hotel soon and will make reservations for meals. I don’t think Grindelwald will have anything but we only got a short visit the last time we were in Switzerland. Hoping to see snow on the mountains.