I posted a similar question on the Swiss site, but had no responses, so I'm hoping I get a wider audience here. [The RS site won't let me post the same query under two areas.]
We will be visiting Bern and Basel for Christmas markets this year, based in Basel. What other Swiss cities would be good candidates for a winter visit, especially if the weather doesn't cooperate? I'm particularly wondering about Lucerne. I loved it in late Sept., but if it's too cloudy for Mt. Rigi or Mt. Pilatus, what less-weather-dependent activities would you suggest? Thanks so much.
Posted by
8176 posts
We lived in Augsburg, Germany for four years and enjoyed the Christmas Markets in Bavaria. Still, with the weather what it is (cold) and it gets dark that time of the year at 4:30, we have no interest in flying to Europe at that time of the year.
Getting to your question. We have been to Switzerland, Austria and the German alpine region during the Christmas season.
That was go go skiing. We frequently encountered poor road conditions due to ice and snow. Still, the Christmas markets are open prior to Christmas, which is usually prior to heavy snow.
Still, in some of the higher elevations in Switzerland, getting around can be a problem. Almost got stuck in St. Moritz one year.
Lucerne is a great place, not sure how good the Christmas market is. I suggest Bavaria for the Christmas markets.
Posted by
OP
San Diego, California
5538 posts
Thanks for your input. We will also be going to some of the German Christmas markets : Stuttgart, Rothenburg, and outside of Frankfurt.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
You might get some ideas at https://www.museumspass.ch/en/. If you have a Swiss Travel Pass, then it also covers this list of museums (on your counted travel days). Last time in Lucerne, did you see the Swiss Transport Museum (half price with rail pass) or the Rosengart Collection (which I enjoyed last year)? Basel-Zurich is also one hour by train, same as the timing to Bern or Luzern,
Posted by
New York, NY
4066 posts
Winter in Switzerland -- and you don't ski? :-(
Visit Zurich. Visit St Moritz (went as a teen and LOVED it). Visit Lausanne.
Posted by
Bern, Switzerland
1034 posts
Well personally I would not go to Bern for a Christmas market and only live about a half an hour away...perhaps others can sing it’s praise.
Posted by
8176 posts
When I lived in Augsburg, the Bavarians bragged that Bavaria had the best Christmas Markets in Germany. Not sure about that today. I know Bavaria has the best beer fests.
Posted by
Portland, OR
1123 posts
I believe the city of Luzern has a Christmas market webpage that states something to the effect that Luzern doesn’t have a Christmas market, they ARE a Christmas market. We were there mid December a couple of years ago and I can attest to that. The whole town.....