We have an opportunity to visit Switzerland end of November into early December/2026. We have never been and thinking of going to Bern ( that one is for a conference so it’s a must),Zurich, Grindewald and Vienna. That’s what I was thinking. Also thinking of starting in Vienna to go to Christmas markets and making our way via train. Also thinking 3 weeks with more places to visit along the way. My question is, is this a tough time of the year to go given the cold weather? Really want to see the mountains and lakes and spend time walking trails and exploring. Not against the snow and cold, just not sure if it’s the best time. Please let me know your thoughts. Pros and cons? I appreciate your input!
Posted by
UK (London - Chelsea Harbour)
460 posts
Will you be driving at all? Switzerland knows how to deal with snow, so I wouldn’t be worried on that count. Rent an SUV (with chains) and go for it! Otherwise, the trains (which you mention) should work perfectly despite winter weather (unless there is a horrendous blizzard - which is getting less likely with climate change).
In Vienna the Christkindlmarkt starts November 15. https://www.visitingvienna.com/sights/christmasmarkets/rathausplatz/
Most Christmas markets start mid-November, in fact, so you should find yourself in a cozy fairyland of twinkling holly jolly Festzeit cheer!
Just wear layers (the indoor heating can get a little robust), and remember your thick socks. I predict you will have a blast!
Posted by
OP
Canada
3 posts
No I don’t think we will be driving. Thinking the train is best. Thanks so much for your response and your link. We are Canadian so looking at doing Eurarail. Any other tidbits you have for me, would truly appreciate!
Posted by
Los Angeles
5434 posts
Europe has gone rather Christmas-market crazy these days, since they've discovered it's found money outside normal tourist season. Just about every country advertises they have the best, you can find articles of lists on the internet. I suggest you watch some youtube videos of Vienna markets to see what it's like in the snow. We were to some in Strasbourg and it was just the same stuff over and over and over at each stall.
I wouldn't think hiking would be realistic, unless you're willing to stroll through Lauterbrunnen or Murren or such and call it that.
Posted by
Alsenborn, Germany
2361 posts
It's ski season. it will be busy and the trains will be full of folk with long packages. If you don't mind the cold it's a good time. I don't know if I'd do the Eurail pass, but that's because I tend to think point to point. You need to see what country specific passes are available.
I spent 5 days in Zurich last DEC. I disliked the main Christmas market in the train station, but the one in the courtyard of the Landesmuseum was nice. There's a lot to see, but the weather sucked when I was there.
And for Vienna, look in the Austria forum for Emily's input.
Posted by
SEA
26 posts
We just flew into Zurich and out of Rome. We did a 3 week trip with our family of 4.
I dont think you need a Eurorail pass...
Italian train travel is generally inexpensive. Book your longer routes ahead of time to get the best price (when you go city to city or head to Switzerland).
Depending on how long you are in Switzerland and how much travel you will do then some of there passes are worth it. Watch some Alpin in the Alps youtube videos. They have several on various pass options.
We used a half fare card in Switzerland. We left Luzern and headed to Brescia. We used the Swiss Half fare card (on the SBB) app and that covers your Italian leg of the journey. I can't remember if it allowed my husband to purchase the full length of the trip on the SBB app or if he booked from the boarder town to Brescia on the Italian train app...either way it's very simple.
Posted by
OP
Canada
3 posts
Thank you to all! You have given me great starting points and suggestions!
Posted by
San Diego, California
6740 posts
Bern has some charming Xmas markets, but overall the Swiss markets are smaller than the German markets. Except- right across the border from Basel are the magical French markets of Strasbourg/Colmar, which are incredible.
The cold isn't an issue if you dress correctly, but do plan for cold rain, maybe a poncho, rain pants, and waterproof shoes. We brought hand warmers for our gloves. We liked having hotels in the city centers, so we could go back midday to put our feet up and warm up. However, the cold didn't dampen our enthusiasm and fun!
Hiking is generally for the very tough Swiss at this time of year.
Book hotels early 2026. We found some lodging fully booked by June, especially on the weekends.
Have a magical trip!
Posted by
East Coast USA
128 posts
We have been going to Switzerland annually in the Winter for a few years now because my husband is a skier. Yes, he enjoys cold and snow! Your time period of travel is a bit early for the ski season, which does not really take off until mid-December or so, depending on snowfall and conditions. Prices can be very high during the holidays, and some ski towns have minimum stay requirements (like one week hotel bookings.). Luckily you will be traveling before then, but it is true that the Christmas markets have become a very popular way to attract tourists. However, hiking options are much more limited because the weather is transitioning, and many places actually close down.
Well, you have more than a year to plan, so you can easily do plenty of advance research.
You need to consider your interests and map out a sample itinerary. Decide if you want a one-way route or a more circular route. Will you fly in and out of Zurich? You could spend all three weeks just in Switzerland, which appears to be your travel priority. Do you like snow and mountains? Pretty lakes? Historic castles? Big cities and museums? Small towns?
Yes, even though we have driven in many countries in Europe, we almost always travel by train in Switzerland. The SBB train website is easy to learn. Vienna to Zurich is an all-day train ride, and you pass through other parts of Austria, as well as Germany.
I happen to really like Vienna more in warmer weather, and it is a fabulous river cruise stop. So, if it is not a must-see right now, I would perhaps save it for the future. Otherwise, I would try to incorporate at least Munich and Salzburg along the way (although Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of my favorite towns, and Neuschwanstein Castle is always a must-see).
Grindelwald is small, and easy to tour in a few days. The lake towns of Lucerne and Montreux are quite lovely. Famous St. Moritz is known as a jet set town, and from here the fabulous Glacier Express train travels to Zermatt, another well-known ski town with the stunning Matterhorn mountain.
Here is a website with many resources:
Have a wonderful trip!
Posted by
San Diego, California
6740 posts
I'd also consider the Strasbourg markets. I found this city to be the most beautifully decorated town that I've ever visited. It's true Xmas magic with all the lights and decorations.
Have a great time!
Posted by
4 posts
Since you're talking about traveling by train, you should look into purchasing a Swiss Travel Pass. The pass can only be purchased by non-residents of Switzerland. You can purchase the pass in several increments (the longest is the 15-day pass). The pass covers unlimited travel on the Swiss Travel System - trains, buses, boats, and cable car (I believe). On our trip several years ago the pass also provided free entrance to a large number of museums and public buildings. A terrific value.