My husband and I will be arriving in Zurich on 23 December. We plan to go to both Zermatt and Interlaken and surrounds for our 8 day trip. Any ideas for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day? which of these locations would be preferable?
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17244 posts
It may come down to where you can find lodging. Zermatt is a ski area and a popular destination at Christmas. Most places have a week minimum, and those that do not are likely already booked. So I would look for lodging there first, take what is available, and then look in the Interlaken area or elsewhere (Lauterbrunnen?) to fill in the rest.
Posted by
Germany, Germany
813 posts
Also agree with the accommodations, you'll be lucky to find something. Also, keep in mind, everything will be closed Christmas Eve, but restaurants are usually open Christmas Day. Just like for New Year's Eve, many hotels have required meal packages with their stay at that time also, where you have to buy their special (75-150Euro per person) dinner.....since there's no restaurants open then, you don't have much choice.
Posted by
OP
Costa Mesa
3 posts
Thanks for the heads up. I was able to find availability in Zermatt at Alpenhof hotel over the holiday. Should i just book it asap? (will we be able to get any Christmas dinner ;-))
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17244 posts
Good work! If you are OK with the price, I would book and then proceed with your other plans from there. The Alpenhof is a nice hotel, well-located near the river and the bottom of the Sunnega lift. It looks like they have availablity through Christmas day. You might ask what arrangements can be made for dinner-whether it is required you eat in the hotel, how much, etc. Hotel restaurnats in Switzerland are, as a general rule, very good, so if the half-board price is not bad that would be a good option. Otherwise, there are lots of restaurants in Zermatt, and you should be able to find out which are open for dinner on Christmas. since the whole town is a ski resort and geared up for visitors, I suspect you will have other options beside the hotel if you want them. The train ride to Zermatt from Zurich airport is not bad, with the new Basistunnel. Sounds like a wonderful holiday!
Posted by
OP
Costa Mesa
3 posts
Fantastic. Expensive, but done. And booked the Hotel Bellevue in Interlaken for the rest of the trip. Should be good home base for some skiing! Thanks for your help and let us know if there's anything we should see!