Winter in Zurich? These 10 activities are worth bundling up for
Winter in Zurich is like stepping into a living snow globe—cobbled streets under twinkling lights, the scent of roasted chestnuts in the air, and lake views surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
But Zurich in winter isn’t just a pretty postcard. From centuries-old Christmas markets to relaxing rooftop spas, the city offers a range of memorable experiences for every kind of traveller.
So, bundle up, grab your mittens, and let’s dive into the top winter activities that make both locals and visitors fall in love with Zurich year after year.
1. Explore the Zurich Christmas markets
@switzerland Experience the magic of Christmas in Zurich @VisitZurich 🎄 Visits the christmas markets, ride the Märlitram, enjoy the Illuminarium and enjoy the Singing Christmas Tree. #christmasinZurich #fyp #zurich #switzerland #traveltok #IneedSwitzerland #citychristmas
♬ Winter Melody – Jacob’s Piano
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Website: https://www.zuerich.com/en/sightseeing-activities/shopping/christmas-markets
Location: Held in various locations in Zurich
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Christmas Eve: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Pricing: ₣₣
I spent nearly every day of December last year wandering the Zurich Christmas markets, and I must say, it gets better each time. The Christkindlimarkt inside the main train station is like a real-life snow globe.
There’s a tree full of Swarovski crystals surrounded by stalls selling raclette, gluhwein, and ornaments. The one at Sechseläutenplatz is a more spacious area and has open-air fondue chalets, which are always a crowd favourite.
The Old Town Market, based on my experience, was a pure delight, with its cobblestone lanes, medieval architecture, and handmade crafts.
Each market has its charm, and holiday shopping in Zurich is something I look forward to doing every year. You can pick gifts, from locally made candles to a bag of roasted almonds.
Pro Tip:
- Visit in the evening on weekdays to see and enjoy live performances while avoiding the crowd surge.
- Try the glühwein and Swiss raclette at Sechseläutenplatz for an authentic taste of the season.
2. Go ice skating at Dolder Sports
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Website: https://www.zuerich.com/en/visit/sport/ice-skating-at-the-dolder-open-air-ice-rink
Location: Adlisberg Hill
Contact: +41 44 267 70 80
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:45 PM
Pricing: ₣₣
The Dolder ice rink stands out as one of the biggest outdoor ice rinks in Europe, offering a scenic winter experience for both locals and tourists. It’s an easily accessible area, reachable by tram and a short walk from the Dolderbahn stop.
The place caters to all ages and skill levels, from beginners to seasoned ones practising spins on the rink. There’s also a small cafe that serves warm drinks and snacks along with a skate rental shop.
I can say that Dolder Sports is ideal if you’re planning to try ice skating in Zurich with scenic views and a festive atmosphere.
Pro Tip:
Take either tram 3 or 8 to Romerhof, then ride to Dolderbahn funicular. It saves you time and leaves you with approximately a 2-minute walk from the rink.
3. Take a day trip to Uetliberg mountain
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Website: https://www.zuerich.com/en/visit/nature/uetliberg-zurichs-very-own-mountain
Location: Uetliburg, 8143
Contact: +41 44 457 66 66
Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: open 24 hours
Pricing: ₣₣
Uetliberg is Zurich’s most accessible winter escape. When you use the S10 train, it takes only 30 minutes to travel from Zurich Hauptbahnhof (Zurich HB). Along the way, you get to see panoramic views over Lake Zurich and the snow-covered Alps.
The trail system is open all year round, and the Planetweg hike to Felsenegg adds a fun, educational twist. It has scale models of the planets in the solar system. This is perfect for tourists and locals travelling with children or teenagers.
It’s a 6-kilometre path that’s mostly paved and flat, making it one of the easiest hikes that offer a great Zurich mountain view.
Once you reach the top, the ever-popular Uto Kulm restaurant is a place where you can reward yourself after the hike. They serve hot chocolate, fondue, and other classic Swiss meals that surely hit the spot.
Pro Tip:
- It’s best to visit on a clear winter morning for the best view of the Alps.
- Don’t forget to bring sturdy hiking shoes, because even the paved sections can get slippery after snow.
4. Visit the Lindt Home of Chocolate Museum
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Website: https://www.lindt-home-of-chocolate.com/en/
Location: Seestrasse 204, 8802 Kilchberg
Contact: +41 44 716 20 00
Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Pricing: ₣
As a lifelong chocolate lover, visiting the Lindt Chocolate Museum in Zurich was non-negotiable. The moment I stepped through the glass doors, a strong scent of cocoa filled the air. It had a homey and comforting feeling.
The highlight? The tasting room! Everyone (myself included) went in for seconds. There were buttons for milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and white chocolate to choose from. There were even bars you could try that were fresh off the production line.
Along the way, you’ll see info posters that tell of the rich chocolate history of Lindt. And, before heading out, you can even pick up limited edition pralines along with a mug. This museum is easily one of the best indoor spots in Zurich.
Pro Tip:
Book tickets in advance. This popular attraction tends to fill up quickly, especially during the holiday season.
5. Take a Rhine Falls winter excursion
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Website: https://rheinfall.ch/en
Location: Near Schaffhausen (around a 1-hour drive from Zurich)
Contact: [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: open 24 hours
Pricing: ₣
Rhine Falls is Europe’s largest waterfall, offering tranquil views and a dramatic landscape perfect for photo opportunities. While boat rides pause during the colder months, the surrounding trails and viewing platforms remain open.
Along the trail, several cafes and restaurants are open too, including Schlossli Worth on the opposite side of the river. It serves warm meals and hot drinks with views of the waterfall. It’s an especially popular place during lunchtime.
If you pay attention during your Rhine Falls winter visit and keep your eyes open, you can spot local wildlife within the area. You can spot waterfowl like swans, herons, and ducks that gather in quieter parts of the river.
Pro Tip:
- Arrive around 8:30 AM to witness the mist rising off the falls and head to the Neuhausen/Schloss Laufen side for the best viewing spot.
- Avoid steep hikes by taking the lift at Schloss Laufen down to the lower viewing platforms.
6. Shop at Bahnhofstrasse
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Website: https://bahnhofstrasse-zuerich.ch/en/
Location: Bahnhofstrasse (Zurich city centre)
Contact: +41 43 243 90 00
Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Pricing: ₣₣ – ₣₣₣
I spent one afternoon on a Bahnhofstrasse winter shopping, promising myself I was only going for a stroll, and boy was I wrong. Within 5 minutes in Confiserie Sprüngli, I already had a box of truffles and a bag of caramelised almonds.
The mix of stores here is brilliant. They positioned luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Cartier alongside local Zurich luxury shops, such as Bally and Globus.
I got a wool scarf from PKZ Men and bought some Swiss herb salt from Jelmoli’s gourmet section. The gingerbread syrup was also popular among the crowds.
What makes the Bahnhofstrasse special isn’t just the big names; it’s how festive and easy to navigate it is. Trams run directly along the street, stopping every few blocks. I hopped on Tram 11 and was brought back to Hotel Glockenhof within minutes.
Pro Tip:
- Stop at Confiserie Sprungli for seasonal Swiss treats.
- Head to Jelmoli’s upper floor to see their winter accessories, and swing by Globus Delicatessa for other food gifts.
7. Attend the Lichterschwimmen Candle Float
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Website: https://www.zuerich.com/en/lichterschwimmen
Location: Limmat River
Contact: +41 44 413 58 90
Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Pricing: Free
Come mid-December, the Limmat River transforms during Lichterschwimmen, as hundreds of tiny candles float downstream. It’s one of the most sought-after events during winter in Zurich each year.
It’s a quiet, reflective ceremony organised by the city, best viewed from bridges or riverbanks near Rathausbrücke. Locals bring thermoses of hot tea and gather early to secure good spots.
While the event only lasts a short time, it transforms the river into a sea of twinkling light. No loud background music or announcements, just peaceful watching as the candles float through the city.
Pro Tip:
- Arrive by 5:45 PM to find a front-row spot near Weinplatz or Rathausbrücke, where candle boats are released.
- Don’t miss the free hot punch set up by Zurich Tourism on Weinplatz to help keep you warm.
8. Ride and dine on the Fondue Tram
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Website: https://eventlinie.vbz.ch/event/fondue-tram/
Location: Bellevue, 8001
Contact: +41 44 411 44 99
Hours: December: Monday, Wednesday, Friday to Sunday (no rides from December 24 to January 2)
- 1st seating: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- 2nd seating: 8:15 PM – 10:15 PM
Pricing: ₣₣₣
During my winter trip, I discovered that the Fondue Tram is easily one of the best ways to enjoy that experience.
The vintage red tram goes through Zurich’s Old Town and lakefront areas, all while being served with hot pots of traditional Swiss cheese fondue. The ride lasts approximately two hours, which is more than enough time to finish a meal and dessert.
You’ll be dipping crusty bread into a rich, moitie-moitie fondue (half Gruyere, half Vacherin) as you go through the city. I highly recommend pairing it with a glass of white wine or the locally loved Kirsch.
Pro Tip:
- Reserve your seats at least two to three weeks ahead, as the Fondue Tram is extremely popular during the Christmas season.
- Choose a seat by the window for the best views of Old Town and Lake Zurich. Seats are not pre-assigned, so it’s best to arrive ten to fifteen minutes early.
9. Relax at the Thermalbad & Spa in Hurlimannbad
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Website: https://www.zuerich.com/en/visit/wellness/hurlimannbad-spa-zurich
Location: Zurich-Enge
Contact: +41 44 205 96 50
Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Pricing: ₣₣
Housed in a converted 19th-century brewery, Hurlimannbad, this Zurich spa seamlessly blends industrial heritage with modern wellness amenities. The main attraction is the rooftop thermal pool, which offers stunning views over the Zurich skyline and snowy rooftops.
Even in winter, you can bathe outdoors comfortably, surrounded by steam, alpine air, and a good view.
Inside, the spa’s Roman-Irish bath ritual is a standout. It’s a multi-step wellness experience that features alternating warm and cool pools, steam rooms, and relaxation areas, presented in a carefully sequenced format.
This traditional massage is designed to boost circulation and detoxify the body, all while surrounded by the original stone vaults of the old Hurlimann brewery.
Pro Tip:
- Bring your towel and slippers. While you can rent towels onsite, they are small and cost an extra CHF 4-6.
- Visit on a weekday before 11:00 AM to avoid long waits and have a quieter experience.
10. Join the Silvesterlauf Zurich
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Website: https://www.silvesterlauf.ch/
Location: Zurich Old Town
Contact: [email protected]
Hours:
- December 31: 9:00 AM – 12:00 MN
Pricing: ₣₣
Held every December, the Silvesterlauf is a popular winter race in Zurich. Despite the holiday lights and cobbled streets of the Old Town, many still join the event. Some may see it even as a tradition.
It features several race categories, from kids’ dashes to 10-kilometre runs. The course passes through the Bahnhofstrasse, Rennweg, and along Limmatquai. For many, the race is one of the most scenic ones in Switzerland.
Many participants embrace the festive spirit by dressing in costumes or Santa clothes. I, myself, watched the event and was entertained by the enthusiasm of each local in the area. Watchers like me stay on balconies, on the sidewalk, and in cafes.
Just a heads-up: road closures and crowds make the area lively starting at noon.
Pro Tip:
If you only wish to be a spectator, please arrive by 3:00 PM to secure the best viewing spots near Paradeplatz and the Fraumünster Bridge.
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