How to spend New Year’s holidays with a bang? It is unlikely that most people will like the idea of sitting at a festive table in a boring company, eating two servings of Olivier salad, watching TV and then going to bed. If you do not want to stay at home all the New Year’s holidays, then you can have a great time in Switzerland.
Tourists from all over the world come to Switzerland for the New Year. This country has the highest quality of service in all areas, so you can not worry about whether you will like your vacation or not. New Year’s Eve in Switzerland is sure to leave vivid memories in your memory.
Before the New Year’s Eve celebrations in Switzerland, Christmas is celebrated on the night of December 24-25. Preparation for it begins about a month earlier. At Christmas, it is customary to give each other gifts, cook various “goodies”, listen to songs and participate in the Christmas mass.
How to celebrate the New Year in Switzerland
The New Year falls on the date of December 31 – January 1. They celebrate it on a large scale, no less than Christmas. The holiday, which is celebrated in Russia as the Old New Year, in Switzerland falls on the Day of Sylvester. There are festive carnivals, but these are not the colorful events that everyone is used to. Swiss carnival processions are somewhat similar to Halloween.
People dress up in scary clothes and put masks on their faces with images of evil creatures that do not exist in the real world. But not all residents are the personification of evil forces on this day. Some depict good forces that fight evil. The holiday is celebrated loudly. Stormy fun and universal joy literally overwhelm the streets of cities.
Back in November, bazaars begin to open, where a huge selection of unusual gifts and pleasant souvenirs is presented. It is better to buy them this month, when the pre-holiday turmoil has not reached its peak. You can safely walk around the shopping malls and choose what you like. On the streets at this time, you can see very fluffy Christmas trees everywhere, which grow only in Switzerland.
They adorn homes, shops, cafes and restaurants. An indispensable winter attribute on New Year’s Eve is considered to be gutzli cookies. It is made in the form of a month or a bell. Fried chestnuts are also very popular among the population.
Which resort to choose
To celebrate the New Year in a country famous for the beauty of mountain peaks and alpine meadows, beautiful resorts – this is something many people only have to dream about. But if you have such an opportunity, be sure to use it. In Switzerland, there is a large selection of resorts where you can spend unforgettable days of New Year’s holidays.
A fun holiday awaits you on the shores of Lake Zurich. A huge number of people gather here in anticipation of fireworks, stunning with their cascades. A similar event is taking place on Lake Geneva. It will be interesting to celebrate the New Year in Zurich, which is charming with light compositions, classical architecture and a Christmas market. Most tourists go to ski resorts known all over the world.
Flumserberg is famous for its excellent tracks for experienced athletes and beginners. Engelberg offers ideal conditions for freerider fans. Ordinary skiers will not be offended here either – 30 slopes have been prepared for them. Children will have a lot of fun in the Snow Park.
Bern will surprise you with its unique museums, ancient monuments and simple walks through its streets. No one will be disappointed with Lausanne, with its attractions.
Zurich
The New Year’s Eve celebration in Zurich will be remembered by you and your children for a long time with bright impressions. On the eve of the holiday, the whole city turns into a realm of bright garlands, neon lights, fancy illuminations. It is especially interesting to visit the street Bangofstrasse, where the play of light “draws” fantastic pictures that amaze the imagination.
Enjoy walking around the historical part of the city, with its magnificent architectural monuments. The Shipfe area is famous for its antique shops and souvenir shops, where you can buy a souvenir or a rare item. You should definitely go to a cafe or restaurant where you will be treated to the famous Swiss fondue in different versions.
For dessert, you can order tirrgel-a delicious cookie-a rarity of the 15th century. It is still prepared according to an old recipe, which manufacturers keep secret. If you climb the bell tower of the local cathedral, you will see an irresistible panorama of Zurich.
Many pleasant moments can be experienced on the Utliberg Mountain, which offers stunning views of the city. From here you will see the New Year’s fireworks over the lake, which starts at 00.20. A festive dinner with an overnight stay can be pre-ordered at the local hotel Utokolm. At Lake Zurich, the festival continues until morning, with music, dancing and songs.
Bern
Holding New Year’s holidays in Bern will bring a lot of positive emotions, vivid impressions and new discoveries. The city is known for the visit of Russian President Medvedev, who presented two bear cubs here. The gift was not chosen by chance: the symbol of Bern is a bear. Sculptures of the animal adorn the streets, its image is placed on confectionery products.
Today, the grown-up animals presented by Medvedev have got offspring. They live in a park located on the banks of the Aara River, and delight tourists. Festive Bern, lit up with fantastic illumination, fascinates with the beauty of medieval buildings, covered galleries, wide streets. Covered galleries-passages were built in the Middle Ages to protect citizens from frequent rains.
Now they, along with other buildings of the historical center, are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. You will enjoy walking along the main street of Bern, where there are many ancient fountains, the clock tower, the Cathedral, etc. You can celebrate the New Year at a festive table in your hotel or in one of the restaurants of the Swiss capital.
The remaining time should be devoted to exploring unique attractions. The watchtower of Zitgloggeturm, built in the 13th century, deserves attention. The astronomical clock made by Brunner became a decoration of the building in the 16th century. An outlandish clock made the tower the main attraction of the city. Interesting fountains: Bear “Samson”, Einstein Museum, Peter and Paul Church and many other objects.
Basel
Bordering on Germany and France, the cozy city can not fail to charm with its urban beauty. Along with medieval buildings, there are energy-efficient skyscrapers. The city is famous for its international tram route, bike parks in underground passages and green roofs. It was in Basel that the first Swiss zoo was opened in the 19th century.
Meeting the New Year here is a pleasant event in all respects. The festive atmosphere that prevails in the streets and squares is pleasing. Although January is considered the coldest month, the air temperature here is +5°C. You can easily get acquainted with the sights, visit fairs and festivals. Local hotels and restaurants organize New Year’s banquets and folk festivals in the squares.
The main time should be devoted to sightseeing. Thousands of tourists come to the Town Hall, the facade of which is decorated with an old clock and expressive frescoes. You can’t go past the Tangley Kinetic Fountain, built on the site of the burned-out theater. The fountain is a shallow pond, with fancy mechanisms installed in it, through which water jets pour.
A traditional place where tourists take photos, the ancient Shpalentor Gate. They remained from the old fortress wall as a reminder of the distant past. Every day of the New Year’s holidays spent in Basel will be interesting and informative.
Geneva
A respectable European resort, business and financial and political center Geneva is always beautiful. But in the New Year, it is especially good when festivities, fairs, and fireworks are held in the small squares of the Old City. Europe’s grandest light show immerses the city in a kaleidoscope of lights. Everything around seems to be a fairy-tale scenery, against which the holiday develops.
It will be especially unique if you take the city tram in the afternoon to Carous, a southern suburb of Geneva. There you will plunge into the truly magical atmosphere of the Nutcracker scenery: tiny colorful houses, a majestic spruce tree sparkling with lights on the square, an old carousel with horses.
There is a lively costumed trade: vendors in medieval clothes offer cheeses, chocolate, and wine. After returning from Karus, you can take a boat ride on Lake Geneva and at the same time have a delicious lunch on it.
It is impossible not to admire the luxury villas on the shores of the lake. Step out on the pier at the Mont Blanc Bridge and watch the most grandiose light show in Europe, “Light in the Trees”. Incredible pictures drawn by light appear before the eyes of the gathered people. Cinderella’s carriage, Santa Claus ‘ sleigh, falling waterfall.
Lausanne
New Year’s Eve is celebrated on December 31 as St. Sylvester’s Day. According to legend, in 335, he saved the world from the serpent Leviathan, which threatened the end of the world. In Lausanne, December 31 is also celebrated not only as the beginning of the New Year, but also as a celebration of the saint. All the streets of Lausanne are decorated with garlands, shop windows shine with colorful lights. Cheerful music is heard everywhere.
The whole city is saturated with a festive atmosphere. Until midnight, masquerades and theme nights are held in many establishments. After 0 o’clock, Lausanne sparkles with fireworks and a light show on the shores of Lake Geneva. By tradition, which is almost 100 years old, the Cathedral of the city hosts a concert of organ music. The gathered citizens and tourists enjoy beautiful music, treat themselves to free champagne or mulled wine.
The cathedral, illuminated by the illumination, looks fabulous. A lot of impressions will be given to you by visiting the amazing architectural structures of Lausanne. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Usha embankment, where there are many historical monuments. The magnificent Uschi Castle deserves attention.
It is interesting to visit Palu Square, with the City Hall, the original fountain, restaurants and cafes. You should definitely visit the medieval Chateau Saint-Mer; the luxurious Rumin Palace, built with the money of the Russian nobles Rumin-Bestuzhevs in the late 19th century. Today, the palace houses several museums and libraries. Every day spent in Lausanne will be interesting and exciting.
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Montreux
The extraordinarily picturesque resort town of Montreux is located between the Alps and Lake Geneva, called the Swiss Riviera. Montreux is a venue for various festivals in Europe. Around the world, the city is known for the fact that it contains a memorial to the famous rock singer Freddie Mercury, the founder of the group “Queen”. There is also a museum-studio of the Queen group. Creative people like to come here on vacation.
Montreux is also famous for hosting the biggest Christmas market from November 26 to December 24. These days, customers come from all the cantons of the country to not only taste goodies, buy something, but also have fun.
New Year’s Eve is not celebrated here as widely as Christmas, but a home feast and gifts are considered mandatory. Enjoy a ride on the Golden Pass Line railway route, which takes you through the most beautiful places in the region. In honor of Saint Sylvester in Montreux 31.12 carnivals are held with the participation of Sylvester-Claus.
All restaurants invite you to participate in such a masquerade, prepare gastronomic delights of Italian-French and German cuisine. On the streets of the city on New Year’s days, you can often see people having fun in masks and carnival costumes. Especially lively on the waterfront of Lake Geneva. A must in Montreux to visit the famous Chillon Castle, sung by Byron.
Lugano
Get a taste of the Italian spirit and flavor of the New Year in Lugano, a major banking center of the state. The city is located almost at the border with Italy, on the shores of Lake Laqo di Luqano. It is surrounded on both sides by 2 mountains: San Salvatore and Brae. In January, Lugano is unusually picturesque, unlike other places. The snow-covered mountain peaks, the abundance of evergreen flora, and the predominance of sunny days make the city a pleasant place to spend New Year’s days.
During your stay in Lugano, you can take a special train up to Mount Brae and see the entire panorama of the city from there. There you can also visit the Villa Favorita, with a large collection of artistic masterpieces. The city is famous for hosting the first Eurovision Song Contest, and hosts an annual music festival at the end of summer.
There are interesting sights here that are visited by tourists. Among them are the Church of San Lorenzo, with luxurious decoration, the Cathedral of St. Mary, with a fresco of Luini’s “Crucifixion”. Walking along the beautifully designed promenade, you will see the statue of William Tell. Once inside the Cathedral, see the unique old frescoes.
Take the train to the surrounding area of Lugano Paradise or Melide to enjoy the magnificent views around. In Melida, you should visit the park “Switzerland in miniature”. In the evening, the city, shining with New Year’s garlands, turns into a magical kingdom.
Davos
The World Economic Forum venue and the magnificent Davos ski resort will give you the best experience of your New Year’s stay. During the New Year holidays, fans of mountain skiing and snowboarding from all over the world come here. Well-equipped trails of various levels, sparkling snow, comfortable chalets make your stay unforgettable.
The Parsenn area offers excellent conditions not only for skiers and snowboarders, but also for those who want to go ice skating, squash, curling, tennis, and badminton. Horse riding is taught in the indoor arena, and hockey is played at the ice stadium. The total length of the ski slopes is 320 km (29 green, 47 blue, 34 red).
You can ride on lighted trails at night. In the evening, there is an abundance of entertainment: discos, theme nights, concerts, theatrical performances. Visiting the sights of Davos will add to your emotions. Be sure to visit the Winter Sports Museum and get acquainted with interesting exhibits.
It is not superfluous to visit other museums: toys, Kirchner, mining. Do not pass by the ancient Church of St. John the Baptist. A visit to the Botanical Garden with 10 thousand plants will not leave you indifferent.
Zermatt
Located at an altitude of 1,620 m, Zermatt is the best ski resort not only in Switzerland, but also in the whole world. Spending the New Year in it is a great luck, an opportunity to see the irresistible beauty of mountain peaks. Light frost, clean air, picturesque landscapes, good snow create the atmosphere of a winter fairy tale a la the 21st century.
Zermatt is located in the upper reaches of the Visp Valley and is surrounded by 38 peaks, each of which reaches a height of more than 4 thousand m. The symbol of Zermatt-the fantastic Matterhorn peak (4478 m) attracts hundreds of climbers. On its slopes there are ski slopes equipped with modern lifts. Here you can go skiing for everyone: experienced athletes and just beginning to stand on skis.
The entire space with trails is divided into 3 zones. The Rothorn area is suitable for skiers of different skill levels. Gornergrat district is a great base for intermediate skiers. Beginners can take the train to Sunnega District, then take the cable car to the children’s park. Here, beginners master the technique of downhill skiing.
Gornergrat has an observation deck with stunning views of a series of peaks and the Gorner Glacier. You can also engage in other types of active recreation: para – and hang gliding, sledding and ice skating. The city’s restaurants offer delicious delicacies. 9 disc clubs invite you to rousing evenings.
St. Moritz
The country’s oldest resort, known for its mineral springs, was first mentioned in history in the 12th century as Saint Mauritius. Today it is a fashionable winter resort, where world celebrities come to rest. It is located on the shore of the lake of the same name, at an altitude of 1856 m.
The area is famous for the extraordinary beauty of Alpine landscapes, a unique climate, when the sun shines 322 days a year. The resort has 3 ski areas: Corviglia (height 2486 m), Corvac (3303 m), Diabolezza. St. Moritz is the center of chic 5-star hotels and fine dining restaurants.
Rest here is filled with incredible impressions of everything you see, from the kaleidoscope of events that take place every day. It is no coincidence that the city hosted the Winter Olympics twice (1928, 1948). High-class infrastructure, 88 km of ski slopes with a length of 350 km attract thousands of resort guests here. The 70 restaurants located on the slopes offer a fine menu.
Children’s parks and kindergartens are open for children. Children can get lessons at a special ski school. In St. Moritz, luxury conditions and opportunities for recreation, sports and entertainment are created. In addition to traditional skiing and ice skating, you can play golf, cricket on ice, visit the fitness center, SPA, casino, 3D theater.
The wellness center offers treatments with mineral water and alpine mud. Tourists explore local attractions: the 33-meter Leaning Tower, the Church of St. Maurice, museums.
Verbier
If you have chosen Switzerland as the place to celebrate the New Year with children, then Verbier is the best option for this. Excellent conditions have been created here for the younger generation. Comfortable ski lifts, safe trails, lots of entertainment. The local sports center has 2 indoor pools, a large ice rink, exercise equipment, saunas, and a squash court.
Esserts Park is organized, where in addition to ski races, you can ride on a snow tube, do carting, go-karting, paragliding. All the ski slopes are suitable for snowboarding, so there is a choice. There are 3 ski schools, ski schools and a kindergarten in Verbier. Children’s ski courses are organized, children are trained on a special slope, with 4 children’s lifts.
There are no problems with accommodation in Verbier: 5 and 4 star hotels, apartments, chalets – the choice of accommodation is huge. Provided, a variety of cultural programs. It offers cinemas, video salons, 2 art galleries, a library, and a museum. Many boutiques and shops will provide an exciting shopping experience. There is no shortage of cafes and restaurants with a high level of service.
Grindenwald
Located in a mountain valley in the form of a plateau and surrounded by steep walls of rocks. It is a favorite destination for snowboarders and skiers all over the world. For the first time, the slopes of the mountains on skis were tested in 1881 by the Englishman J. R. R. Tolkien. Fox, who came here in the winter and started skiing downhill from the mountains. The 3 highest peaks here are the Jungfrau (4,158 m), Mench (4,099 m) and Eiger (3,970 m). Grindenwald is located at the northern wall of the Eiger.
Otherwise, Grindelwald is called the” Village of Glaciers ” — there are many of them here. Stunning views of the winter resort make you freeze with admiration. A real snow kingdom with a shining blanket of snow on the mountains, in the valley, on the roofs of chalets enchants with unearthly beauty. Many tourists believe that this is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Staying here during the New Year will be fabulous. 51 tracks with a total length of 200 km are equipped with 47 high-speed lifts.
Campsites, apartments, chalets and hotels can accommodate 12,000 people at the same time. They offer comfortable living conditions. An extensive entertainment program does not let anyone get bored. Incendiary discos are organized here, night clubs, a historical museum, and a theater are open.
It is interesting to visit natural attractions: Blue Ice Grotto and Glacier Gorge. In addition to skiing, snowshoeing, hockey, curling, bowling, hiking, ice skating, etc. are practiced here.
Zas-Fe
“Gemiauzhina Alp” -this is how the resort of Saas-Fee is described in tourist guides. With its location deep in the Saaastal valley, surrounded on all sides by mountain peaks, Saas Fee really resembles a pearl. But not only this fact allows us to consider the resort a “pearl”.
The dazzling beauty of the snow-capped peaks, the sparkling white winter valley, make this place amazing. Numerous glaciers complete the picture with their brilliance. It has the cleanest ecology, because it is forbidden to drive cars with a gasoline engine on the territory of the resort. There is a huge underground parking lot at the entrance, and guests can be transported by electric cars at the entrance fee.
For greater convenience of tourists, a branch of the highest mountain metro was laid (height 3-3. 5 thousand m). The length of the ski slopes reaches 100 km, they are served by 22 lifts. Local hotels usually meet their guests and take them to the place of departure.
New Year’s Eve in Saas Fee is a real winter fairy tale, filled with sports excitement, incredible impressions of the surrounding reality. One of them presents an Ice grotto-an artificially created miracle with an area of 5.5 thousand square meters. m, entered in the Guinness Book of Records.
The grotto cut in the thickness of a powerful glacier is divided into halls and corridors. In the space illuminated by colorful lights, there are bizarre figures of animals made of ice. There is even an ice chapel where weddings are performed. Another wonder here is the high-altitude rotating restaurant.
Engelberg
The high-altitude resort of Endelberg with the town of the same name has gained world fame due to the fact that it hosts international snowboard competitions (November) and European ski jumping at night (December). The resort of Engelberg is located in the canton of Obwalden, at the foot of Mount Titlis, where about 4 thousand people live.
The cozy, picturesque town has a tourist office, shops, restaurants. Mount Titlis is famous for its high altitude, Yohpas Pass, with an excellent ski area. The ski slopes, which have been hosting skiers for many years, are in excellent condition. If there is a lack of snow on them, special structures increase the snow cover.
The Endelberg ski season runs from November to May. During the New Year holidays, many tourists come here. For those who come with children, there is a special Bruni ski area in the north of the valley. Family vacations are organized here, and children learn how to walk and ski.
There are 14 ski shelters located along the slopes, as well as cafes and restaurants. The town hosts discos, movie shows, a casino, an ice rink, a climbing wall, a solarium, and a massage parlor. The local sports center has a large swimming pool.
Leukerbad
One of the most beautiful, fascinating places. Perfect for tourists of all ages. Here, on New Year’s days, you can not only actively engage in winter sports, but also thoroughly heal. Local mineral waters are famous for their high healing properties that help with many diseases.
The resort has a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, when after skiing or skating, you can take a hot mineral bath and feel healthy. Although in comparison with other ski resorts, there are no long trails in Lakerbad, both experienced athletes and beginners come here.
For those who are not engaged in alpine skiing, there are scenic cross-country skiing routes. In the Gemml district, they are laid at an altitude of 2350 m among the enchanting beauty of mountain landscapes. Families with children come here willingly to improve the health of their children. The cleanest air, water treatments, and active sports are good for them.
Leukerbad is rightly proud of the grandiose thermal complex, which houses 12 pools of various categories, there is a water slide. Guests are very satisfied with the bath complex, which looks like a luxurious palace. Here everything is arranged according to the type of Roman-Irish baths.
What dishes to try
Italian, German and French cuisines are harmoniously combined in the country. Those who want to treat themselves to something unusual and extremely tasty, do not have to look at the menu for a long time. Almost all dishes are particularly refined. It is unlikely that anyone will be able to remain indifferent after Swiss fondue, Swiss-style meat or Cordon Bleu chicken.
Chefs create such unique culinary masterpieces that can be tasted only in Switzerland itself and nowhere else outside the country. Swiss wine should be given special attention. Most of it is sold only at home. It is produced for export in small quantities.
Active leisure
It is generally accepted that people go to Switzerland solely for the sake of luxury ski resorts. Clean mountain air, beautiful landscapes create an environment in which you want to visit more and more often. Switzerland is rich in resorts where the most famous personalities can go skiing. Luxury hotels, excellent service make celebrities come back here again and again.
All conditions for a comfortable five-star stay are created here. At the foot of the Alps on the ski slopes, you can meet popular singers, actors, politicians and other figures from the world of culture and art from all over the world.
Of course, this level of rest is available only to those who work hard and get a tidy sum for their work. This money will not be wasted: in such a fabulous atmosphere, you can accumulate new strength and stock up on energy that you will really need after your vacation.
The country can also offer budget options. Every skier is guaranteed to enjoy skiing in the mountains, and if you come to this country for the first time, then a lot of positive emotions will overwhelm you. To get to the ski resorts, you can take the train directly at the airport terminal. Therefore, it is not even necessary to buy a ticket. You can relax without any special problems and individually, without resorting to the help of travel agencies that organize holidays from A to Z.
Attractive places for a great holiday are available to everyone. Luxury and new cutting-edge technologies were combined in the mountains. Thanks to this “mix”, resorts attract more and more curious travelers. Almost all routes have modern lifts that allow you to reach your destination at high speed. The ski slopes delight with their impeccable condition.
What to see and where to go
If suddenly skiing gets boring or there is no opportunity to ride, then this is not a reason for sadness. There will be plenty to do in Switzerland. There are approximately 4 hundred museums here, ready to surprise with their rich heritage.
With the help of an experienced and competent guide, you can understand the history of the country and immerse yourself in its cultural heritage. Those who want to enjoy nature and breathe in the fresh mountain air should go on a waterfall tour. In the valley, you can enjoy the majestic beauty of as many as 72 waterfalls.
There are many castles in the country: in Gruyeres, Aigle, you should definitely look at the famous Chillon Castle. Do not miss the chance to see famous breweries and cheese factories. A chic excursion that will add to the piggy bank of knowledge of every tourist — “Swiss Riviera”.
You can see medieval buildings, bridges, and squares. There are such structures as the ” Garbage Bridge “and the”Child Eater” Cathedral. On a guided tour of Bern, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city.
Those who want to improve their health during the New Year holidays should go for treatment. Thermal spas will help relieve accumulated stress and negative energy. After the procedure, you feel light and feel complete peace. Negative emotions can not be stored inside for a long time. Thermal spas are great for getting rid of them for a long time or even forever.
Useful tips for tourists
Now let’s talk about some formalities. For the trip, you will need to apply for a Schengen visa. The country has developed public transport, you can rent a car or rent a bicycle (in Zurich and Geneva-free of charge).
The country has a low crime rate. At the same time, you should not lose your vigilance for a minute. You should pay close attention to your personal belongings. Hotels usually delight their guests with cozy rooms and a proper level of service. Sockets in them are made according to the Swiss type.
You will need an adapter to charge your laptop or mobile phone. It can be requested free of charge at the front desk. In the country, you can pay both in euros and in the national currency – Swiss francs. The exchange is made at banks, exchange offices in department stores and airports.
What to bring from Switzerland
Special attention should be paid to shopping. How do you get back from the holidays empty-handed? It is absolutely necessary to buy a few memorable souvenirs. The most popular products are watches (you will have to seriously fork out), cheese (Gruyere, Emmental), delicious chocolate (Lindt, Toblerone), knives for all occasions with many useful functions.
Switzerland is an amazing country where you can spend your holidays much better than anywhere else. Don’t expect to save money. Rather, on the contrary, you will have to go broke. But the impressions of such a trip will appear in your memory every day. Gorgeous views of the Alps will impress with their enchanting splendor.
