Switzerland in Winter

Published in the Sunday Gujarat Samachar on 27 July 2025

Here’s why the magic of Switzerland truly unfolds when the snow begins to fall

When most people in India think of Switzerland, they picture green valleys, bright summer skies, and snow-capped peaks basking in gentle sunlight. That’s the Switzerland of summer holidays—the one we’ve all seen in countless Bollywood films. But what if I told you that the real magic of Switzerland unfolds not under the summer sun, but during the crisp, enchanting winter months?

This December, Sunila (my co-founder and Veena World’s Chief Product Officer) and I will be travelling to Switzerland with a very specific mission: to explore new gems, enhance our tours, and experience the country in its full winter glory. From snow-covered chalets to Christmas markets that glow with fairy lights, and mountain towns where time seems to slow down, Switzerland in winter is an entirely different story.

So today, let me tell you why Switzerland in December might just be your perfect plot twist. Let’s begin.

Why Winter?

If summer is when Switzerland shines, winter is when it truly sparkles. The air is crisper, the landscapes turn into snow-globe scenes, and every corner feels like it’s been touched by magic. For Indian travellers used to planning their European holidays in May or June, a winter trip offers a completely different—and dare I say, more immersive—experience.

December in Switzerland isn’t just about snow. It’s also the month of festive cheer. Picture this: cobbled streets lined with twinkling lights, steaming cups of mulled wine at Christmas markets, children skating in public squares, and the faint sound of carols echoing from churches. There’s something wonderfully old-world about it all.

Beyond the aesthetic, winter offers activities that summer simply can’t. Skiing, snowboarding, sledging, or even just riding a cable car through an alpine blizzard—these moments stay with you. And then there’s the cozy side of winter: fireside dinners, hot cheese fondues, luxurious thermal spas surrounded by snow. It’s indulgent, it’s atmospheric, and it’s Switzerland at its storybook best.

So, if you’ve ticked off the summer postcard views, or are looking for a new kind of European adventure, winter opens a door into Switzerland’s quieter, more romantic, and deeply charming self.

The Bollywood Connection

For many Indian travellers, the idea of Switzerland didn’t begin in a guidebook—it began on a movie screen. From the sweeping valleys of “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” to the snowy peaks in “Chandni” and “Mohabbatein,” Bollywood has painted Switzerland as the ultimate romantic dreamland. And it worked. Generations of moviegoers fell in love with the country, long before they ever held a passport.

Yash Chopra, in particular, played a huge role in this cinematic love affair. In fact, the Swiss government honoured him with a statue in Interlaken and even named a lake view point after him. His movies didn’t just showcase the Alps—they made them aspirational, and very much Indian in their storytelling. Today, locations like Saanen, Gstaad, and Jungfraujoch are visited not just for their natural beauty but also because they were immortalised on screen.

Even today, walking through the streets of Lucerne or riding the scenic train to Jungfrau, you’ll hear Hindi music in souvenir shops or see Bollywood posters welcoming Indian guests. Switzerland knows its importance in our cinematic hearts—and welcomes us with just the right blend of nostalgia and charm.

The Classics

Let’s be honest—there’s a reason why first-time travellers to Switzerland, especially from India, almost always start with the classics. They are iconic for a reason.

Mount Titlis is usually the first snow experience for many Indian travellers. The revolving cable car, the Titlis Cliff Walk, and of course, the thrill of touching real snow for the first time—it never gets old. And yes, don’t forget to take that signature photo in front of the DDLJ cut-out!

Jungfraujoch – The Top of Europe is another postcard moment. At over 11,000 feet above sea level, the train journey itself is as magical as the destination. Ice palaces, panoramic views of the Aletsch Glacier, and that feeling of literally being on top of the world—it’s unforgettable.

Lucerne with its Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument, and Interlaken sandwiched beautifully between two lakes, offer the perfect base to explore the Bernese Oberland region. These towns are charming, walkable, and filled with Swiss character.

Zurich, on the other hand, adds a cosmopolitan flair to your journey—with lakeside promenades, vibrant Christmas markets in winter, and some of the best chocolate you’ll ever taste.

These places may be well-trodden, but they never lose their magic. And if you’re planning your first trip, they’re still the perfect start.

The Hidden Gems

Beyond the snow globes of Titlis and the peaks of Jungfraujoch lies another Switzerland—quieter, often less crowded, and deeply rewarding.

Zermatt, nestled at the foot of the majestic Matterhorn, is a car-free village that feels like it’s straight out of a fairy tale. Come winter, it transforms into a skier’s paradise, with pristine slopes and après-ski charm. But even if you don’t ski, just the view of the Matterhorn glowing pink at sunset is reason enough to go. And yes, it’s also the setting for many Bollywood film shoots, with snow-blanketed trails perfect for cinematic romance.

Glacier 3000, near Gstaad, is another winter wonderland often missed by first-time visitors. Where else can you walk on a suspension bridge between two mountain peaks and toboggan down snowy curves—all with panoramic views of the Alps in every direction? It’s thrilling, yet serene.

Gstaad itself deserves a closer look. Popular with celebrities, it’s effortlessly luxurious yet still retains a village-like feel. Its wooden chalets, gourmet dining, and snow-covered promenades create a picture-perfect winter escape. No wonder so many Bollywood celebrities have made it their getaway of choice.

The Eternal Love Affair

For Indian travellers, Switzerland is a dream stitched into decades of cinematic nostalgia. From the fluttering chiffon sarees of Yash Raj heroines to Shah Rukh Khan running across meadows, Bollywood has painted Switzerland as the ultimate romantic paradise. And winter adds a whole new dimension to this love story.

And it’s not just about nostalgia. Today’s filmmakers still return to Switzerland for its unmatched combination of beauty, accessibility, and versatility. It’s where reel meets real—and you too can live those scenes.

So the next time you think of Switzerland, don’t limit yourself to summer meadows and postcard-perfect greenery. Think snowflakes, twinkling markets, frozen lakes, and the cozy joy of fondue by the fire. That’s the Switzerland I’m heading to this December with Sunila—on a mission to discover more, improve what we already love, and maybe, just maybe, find the next Bollywood backdrop. See you next week.