Relaxing winter excursions

A winter cruise on Lake Thun is a truly special experience. From mid November to the end of March, a daily winter boat operates between Thun and Interlaken West*. Snow covered landscapes, crisp winter air and stunning Alpine views make this boat trip a highlight in the Interlaken holiday region.

What tranquillity! Leisurely kayaking across Lake Brienz in winter, alone or as part of a group outing, is an unforgettable adventure. The monumental majesty of the Alps is even more magnificent when viewed from the lake. With a dry suit to keep you warm and cosy. It’s a genuinely fabulous experience.

From mid December to mid February, you can enjoy free ice skating every day on the Federal Square in Bern. Glide relaxed across the ice, then warm up in the cosy chalet with cheese fondue, delicious soups, hot chocolate and mulled wine. Atmospheric live concerts add even more magic to these special winter moments.

A night beneath the skies of Gantrisch Nature Park feels truly magical. Far from light pollution, you can admire constellations, see the Milky Way in striking clarity and with a bit of luck even spot the Northern Lights. Whether on a guided stargazing experience, a full moon snowshoe tour, or at the Space Eye: this winter adventure becomes an unforgettable moment in nature.

The Hauswirth family offers charming carriage rides all year round. With many years of experience, great care for animal welfare and quality, and beautifully maintained carriages and sleighs, every journey through the Saanenland landscape becomes a truly special experience. If desired, the ride can be rounded off with a relaxed stop at a local restaurant for a meal or an aperitif.

In the Grand Chasseral region, solo visitors and groups get to team up with Siberian huskies and sleds to explore the region around Les Reussilles. Each tour lasts between 45 and 90 minutes. This is something of an insider’s tip among winter excursions, and participants inevitably grow very fond of these hardy dogs with the great endurance.

The relaxed loop trail across the snowy Engstligenalp near Adelboden is a delight for all ages. Stretching over 5.5 kilometres, it leads through the largest high plateau in the Swiss Alps, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and peaceful winter landscapes. Along the way, welcoming stops include the Berghotel Engstligenalp, Berghaus Bärtschi and Restaurant Steghorn.

No experience tops walking across the frozen Lake Oeschinen. Two circuits run through the natural surroundings of the Jungfrau-Aletsch Region, part of the UNESCO World Heritage List: one lasts around 30 minutes, the other 90. Both of these Ice Walks are perfectly accessible with winter footwear.

In the Gstaad holiday region, it is easy to truly switch off and relax. Seven wellness focused hotels, additional high quality spa facilities and the indoor pool at the sports centre make this destination a real paradise for rest and recovery. The entire region feels like one big oasis of wellbeing.

At the Igloo Restaurant in Kemmeriboden-Bad, a fondue always tastes out of this world, whether it’s a romantic and intimate ‘dinner for two’ or a convivial get-together with friends. 

Every Wednesday, participants in the Mürren village tour embark on a walking tour of the car-free village, setting off from the Tourist Information Office at 5 pm. The tour lasts approximately 40 minutes and takes in the interesting history of the beautiful village of Mürren, featuring entertaining anecdotes from everyday life.

The easy-going Unterseen lakeside path is open in winter, too. In the tranquil natural setting of the Bernese Oberland, the path follows the shimmering waters of the Aare river and Lake Thun to the Weissenau-Neuhaus nature reserve, past forest clearings, ancient tree stands and the listed castle ruins of Weissenau.