Swiss cities exude a fairy-tale charm at Christmas time. Strolling through the streets in the evening by the light of the Christmas illuminations is guaranteed to get you in a festive mood. Moreover, on your stroll there will be inviting, romantic cafes and mulled wine stands to warm you up. The cultural sights and events are all close together and easily accessible on foot or by local public transport. What’s more, there are atmospheric Advent and Christmas markets to enjoy in almost all cities in December.
@Photos: Dominik Pluess
To enable you to enjoy the winter magic, we have put together a list of six city youth hostels and the opportunities they offer for amusement at a glance. All youth hostels are centrally located.
You will find more great offers for the winter season
here.
In the heart of the cultural capital of Switzerland is Basel Youth Hostel. It stands out with its harmonious blend of industrial charm – the building was formerly a silk factory – and modern architecture. Guests receive a complimentary Mobility Ticket allowing them to travel free of charge on public transport.
Events:
• Palazzo Colombino
20 Nov 2015 to 24 Jan 2016 | Rosentalanlage
• Advent street in Glaibasel
25 Nov to 24 Dec 2015 | Rheingasse
• Christmas market
26 Nov to 23 Dec 2015 | Münster-/Barfüsser-/Claraplatz
• Christmas ferry
26 Nov to 23 Dec 2015 | Ferries
• Holiday on Ice
10 Dec to 13 Dec 2015 | St. Jakobshalle Basel
The youth hostel has a central location, just a short walk from the Aare River. It makes a perfect base for discovering the capital. A visit to the Zytglockenturm (clock tower), the Münster (cathedral) or the bear park and the breath-taking view from the rose garden will leave impress every visitor of Bern.
Events:
• Rendez-vous Bundesplatz
16 Oct to 29 Nov 2015 | Bundesplatz
• Zwiebelmarkt
23 Nov 2015 | Historic city centre
• Christmas markets
28 Nov to 24 Dec 2015 | Münster-/Waisenhausplatz
• Skating rink
23 Dec to 21 Feb 2015 | Bundesplatz
The youth hostel is right next to the station. Its generously furnished lounge is the meeting point for people of all nationalities. Next door, guests can enjoy international dishes prepared before their eyes in the public restaurant 3a belonging to the youth hostel. In winter, visitors are amazed by Interlaken not only because of the surrounding mountains, but also because of the many events in the town itself.
Events:
• Christmas shopping
19 Dec to 26 Dec 2015 | Central district
• Sinatra Tribute Band & Max Neissendorfer – Winterwonderland
19 Dec 2015 | Kunsthaus
• Christmas market Interlaken
19 Dec to 26 Dec 2015 | Höheweg
• Top of Europe ICE MAGIC Interlaken
19 Dec 2015 to 27 Feb 2016 | Höhematte
Situated in the middle of a park alongside Lake Geneva, the youth hostel welcomes its guests in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Countless bistros, pubs, second-hand shops and antique dealers tempt you to pass away the time.
Events:
• Bô Noël Lausanne: new Christmas Markets
20 Nov to 24 Dec 2015 | Center
• Festival Lausanne Lumières
20 Nov to 31 Dec 2015 | Center
• 10. Christmas Midnight Run
12 Dec 2015 | Center
• Béjart Ballet Lausanne
16 Dec to 20 Dec 2015 | Théâtre de Beaulieu
With its splendid location at the Rotsee Lake, in the heart of Central Switzerland’s mountains, the youth hostel attracts visitors from all over the world. Lucerne, the city of lights, has much to offer: international concerts, famous sights and countless shopping opportunities.
Events:
• Christmas market
20 Nov to 24 Dec 2015 | Railway station
• Live on Ice
26 Nov 2015 to 10 Jan 2016 | In front of KKL Lucerne
• Christmas market Lucerne
03 Dec to 20 Dec 2015 | Franziskanerplatz
• Indiana’s Symphony
04 Dec 2015 to 03 Jan 2016 | KKL Lucerne
• Venite – Internationale Christmas forum Lucerne
17 Dec to 20 Dec 2015 | Kapellplatz
Zurich enjoys a reputation as a meeting point for international globetrotters. With the youth hostel’s diverse cuisine, bright rooms and quiet location in the city within walking range of Lake Zurich. From the end of November, a nighttime stroll along the train station beneath the “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” Christmas illuminations is especially magical.
Events:
• „Himmel auf Erden“
14 Nov to 22 Nov 2015 | open race track in Zurich-Oerlikon
• Christmas Circus Conelli
19 Nov 2015 to 03 Jan 2016 | Bauschänzli
• Christmas market
27 Nov to 24 Dec 2015 | Niederdorf
• Musical advent calendar
01 Dec to 23 Dec 2015 | Opera
• St Nicholas swimming
06 Dec 2015 | Limmat
