7 destinations to visit in Switzerland for a magical white Christmas

Switzerland is among the favorite countries of tourists when it comes to captivating scenery made up of majestic Alps, beautiful villages, and clear lakes.

Also called the Land of Peace, it boasts a strong economy, a popular banking system, and an impressive service industry.

“Switzerland ang isa sa pinakamayamang bansa sa mundo gayung dati, mahirap din sila. At ang payak nilang pinagmulan, makikita sa museum. Ang tanong, kung mahirap sila dati, paano sila yumaman? Dinaan nila lahat sa innovation!” Jessica Soho said.

[“Switzerland is one of the richest countries in the world. Their humble beginnings can be seen in museums. The question is, how did the country become wealthy? They achieved it through innovation!”]

If you’re planning on spending the holidays in the beautiful European country, check out these tourist destinations as seen on “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho’s” Christmas special Switzerland episode.

1. Matterhorn Mountain

One of the places you shouldn’t miss seeing when visiting Switzerland is the Matterhorn Mountain, one of the country’s symbols and popular landmarks.

The famous mountain is commonly seen on the packaging of a popular chocolate brand and even has one of Disneyland’s rides named after it.

What fascinates visitors the most is that it usually changes color during sunrise. Sometimes it is gold, and sometimes it has a hint of yellow.

To get the perfect look at Matterhorn, tourists take a ride on one of the Gornegrat Station’s trains

2. Engelberg Village’s Mt. Titlis 

Aside from the Matterhorn, Mt. Titlis is also another hit for tourists. It is located in Engelberg Village and is covered in snow all year round!

Mt. Titlis is also called Angel’s Mountain, as residents believe that it is being watched over by angels.

In the 1970s, a hole was made in the glacier to make a 150-meter-long tunnel, where various displays were put up, including a throne made from ice.

The mountain is the only publicly accessible glacier mountain in all of central Switzerland and can be reached by taking a rotating cable car called ‘Rotair.’

Aside from visiting the mountain through the ‘Rotair,’ Mt. Titlis’s summit can also be watched through the ‘Ice Flyer,’ a glacier chair lift that allows visitors to fly over the huge snow fields.

Also found at the summit of Mt. Titlis is the highest suspension bridge in Europe, soaring at a height of 1,640 feet.

3. Saas-Fee Village

Switzerland also has a charming village called Saas-Fee, a popular resort village, which is part of the Swiss Alps near the Italian border. It’s a place in Switzerland where you can easily walk on ice using snowshoes.

Its residents love the song “Last Christmas” so much that it can be considered their national anthem. Some scenes of the music video were also shot at this village.

The popular Hotel Walliserhof, where George Michael of Wham checked in, is located in the village.

It is said that during his stay, he requested a limousine, but his request was not fulfilled as only electric vehicles are allowed in the village.

4. Jungfraujoch Train Station

For the most elevated glacier-sighting experience, stop by the Jungfraujoch station.

It is the highest accessible railway in Europe at 3,463 meters and has been named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It was named by the monks Mt. Jungfrau because of its untouched-looking white peak.

The popular love-heart selfie spot, which was featured in the hit Korean drama “Crash Landing on You,” can be found at the station’s viewing deck.

And because it was located at the top of the mountain, the temperature in the area can reach as low as -21°C.

5. Leukerbad Municipality

To cap the long freezing trip, try taking a dip at one of the natural hot springs in Leukerbad.

It offers thermal spas like the ones in Laguna, but what makes it different is that you are surrounded by a freezing atmosphere.

The water in thermal spas can go as high as 42°C.

On top of the relaxing feeling the hot bath offers, it also has precious minerals that support the nervous system and other parts of the body.

6.  Interlaken’s Lake Brienz

Nestled in the heart of Switzerland, Lake Brienz is surrounded by majestic Swiss Alps. The crystal-clear turquoise waters define its purity, earning it the distinction of being the purest lake in Switzerland. Recently, this tranquil lake gained attention as a filming location for the popular K-Drama “Crash Landing on You.”

7.  Montreux Town

To cap off a Christmas vacation in Switzerland, it’s a must to encounter Santa Claus in person at Montreux.

At precisely five o’clock in the afternoon, individuals one by one would gaze upwards, as if anticipating something magical in the air.

One can see Santa Claus gliding on his sleigh tethered to a zipline at a height of 385 meters. He might even greet the crowd with a wave and a dance.

For the best view, consider taking a ride on the Ferris Wheel located across from him. —JCB, GMA Integrated News