Relaxing winter excursions

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.

In winter, what could be more delightful than a cruise across Lake Thun? From mid-November to the end of March, there is one winter ship a day operating between Thun and Interlaken-West. This is when Nature, in her winter finery, is at her most enchanting when and the alpine panorama blanketed in white never fails to seduce and fascinate.

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.

Gstaad is a heavenly destination for switching off and relaxing. Seven specialist ‘wellness’ hotels, other hotels with top-quality spa facilities, and an indoor swimming pool at the sports centre are all part of this fabulous setting. In fact, the entire destination is nothing short of an oasis of well-being.

In the Bernese Jura, 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.

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.

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.

The tranquil circular trail through the Engstligenalp-Adelboden winter setting is a joy for hikers of all ages. It takes in the 5.5 km trail across the largest high plateau in the Swiss Alps. And the sun terraces at the Berghotel Engstligenalp, the restaurant Steghorn and the Berghaus Bärtschi are the perfect place for a stop.

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. Those keen to extend this unique experience in such delightful surroundings can even overnight in a romantic igloo.