More than just mulled wine and fondue

Switzerland — With its mix of romantic lakeside retreats and snow-topped cabins high in the Alps, it is easy to see why Switzerland is an ideal escape come Christmastime. But this wintery destination has also grown increasingly popular for its quaint markets, where mulled wine and freshly roasted chestnuts are not the only festive takeaways keeping visiting revellers toasty and in good spirits.

Here are some of the best markets to check out if you are taking a timely sojourn to the land of milk chocolates and cheese fondue.

Montreux Noel Christmas Market

This is one of the country’s oldest Christmas markets, organised as part of the annual Montreux Noel celebrations. And it helps that it is also located at the foot of the Alps in a city known for great music and dining. This set-up boasts one of the widest varieties of stalls in one place with 160 artisans and merchants, conveniently sited to offer some of the best views of Lake Geneva.

Finding a gift or a souvenir is easy, as choices range from hand-carved figurines of angels and your favourite fur-kids, to an almost whimsical collection of delicate glassware by local glassblower Reto Zund — there is a good chance of catching him in action at his stand. Of course, there is mulled wine to keep you warm, while local specialities, ranging from festive sweets to hearty stews, will ensure a constant full stomach.

As cheesy as it may sound, a fondue dinner in a specially built wood cabin comes highly recommended. Specialising in this local must-have, restaurant La Poya serves it with bread or with mushrooms, which you can choose to complement with a side of cured beef, before finishing off with a simple yet fantastic dessert of meringue with creme de gruyere. If that is not enough of a fix, there is even a stand selling “fondue on the go” (freshly melted fondue mix poured into a hollowed-out loaf).

Buying sweet gifts, such as a sea-salt butter toffee spread, is also possible at the Le Comptoir de Mathilde stand, located at the covered market area. Showcasing the Italian side of dining in Switzerland, wood-fired pizzas and hot “lumberjack tea” can be had at The Lumberjack Village restaurant — an actual log cabin constructed by the lumberjacks of Montreux.

Bern Christmas markets

Although quieter than the big cities not too far away, Bern, the country’s capital, is certainly one of its prettiest. As such, weather permitting, its laid-back setting is ideal for slow strolls through its festive markets. As the larger of two options in this city, the Waisenhausplatz Christmas market at its heart throws up a unique mix of consumables, gifts and souvenirs.

While locally made offerings such as jewellery, candles and traditional market fare abound, visitors might notice some overpriced imported items such as brightly painted lanterns which add colour to the offerings, but are not exactly value buys. Still, there is quality mulled wine and freshly made caramel, among other delicacies, to delight in.

More unique items can be found at a humbler set-up at Munsterplatz, right in front of the cathedral, located no more than a 15-minute walk from Waisenhausplatz. This market is dedicated to local arts and craft, and offers anything from hand-carved toys and serving trays to silver jewellery and fine ceramics. The items here are a lot more authentic and satisfying despite the decidedly smaller selection.

Lausanne’s Bo Noel Christmas markets

The festive pickings are spread across several locations and offer a mix of more commercial items in Flon, local crafts at Pepinet, and more festive products at Saint-Francois, just to name a few. The last is also where the main covered market is located.

Here, visitors can savour a variety: From homemade appetisers with wine, and oysters with champagne, to hot chocolate and churros, and melted raclette cheese served with cured meats and sausages. Close by at The Arches markets, you can sample the Pompom Malakoff — a traditional doughnut.

But for a more immersive and indulgent experience of the produce from the surrounding mountain and lake regions — be it cheeses, potatoes, mushrooms, wine or desserts — visitors can head to the Igloo of the Vaud region, where they can dine in comfort.

That said, no matter where you end up, there is often a stall or two hawking mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, should these suffice. And time could perhaps be better spent shopping, whether you are looking for handcrafted stationery, Kashmir shawls or “Lausanne Lovers” tote bags for your less-than-hipster friends.

This trip was made possible by Dynasty Travel and Switzerland Tourism.