Interlaken Christmas Market Returns in 2024 as Winterheart

Interlaken’s snow-capped mountains and decorative lights make it an appealing winter escape. Central to this experience is the Interlaken Christmas Market, which is part of Winterheart this year. There are chalet-style stalls, family-friendly activities, live music and a light art exhibition.

Read on for confirmed dates and what to expect at this small event.

Interlaken Christmas Market is Back in 2024

Dates and Location – Confirmed

Interlaken dates: 29th November to 22nd December 2024 (confirmed). Verify the schedule here.
Location: Kursaalgarten.
Opening times: 11am to 8pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free.
Lights: No switch-on date announced.
Ice skating: Looks like Ice Magic is cancelled until they find a new sponsor.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on a lead.
Reason to visit: Alpine setting and live Swiss music.
Food specialities: Raclette, Swiss fondue and chocolate truffles.
Where to stay: Hotel Bernerhof is a popular hotel 10-minutes from the centre.

Convenient Hotels

The Höheweg Promenade is an ideal base for your Interlaken visit. Its warm, festive atmosphere is perfect for fully embracing the holidays.

I suggest Hotel Bernerhof for your stay. It’s renowned for its comfort and a prime location within walking distance of the main square.

To make the most of your winter travels, take a look at my Switzerland Christmas Markets List. Consider adding one of these destinations to your itinerary.

What to Expect

This Weihnachtsmarkt event typically features around 40-50 stalls where visitors can browse handmade crafts, regional produce and holiday decorations. Many of these goods are locally sourced from the Interlaken region.

Alongside shopping, the food stalls offer a selection of regional specialties. A highlight is the diverse programme of live entertainment, including local bands, choirs, and performances by traditional Swiss musicians.

Regional Specialties

• Zürcher Geschnetzeltes: A highly popular traditional Swiss dish. It’s made from thinly sliced veal cooked in a white wine and cream sauce, often accompanied by rosti, a Swiss-style grated and fried potato.
• Raclette: A half-wheel of raclette cheese is usually heated until it’s melted, then scraped onto boiled potatoes, pickles, and onions, creating a delicious combination.
• Swiss Fondue: No visit to Switzerland is complete without trying fondue. This dish consists of a pot of melted cheese, into which you dip pieces of bread using long forks. It’s typically a communal eating experience. Sometimes, you can find chocolate fondue as a specialty dessert.
• Lebkuchen: This Swiss/German gingerbread cookie is a winter classic. Baked with aromatic spices, honey, and nuts, Lebkuchen is typically cut into various festive shapes, making it a fun treat or gift.
• Roesti: Considered a Swiss national dish, rosti is a type of potato pancake. Grated potatoes are pan-fried until they’re crispy on the outside and tender within. While traditionally served as a side dish with meats, it also makes a hearty main dish for vegetarians.
• Swiss Chocolate: Renowned worldwide, Swiss chocolate needs little introduction. It’s smooth, rich, and creamy, making it the perfect indulgence for the festive season. You’ll find these chocolates in all forms, from bars and truffles to hot chocolate drinks.
• Nusstorte: A specialty from the Engadine region, nusstorte is a nut-filled pastry. The rich, sweet filling made from walnuts, cream, and honey is encased in a shortcrust pastry.

Food at the Stalls

• Bratwurst and Bürli: A common sight at this time of year is bratwurst and bürli. The Swiss-style bratwurst sausage is grilled and served in a small bread roll called bürli.
• Glühwein: A warm mulled wine spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and citrus. A market classic.
• Magenbrot: A distinctive snack, magenbrot is a type of gingerbread biscuit. It’s glazed with sweet icing and spiced with cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• Chestnuts: Roasted on open fires, chestnuts are another classic snack.
• Swiss Pastries: Many are available, but one particular favourite is butterzopf, a traditional Swiss bread braided and sprinkled with a generous layer of butter before baking to a golden finish.

What to Buy

• Ornaments: Stalls with handcrafted ornaments, ranging from wooden carvings to glass baubles, add a unique touch to the market.
• Swiss Cheese: From famous Gruyère to sharp Appenzeller, these make great gifts for foodies back home.
• Swiss Chocolates: Swiss chocolates are a crowd-pleaser and perfect for gifting. Choose from handmade truffles, pralines, and chocolate bars, each a testament to Swiss confectionery skills.
• Winter Knits: Traditional hand-knitted items like scarves, gloves, and hats are common. Crafted with warm, high-quality Swiss wool, they make practical and stylish winter gifts.
• Swiss Wines: Although less known internationally, Swiss wines are highly appreciated for their quality and variety. A bottle of Swiss wine, perhaps a crisp white from the Lake Geneva region or a hearty red from Valais, would make an excellent gift.

Sustainability Tips

• Support Green Hotels: Consider choosing accommodations in Interlaken that actively support renewable energy initiatives.
• Reduce Food Waste: When sampling the delicious Swiss cuisine, be mindful of food waste. Choose portion sizes carefully and try sharing dishes with your travel companions so nothing goes to waste.
• Ethical Consumption: By purchasing locally made products, you’re supporting local businesses and reducing the demand for mass-produced goods, which often have a larger carbon footprint. Also, be sure only to purchase what you can use and need.
• Sustainable Diets: While Swiss cuisine is rich in dairy and meat products, there’s also a growing movement towards more plant-based foods. Many stalls offer vegetarian or vegan options that require less resource-intensive farming methods.
• Transport: Take advantage of the excellent public transport system. Trains, buses and boats are all efficient ways to explore the region. For shorter distances, consider renting a bike or simply exploring on foot.

Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.

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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.