Whether you’re hitting the slopes or seeking a cozy retreat, we’ve got a list of the best getaways in the Swiss Alps this winter season! And we’ve included a (vegan) food guide to each location.
Zermatt
What To Do:
Zermatt is the place to be in southern Switzerland for skiing, climbing, and hiking. Placed below the famous Matterhorn Peak, you’ll find shops and boutiques galore. Not a ski fan? Try your hand (or feet) at ice skating or curling, instead. A sweet spot for the adventurers and tourists alike, Zermatt’s got activities for all.
Where To Eat:
You can start with coffee and lovely views at Cup’s Italian Coffee House. A vegan pastry is usually available, along with non-dairy milks, smoothies, and yogurt. Stop skiing long enough for amazing Alps views and lunch at Trockener Steg. They offer a salad and pasta bar that’s sure to be navigated easily for vegan options. If you’re looking for a trendy place for dinner, try Geez – but be sure to ask for no fish sauce and to clarify that the vegetarian offerings be made vegan, if necessary.
Bern
What To Do:
This highly populated Swiss city (over 1 million) is the capital of Switzerland. Built around the bend of the Aare River, you’ll have plenty to explore with their original medieval architecture. Hit up Old Town, visit the clock tower, look into the markets, or take a day tip to Blausee!
Where To Eat:
Whatever your reason for visiting Bern, you’ve got plenty of food options. Many of the restaurants have vegan and vegetarian choices, with a few specifically vegan restaurants:
Be sure to drop by Swing Kitchen – a small chain of vegan eateries with burgers, sodas, and more that plays swing music in the background. For a more American-style fast food experience, you’re sure to like Outlawz. And to taste some must-try Swiss fondue, track down the current location of vegan pop-up Gruner Gaumen.
Davos
What To Do:
All aboard the Glacier Express! This famous railway, along with the Bernina Express, has brought people from miles around to enjoy the views. Davos itself is a resort village amid the Rhaetian Alps of Graubünden. Therefore, skiing and snowboarding are some of the best ways to spend your time here – even for beginners.
Where To Eat:
Yama Restaurant Alte Post provides vegan comfort foods such as a burger and sushi – plus a daily vegan menu which includes dessert. You’ll also find many options around with vegan menu items, clearly labeled, from smoothies to breads and sandwiches. For the more upscale dining options, you’ll be certain to enjoy restaurants such as Twist, a modern restaurant with an emphasis on healthy ingredients, and Hotel Schweizerhof Lenzerheide, who carries a well-labeled menu with vegan options and a well-educated staff. (The hotel even offers a vegan amuse buche!)
Grindelwald
What To Do:
Take a cable car ride from Grindelwald to Mannlichen and soak in the view. For the third highest cableway in the world, it will give you an epic 30-minute mountain climb to remember. And of course, for skiing: Kleine Scheidegg-Männlichen, Bod Mirena and Grindelwald offer some of the best ski spots.
Where To Eat:
For a great tasting and creative dinner, stop by Barry’s. There is a vegan menu available as well as clearly-labeled vegan options. Mushroom pasta, chickpea lentil stew, or tofu and veggies with rice will get your belly warm after a long day on the slopes.
St. Gallen
What To Do:
St. Gallen is home to the Abbey of St. Gall, a monastery with many architectural styles. The Abbey includes a library with ancient books and a twin-towered cathedral. You can also check out Old Town or catch some Medieval artwork at the Kunstmuseum.
Where To Eat:
Most restaurants you stumble upon ought to have plenty of vegan options, but for a focus on the vegetarian and vegan fare, head to one of three places:
Nil Imbiss – falafel, potato chips with different sauces, and pickled veggies. (Yogurt not vegan.)
s’Teeblatt – salads, soups, sweets, and teas in a comfy atmosphere.
Tibits – self-service vegetarian buffet with choices like sandwiches, soups, breads, and desserts. Dishes are labeled with ingredients.
Montreux
What To Do:
Have you ever visited a true castle? Well, if you’d like to, then you’re in luck. Set aside a couple of hours to tour: the Chillon Castle (or Chateau de Chillon), as it is one of the most visited castles in Europe. You can also view the Gardens of Montreux Palace, take a boat trip or ride a railway, and make a stop to see a Freddie Mercury Statue.
Where To Eat:
If you need a bite to eat, there are several omnivorous restaurants that will give you vegan options. Blackbird Coffee & Breakfast Club can accommodate you for breakfast or brunch, while Cafe Enning offers a vegan burger with some adaptable items.
Lucerne
What To Do:
The city of Lucerne sits nestled amidst the mountains on Lake Lucerne. Be sure to check out colorful Old Town (Altstadt) and the chapel bridge (Kapellbrücke) – and you won’t want to miss out on simply wandering the streets and viewing the beautiful Medieval architecture.
Where To Eat:
Near the chapel bridge, you could start your day at Pura, a vegan cafe that offers a changing lunch menu. Make a reservation at Karls Kraut for vegan dinner on the river – and make sure to swing by the Crazy Cupcake Cafe for all vegan treats (and even some gluten-free options).
Regardless of whether you’re a snowbird or a summer lover, these snowy retreats are sure to get you daydreaming. What’s your winter getaway of choice: outdoor winter sports, or sipping cocoa indoors by the fire?
Tell us in the comments what you prefer and where you would visit first!
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The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author, and not of HappyCow nor of the featured restaurants.
