In winter, some Swiss villages and mountain areas host winter walks that are lit by lanterns and other festive illuminations. On weekends, there is usually food and drink and/or restaurants nearby for fondue.
Here are the best lantern paths near Zürich to visit.
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Note: Depending on current conditions, the trails may be icy, slushy or not covered with snow at all. Trails may not be lit on bad weather evenings, particularly with high winds or rain. Check current conditions and weather forecast before heading out.
What to expect at a lantern walk
Dress warmly, appropriate to the weather forecast. I would suggest warm underclothing with wind and waterproof outer layers. For more info, see: What to wear for a winter hike.
If there is snow, most of the lantern paths below are prepared so you don’t need snowshoes, just sturdy waterproof winter boots. Since the paths can get icy, you may like to bring traction cleats just in case.
Some lantern walks have food and drink stands, others have nearby restaurants that may require a reservation. Check relevant websites beforehand so you know what your options are.
Near Zurich city
1. Thalwil Lichterweg
This path is lit with 1000+ LED lamps along a 1 km path through the Mettli park. On Thurs-Sat from 17:00, the Wild Boars club host a cheese hutwhere visitors can enjoy raclette and fondue. On Thur to Sun, there is a Glühwein stand. On a few evenings, they have musical programs from local choirs.
Location: Mettli nature reserve in Thalwil/Oberrieden
Open: daily 1 Dec to 31 Dec 2024
Cost: Free
Website: wildboars.ch
2. Uetliberg
This trail leads up the Uetliberg mountain, accessing the restaurants at the top: Uto Kulm and Uto Staffel (reservations recommended).
Unlike other paths on this list, this illuminated trail is not an easy stroll, but quite difficult, gaining 280 m of elevation. The trail is lit with lanterns year round.
Because of the trail steepness, this trail is best done in dry weather, no snow or ice. Since Zurich is usually not covered in snow all winter long, so you should have plenty of nights to do this trail.
From the top, you can ride the S10 train back to Zürich city (and ride up if you prefer to skip the climb).
Location: start at parking Uetlibergstrasse 355, 8045 Zürich, near Albisgütli tram stop
Path: 2.3 km one way, gaining about 280m. See trail map.
Cost: Free
Open: year round
Website: www.utokulm.ch
Near Zug
3. Zugerberg Lichterweg
Ride the Zugerberg funicular train up the mountain to reach this easy path lit with candles and other lights. The path leads to a nativity scene in the forest, where there are Christmas programs on some nights. At the nearby playground, there is a fire pit, groups often make a fire and socialize.
Location: Schönegg-Zugerberg funicular – Schönegg 31, 6300 Zug. Limited parking at the funicular station.
Path: 1.2 km each way
Date: 6 Dec 2024 thru 6 Jan 2025. Lights go on at 16:30. The funicular runs every 15 mins from 17:00 – 21:00.
Cost: Funicular CHF 11.60/adult. Discount for children & SBB Half-fare. Free with GA.
Website: www.zbb.ch
4. Baar Lichterweg
Over 1000 LED lamps illuminate this short path in the forest near Baar. The path past the Heiligkreuz chapel to a fire pit where you can socialize with friends. On some evenings, they have small programs with music and other activities.
Location: Baar, starting on Wishalde street near the Shell station. Parking at Schiesstand Wishalde or Baar swimming pool at Lättichstrasse 10, 6340 Baar.
Path: 1.5 km path loop
Open: 29 Nov 2024 to 5 Jan 2025 (maybe until 12 Jan 2025). Lit every evening 17:00 – 22:00.
Cost: Free
Website: www.lichterweg-baar.ch
5. Lichterweg Gisikon
This path is illuminated with 250+ lanterns and candles, leading to nativity scene and fire pit in a park. On weekends, there is a kiosk selling drinks and snacks.
Location: Gisikon . Parking on Feldhofstrasse
Path: 1 km loop
Cost: Free
Open: 28 Nov 2024 to 6 Jan 2025 / daily 17:00 to 22:00
Website: www.lichterweg-gisikon.ch
6. Laternenweg Ägeri
This path on the hills above the Ägeri village is lit with 300+ candle lanterns.
On weekends, the Lanternenstübli is open where you can get drinks and snacks. Reservations required for fondue. Also open on 25/26/31 Dec 2024 and 1/2 Jan 2025.
Location: starts near Allmigchappeli and ends on Buechholzstrasse.
Path: 3 km path, about 45 mins
Open: 30 Nov 2024 to 2 Jan 2025
Cost: Free
Website: www.aegerital-sattel.ch
7. Hünenberg
This path is illuminated with fairy lights, leading from the center of the Hünenberg village through the Hubel orchard down to the lake. On weekends, the community often hosts an apéro with drinks and a grill.
Location: Hünenberg near Zug – suggested parking at Hünenberg Zythus train station
Path: 1.5 km one way
Open: 27 Nov 2024 to 6 Jan 2025. Lights every evening from 17:00 to 20:00.
Cost: Free. Drinks and food available for purchase on some evenings.
Website: www.zg.ch
8. Chamer Liechtliweg
This short path along the Zugersee lake shore is lit on weekends during the Christmas Advent season with over 100 lanterns.
At Restaurant Villette, you can enjoy mulled wine. On Sundays they have special Christmas programs with music and a Samichlaus visit around 18:00.
Location: Villettepark near Cham train station and parking. About 15 mins from Zug.
Open: 30 Nov 2024 to 1 Jan 2025. Lights on Fri, Sat, Sun. Lights go on around 17:30.
Cost: Free
Website: cham-tourismus.ch • liechtliweg.ch
Near Appenzell
9. Schwägalp Lanternliweg
A winter walk through a snowy forest lit with oil lamps near the Säntis mountain peak.
On weekends, the trail leads to the Gasthaus Passhöhe restaurant where you can enjoy a fondue dinner. You can also get hot drinks at the Lanterlibar on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Location: start at Säntis Schwägalp parking, southeast of Zürich
Path: 40 min loop
Cost: Free
Open: Thurs, Fri & Sat evenings from Nov to March / daily during the Christmas holiday break
Website: saentisbahn.ch
10. Appenzellerland “Stars and Lantern” Path
This lantern path along a river and into the woods is lit with 40 lanterns. During Christmas season, there is a nativity with large figures made out of wood. You can reserve for dinner at Hotel Hof Weissbad or another restaurant near the start of the trail.
Location: start and end at Hotel Hof Weissbad – Im Park 1, 9057 Weissbad
Path: 800 m loop
Cost: Free
Open: 1 Dec 2024 to 31 Jan 2025 / daily from sunset to about 20:30
Website: www.appenzell.ch
Canton Schwyz
11. Laternenweg Unteriberg
This Christmas themed path along the river is illuminated with 40 decorative lanterns designed by local artists. It leads to a nativity scene in the woods.
Location: path starts near Waagtalstrasse 27, 8842 Unteriberg. Bus stop Unteriberg, Herti
Path: 1.8 km, about 30 mins
Open: end of Nov to 6 Jan / Lit daily from 17:00 – 22:00
Cost: Free
Website: www.schwyz-tourismus.ch
13. Sattel Hochstuckli
Fifty lanterns light the way on this loop trail around the Sattel Hochstuckli ski resort. Starting at the top of the gondola, you’ll walk through fields and forest, crossing over the 374 m long suspension bridge at the end.
After the lantern walk, you can enjoy a fondue dinner at the Mostelberg mountain inn, reservations required (info@mostelberg.ch).
Location: top of Sattel-Mostelberg gondola – parking and bus stop at valley station
Path: 2 km loop
Dates: Saturdays from 30 Dec 2024 to 8 March 2025 / evenings 17:00 to 22:00 / Also on New Year’s Eve 31 Dec 2024
Cost 2024: CHF 30/person to ride the gondola. Fondue separate.
Website: www.sattel-hochstuckli.ch
Elsewhere in Switzerland
14. Crans Montana
From December through early March, this mountain village has an easy path through the forest illuminated with dozens of lanterns and artistic light installations. It’s a great excuse for a winter weekend getaway for the family.
We stayed overnight at Boutique Hotel Art de Vivre, a lovely hotel conveniently located in the center of the village. I particularly like that you can easily walk to all the amusements from the hotel. For families, they also have suites with two rooms. They have a wellness area with an indoor pool, outdoor jacuzzi, and sauna.
Note: our visit was hosted by Crans Montana Tourism.
Location: Path starts at Rue Centrale 2, 3963 Crans-Montana. Bus stop Crans-Montana, Etang Long. The closest parking is at Rte Touristique 21, Crans Montana (at the Crans Montana Beach Club & Wakepark).
Path: 1.6 km loop, about 45 mins (see trail map)
Dates: 6 Dec 2024 to 9 March 2025 / lit each evening from 17:00 to 22:00
Cost: free
Website: chemin-des-lanternes.ch
15. Les Pléiades Lantern Path
This lantern path near Montreux is accessed with the mountain train from Vevey to Les Pléiades. At the top, there are snowshoe paths lit with lanterns on Friday and Saturday evenings in January and February. The path is open in all weather, even without snow. Snowshoe rental available onsite.
On Friday evenings, you ride the train to the Lally stop and walk 10 mins to the Le 1209 Restaurant for mulled wine. Then a 45 min walk on the loop lantern path. You end the walk at the restaurant, where you enjoy dinner of fondue or rösti.
On Saturday evenings, you ride the train to the Pléiades stop, where you start with a welcome drink of mulled wine. Then either a 20 min and 40 min walk on the lantern path. After the hike, you enjoy dinner at the Chalet-Restaurant.
Your event ticket includes your round trip train journey from Vevey, welcome drink of mulled wine, snowshoe hire, and dinner of fondue or rösti (drinks and dessert extra).
Location: Pléiades train station / 38 mins train ride from Vevey, near Montreux
Path: 20 min or 45 min loop
Dates: Saturday evenings in January and February. Winter 2025 dates have not been announced.
Cost 2024: CHF 49/adult, discount with Swiss travel cards and for children
Website: mob.ch
16. Kambly Liechtli-Weg in Trubschachen
The first two weekends of the Christmas Advent season, there is a small Christmas market at the Kambly cookie factory. Next to the market, there is a lantern path along the river.
Location: Kambly factory – Mühlestrasse 4, 3555 Trubschachen. Trubsachen train station
Path: short loop next to the factory
Dates: Christmas Market 29 Nov to 1 Dec 2024 and 6 Dec to 8 Dec 2024 / path lit on Friday and Saturday evenings 16:00 to 8:00
Cost: free
Website: Kambly.com
