Switzerland for New Year

Switzerland's natural beauty and stunning architecture really comes into its own during the winter season, so it's no wonder thousands of tourists from across the world head to Swiss cities to see in the New Year. But there's more to Switzerland's New Year charm than just an abundance of snow, with the European nation having a number of fascinating traditions passed down through the generations.

Switzerland's New Year celebrations may be largely the same as those in other countries - involving spectacular fireworks displays, live music and free-flowing mulled wine - but with the enchanting backdrop of Zurich, Geneva and other destinations, the country offers a unique experience for many revellers. More than 150,000 people gather each year along the banks of the River Limmat and Lake Zurich to take part in the traditional festivities, as the church bells chime midnight and the sky illuminates with fireworks.

Heading to Zurich is an ideal choice for those who like their New Year to last well into the night. The live music lets up only for the fireworks performance, and continues until 3am, after which the city's excellent public transport services continue to ferry party-goers back to their hotels and other accommodation.

The best news for those visiting Switzerland for New Year is that you can do it twice, in close succession. Because the country still traditionally follows the Julian calendar, which predates the Gregorian calendar that's now the international standard, the Swiss celebrate New Year a second time on 13 January - so even if you spent 31st December somewhere else, you still don't have to miss out on Switzerland's cultural charm.

The 13th also marks Sylvester's Day, a traditional day of gift-giving and fine dining among Swiss families - so foreign visitors might view the Swiss as having a second Christmas, too. Visiting Switzerland during this festive time can offer a wealth of unique experiences, such as witnessing locals taking to the streets in colourful costumes and enacting the symbolic chasing away of evil spirits.

If you're staying with locals during your New Year visit, it can be a good idea to make cheap calls to Switzerland to give you a clearer idea of what to expect. From cleaning one another's houses to dropping cream on the floor to bless the footsteps of visitors, the Swiss New Year is a singular event that can enthral, entertain and mystify visitors.