Guests of St. Moritz can see the unique horse races on ice – White Turf
In Locarno, on Piazza Grande, an ice rink has been set up, surrounded by igloo-shaped bars. Skating enthusiasts can hone their skills until January 7. It is best to do this in the evening, when colored lights are lit, playing on the ice and on the transparent igloo domes. You can also try your hand at the ice rink in Mendrisio, on Piazzale alla Valle, also until January 7.
At the Charlie Chaplin Museum in Corsier-sur-Vevey, in addition to viewing the exhibition that commemorates the man of an era who passed away on Christmas Day, you can ride a hot air balloon until January 7.
Until January 20, in the Lausanne Cathedral, you can see a large nativity scene that will vividly present the events of more than two thousand years ago that took place in Bethlehem.
Until January 31, it is worth visiting the Aquarium-Vivarium of Lausanne at Route de Berne 144 to get acquainted with the flora and fauna of five continents. The specimens are located in 46 aquariums, terrariums, and vivariums. The organizers have tried to emphasize the connection of life with water; thanks to their efforts, visitors will learn a lot of new things about the world around us.
On December 9, a night ski race will take place in Verbier, where participants will have to cover 4.24 kilometers with an elevation difference of 962 meters. The only thing that will illuminate the athletes' path is the light from their headlamps.
On December 29, at the ski resort of Flumserberg (Canton of St. Gallen), a night mountain bike ride is planned. The administration reminds that this is an exception, and on other days such entertainment on the local slopes is prohibited. The piquancy of the event also lies in the fact that all responsibility for safety falls on the participants, who are recommended to wear protective helmets.
On January 18, at the resort of Champex-Lac, the Swiss Ice Racing Championship will take place, and on February 4, 11, and 16 in St. Moritz, you can see unique international competitions – horse races on ice called White Turf.
Until February 4, the Historical Museum of Vevey will host an exhibition of medieval books of hours created in Bern around 1490. These parchment manuscripts, decorated with miniatures, were used by the canons of the Collegiate Church of St. Vincent in Bern until the Reformation in 1528. Four books of hours were then sold to the clergy of Estavayer-le-Lac, where they are kept to this day, while the other two ended up in Vevey under mysterious circumstances. Today, these books are considered the most outstanding examples of Swiss illuminated manuscripts from the Late Middle Ages.
And what about entertainment specifically for children? In Switzerland, there are resorts where children can ski for free. Among such stations in the Canton of Bern are Brienz-Axalp and Gstaad Mountain Rides (up to 5 years old), in the Canton of Fribourg – Charmey and Moléson (up to 9 years old), in Graubünden – Arosa Lenzerheide and Engadin-Scuol-Motta-Naluns (up to 6 years old), Splügen (up to 12 years old), in Valais – Bürchen, Unterbäch, Eischoll, Visperterminen, and Zermatt (up to 9 years old).
In the municipality of Splügen (Canton of Graubünden), children are invited to ride sleds pulled by huskies. Routes lasting one and two hours are available. Interacting with dogs surrounded by snow-capped mountains – such an experience will be remembered for a long time.
In the municipality of Disentis, every Thursday an eco-friendly ski lift operates: three horses pull children on skis up the slope. Upon reaching the top, the young athletes can pet their four-legged friends.
In Alpthal (Canton of Schwyz), children are waiting for snowmobiles, which many boys and girls dream of riding. Some of the vehicles have electric motors specially designed for riders aged 5 to 12. The youngest guests will be provided with snowmobiles with limited speed, allowing the little ones to move no faster than a pedestrian.
After enjoying nature, walks, and skiing, you can take the children to museums that will be interesting for both parents and kids. In the municipality of Lichtensteig (Canton of St. Gallen), there is a modeling museum that houses the largest collection of miniature trains in Europe, created in 1942 and expanded through the efforts of enthusiasts. 1000 meters of tracks, 300 locomotives, 100 freight cars – this is not all that will appear before the eyes of visitors.
In Hettiswil, tourists will be amazed by the Illusoria-Land museum of illusions, created by Swiss artist Sandro Del-Prete. Aiming to "deceive" guests, the author used holography, laser technology, and many other methods, keeping in mind that human eyes refuse to see what cannot be.
Have a fun and interesting winter!
Leila BABAYEVA.
Based on materials from Nashagazeta.ch