Magical Christmas by Train

Ever wondered how Christmas is celebrated in the rest of Europe? Here are some suggestions for enjoying a unique Christmas with an InterRail pass.

• Swiss mountain festivities

For a truly authentic Christmas, wrapped up in enchanting Christmas-card scenery, Switzerland won't disappoint! Visit Grindelwald in the Bernese Alps – a Swiss village that becomes a snow-covered wonderland during the festive period. Fuel the yuletide spirit with an invigorating descent down one of the 40 miles of toboggan runs or embark on a winter hike. 

For the winter sports enthusiasts, the Swiss Alps will spoil you with excellent ski runs to suit all abilities. The country has quality resorts galore, including Davos, Verbier and St Moritz, offering unparalleled skiing and snowboarding opportunities as well as charged apres-ski – especially lively over Christmas and New Year.

Whatever you choose to do, expect to be drooling at the mesmerising scenery.

Take a ride on the Bernina Express narrow-gauge scenic train route and get a discount with an InterRail Switzerland Pass or InterRail Global Pass. The views are out of this world with snow-capped mountains in every which way. Look out for frozen waterfalls, deep ravines and impressive viaducts – you won't be able to peel your eyes away.

• Lapland magic

Lapland in Scandinavia’s far north, is as Christmassy as a place can get!  There's plenty to do that you won't be able to experience anywhere else in Europe. Marvel at the natural illumination show of the Northern Lights (aurora borealis), go sledding with huskies and visit a reindeer farm. If you visit the Finnish part of Lapland, you can even pay a visit to Santa Claus and hand your Christmas list to him in person!

During December, the area has just a few hours of sunlight and in January it is rained in total darkness – experience living in these bizarre conditions for a moment, where the snow is the main provider of light thanks to its reflecting powers. There are a number of budget hostels and hotels in the area, but be sure to book well in advance.

Rovaniemi is considered the capital of Lapland and makes a good base from which to explore the surrounding areas. It can be reached by train with an InterRail Finland Pass and takes approximately 10 hours from Helsinki. The train station is located just outside the town centre.

• Traditional German Christmas markets

Christmas markets start popping up all over Germany towards the end of November and stay open up until Christmas Eve.

Get all your Christmas shopping done in one hit, with a range of handicrafts and tasty homemade cakes and biscuits to choose from. But, the highlight of each market is the limitless supply of glühwein (mulled wine) and the array of delicions nibbles, such as hot-chestnuts, gingerbread or marzipan. The most famous markets can be found in Munich, Nuremburg and Berlin.

Include Germany in your tour of Europe with an InterRail Global Pass or explore deep into this country with an InterRail Germany Pass.