Switzerland may still be India’s dream destination, but this winter, travellers are turning the page to a different chapter, one filled with cobblestoned lanes, chalet windows, and fondue by the fire. According to Thrillophilia, India’s leading AI-powered travel platform that helps people discover and personalise multi-day travel, Indian bookings for Switzerland are up 41% year-on-year, with smaller, vibe-rich towns witnessing a 63% surgefor December–February stays.
Data from the platform shows that travellers from Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities are moving beyond Interlaken and Lucerne, choosing instead to base themselves in destinations like Grindelwald (+78%), Gstaad (+71%), Pontresina (+66%), Meiringen–Hasliberg (+58%), and Andermatt (+55%).
“We’re seeing India’s evolving travel palette,” said Abhishek Daga, Co-founder, Thrillophilia. “Today’s traveller wants to experience the Alps differently, less crowds, more connection. The Swiss winter story is no longer about a checklist of landmarks, but about slow mornings, local bakeries, scenic train rides, and boutique stays that offer quiet luxury without the noise.”
The Rise of the ‘Offbeat Switzerland’
The report spotlights a decisive tilt towards ‘offbeat Switzerland’, with travellers prioritizing authentic settings, mountain-town ambience, and better access to winter activities. The most-searched experiences include Christmas markets (31%), fondue or igloo dinners (47%), night-sledging (22%), and horse-drawn sleigh rides in the Engadin (19%).
Among honeymooners, who form 38%of all Swiss winter travellers, 64% now prefer small-town bases, with an average spend per couple between ₹2.7–3.4 lakh, up 12% YoY. The average trip length stands at 7-8 nights, and more than half (58%)of these trips include at least one iconic scenic rail journey like the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, or GoldenPass Line.
Tier-2 India Powers Swiss Travel Boom
An interesting trend driving this growth is the rise of Tier-2 and Tier-3 India, whose share of Switzerland winter bookings has jumped to 38%, from 27% last year. Cities such as Lucknow, Jaipur, Indore, Coimbatore, Kochi, Chandigarh, and Surat are fueling this demand, indicating a wider democratization of international travel among upwardly mobile Indian families and young couples.
“Travel aspirations are no longer limited by geography,” added Daga. “Digital exposure, better connectivity, and evolving lifestyle preferences are pushing travellers from smaller cities to seek premium, curated experiences and Switzerland’s storybook towns fit that aspiration beautifully.”
Planning Ahead, Traveling Smart
With travellers planning further in advance, the median lead time for winter bookings has risen to 54 days, compared to 49 days last year. The peak check-in weeks remain December 20–January 5 (Christmas–New Year) and February 8–23 (Valentine’s and mid-term breaks).
Small-Town Stars of Winter 2025–26
● Grindelwald – First Cliff Walk, night-sledging to Bort, cosy chalet stays
● Gstaad – Chalet-core luxury, fondue gondolas, boutique promenades
● Pontresina (Engadin) – Sleigh rides, spa evenings, and quiet luxe
● Andermatt–Sedrun – Glacier-fed scenery, SkiArena variety, design-forward hotels
● Meiringen–Hasliberg – Family-friendly skiing and Sherlock Holmes trails
As Indian travellers evolve from sightseeing to slow, sensory travel, Switzerland’s smaller towns are becoming the new face of Alpine aspiration. The 2025 winter trend signals a clear shift from big-ticket destinations to immersive, high-quality experiences that balance comfort with connection. With a growing appetite for curated, data-led itineraries, Thrillophilia continues to power India’s experiential travel wave helping millions of travellers discover stories beyond postcards, and destinations beyond the map.
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