Winter in Europe is a magical time, filled with Christmas markets, snow topped mountains, glaciers, and Glühwein. But winter holidays do require a little more thought when it comes to packing than summer holidays. T shirts and swimsuits are easy, but considering the temperatures and the equipment you might need to make the most of a winter holiday is a bit more in depth. To get the right ratio between having everything you need and packing light for travelling can be tricky, but never fear, here’s our handy guide to packing the essentials for a winter holiday in Europe.

With a landscape as visually stunning as the Swiss Alps, all you need to do is sit back and enjoy it. And the Swiss train system ensures you can do that in style. There are 18 lines delving across the country of Switzerland, taking passengers to traditional Swiss towns and villages and easing by mountains and glaciers with grace and an ‘all the time in the world’ attitude.

Renowned for its majestic Alps and stunning landscapes, Switzerland offers an unparalleled experience for winter sightseeing. One of the best ways to explore the beauty of this alpine wonderland is by hopping aboard the country's scenic train routes. Chugging past enchanting villages set against snow-capped mountains and frozen lakes, Switzerland by rail in winter is nothing short of breath-taking.

There’s nothing more Christmassy than snowy mountains, frosted fir trees, and twinkling fairy lights, and in the Swiss Alps all of this comes with some very festive traditions. Some of these Christmas customs are similar to those enjoyed in the rest of Europe, while others are a little more unusual. We take a closer look at the culture of Christmas in the Swiss Alps.