January in Switzerland A Swiss World Snow Festival & Hot Air Balloon Festival
by Shrutee K/DNS
What
comes to mind when you think of Swiss winters? Snow-capped mountains and
fur-clad people always on the lookout for an adventure? Or, do you dream of
sitting by an open-log fire with warm fondue and a glass of the famous Glühwein
wine for company? While all this imagery is only too accurate, it paints just
half the picture of what Switzerland really has to offer during its renowned
winter season.
The
other half of this enchanting winter wonderland comprises decades of traditions
kept alive through world-renowned festivals — a must-see for all visitors and
residents alike. January is lined up with two global festivals that attract
hordes of visitors each year living up the celebrations with equally
enthusiastic locals.
37th World Snow Festival (Jan 21-26, 2019)
When the temperature drops far
below zero degrees in late January, artists and sculptors from all over the
world gather at Grindelwald, near Interlaken to carve out extraordinary ice
sculptures at the Six - Day World Snow Festival. What began several decades ago
(with an ice sculpture carving by visiting Japanese Artists of the children’s
book character, Heidi),has
now taken on the form of an annual cultural gathering that has since become a
part of the heritage of this glacier village.
The
2019 theme for the festival is ‘Dreams’, to celebrate ice-cold art. A jury of
experts will judge the giant-snow sculptures. Visitors too are welcome to
give their impressions of the works of art, which will later be taken into
account by the judges. During
the six-day duration of the festival, the streets of the snowy town of
Grindelwald turn into a beautiful fantasy world with the white statues
springing to life in each corner of the town. These alluring sculptures hold
shape until the ice melts, creating an unforgettable experience for all those
that witness their beauty. https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-in/events/event-206195309.html
41st International Hot Air Balloon Festival (Jan 26 – Feb 03,
2019)
If
you’re someone who loves a bird’s eye view of the stunning vistas of
Switzerland, head to the tiny village of Chateau d’Oex between January 26 and
February 03, 2019. Every year, this global capital of hot-air ballooning
welcomes adventure enthusiasts from across the world for a week-long series of
demonstrations and competitions. For
its 41st edition this year, more than 70 multi-coloured and multi-shaped
hot-air balloons will slowly rise to the sky, creating not only a magical
setting for viewers on the ground, but also for those lucky ones up in the
balloon. Sweeping views of Grand-Combin, the Matterhorn and the Bernese Alps
will reward you with a lifetime of memories and picture-perfect snaps. That,
however, is not the best part of this ride! You’ll be so close to snow-clad
mountain peaks, that you’ll feel you can almost touch them.
The
highlight of this festival, however, is the ‘Night Glow’ event after dark,
where some 20 illuminated balloons and para-gliders fly to a musical soundtrack
with some beautiful fireworks thrown in. There’s also loads of children’s
activities and air shows other than the balloon rides, making this festival a
much-anticipated date in the Swiss Calendar. https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-in/events/event-575119187.html
Surely, Switzerland’s winters never seem to disappoint! Don’t forget to wrap up warmly.
Comments
Post a Comment