A Swiss Christmas - Part I

Our family had an exchange student, Sarah Vogt, from Switzerland many years ago (17 years ago in fact) and since then we have kept in contact with Sarah and her family regularly. We organized for Christmas to stay with Sarah, Marco, and their family with plenty of sightseeing of the country planned.

Sunday 24th December - Christmas Eve

We had an early start to get to the Bristol Airport for our 7.10 am flight to Geneva, Switzerland. Upon arriving and picking up our luggage, Salome (Sarah’s sister) and Simon picked us up from the airport, and we were soon heading along the motorway towards Bern (on the wrong side of the road).

Views in Lohnstorf


Creek running through Lohnstorf (was frozen last year)



The Vogt household

We first headed to Lohnstorf, where Sarah’s parents are still living in a small village of only about 300 people. We met Suzette and Urs, Sarah’s parents, and enjoyed a light lunch. We then headed outside down the hill towards the ‘torf’ (flat areas of muddy lands – similar to flood plains).

It was quite cold but some great country views of the land we to be had, with limited visibility of the hills in the background. The Alps were not to be seen due to the thick fog and cloud.

Christmas Eve was held at Sarah and Marco’s house where we arrived before after most of the guests to a warm reception. We were also introduced to mulled wine, which is wine heated on the stove with spices added, and served in a coffee mug.

Before dinner Simon played his guitar and David played his recorder. The children were told a Christmas Story in Swiss (which we did not understand), then the children were able to open their first round of presents from Sarah’s side of the family.

Prior to dinner we also sang Christmas Carols in Swiss, and we enjoyed a great meal cooked by Marco including curries and beef, and loads of desserts. And lots more red wine…


Monday 25th December – Christmas Day

We enjoyed a traditional Sunday morning breakfast, including sliced meats, cheeses, eggs, and zupfe (special Sunday bread).

After breakfast the kids opened our presents we brought from Australia (stuffed toys and boomerangs).

Simon on the Guitar



David with his boomerang

We then drove to the nearby Bumberg Mountain, and ventured up the mountain to get some sunshine and see some of the great views Switzerland has to offer. We enjoyed a coffee at the restaurant on the top of the mountain, and soaked up the view.

Nada in the 'snow' on Christmas Day


Views from Bumberg Mountain


More Views


Views from the top


A Christmas Coffee with (left to right) Simon, Anna-Lea and Sarah