Merry Christmas, everyone! (Yes, I know it’s a little late, but what can I say? We were far too busy soaking up the festive magic to keep up with the blog 😳).

Now that our family are “grown up” (or at least older… maturity is still up for debate! 😂), Christmas Day has become a little calmer, but no less exciting. A few years back, we decided to swap endless piles of gifts for something far more valuable: travel and the memories that come with it. And what a decision that turned out to be! The first year, we stuck to giving just cards, but over time, the presents have crept back in—though nothing too over the top. Thankfully, our campers offer plenty of clever storage space, so sneaking a few surprises on board is no issue.

That said, our daughter still carries the same level of excitement she had at 10, so at 7 a.m. sharp, we were joyfully summoned from our beds 🙄—a miracle, given she usually hibernates till at least 10 when she can! Dragging ourselves upright (with only a little groaning), we opened the blinds. And oh, what a view. The scene outside our camper was the kind of magic you hope for on Christmas morning: snow-capped peaks shimmering under the winter sun, powder-dusted trees standing tall like nature’s own decorations, and the silence of the Swiss Alps broken only by the huge waterfall from the towering cliff above. It was a moment that really felt like the perfect Christmas.

We exchanged gifts and cards, sharing laughs (and a few morning grumbles) as we unwrapped. My highlight? Tickets to see Guenther Steiner live on tour! (For those who don’t live and breathe Formula 1, he’s the former Haas F1 team principal, and I couldn’t be more thrilled.)

Usually, we’d toast the morning with a glass of bubbly, but with only vodka on hand, we decided to spare ourselves that adventure. I don’t think the festive excuse for early morning alcohol extends to vodka at 8am! 😂

With our festive morning off to a brilliant start, it was time to head out and try again to get to Wengen…

Exploring Wengen: A Winter Wonderland Adventure

Our adventure continued on Christmas Day as we finally made our way to Wengen, one of Switzerland’s most picturesque car-free mountain villages. The journey itself was a delight, beginning with the shuttle bus again from the campsite to the train station. From there, we boarded the iconic cogwheel train that climbs steeply up to Wengen. This ride was breathtaking, with the Lauterbrunnen Valley spreading out below us like something from a snow globe. Every glance out of the window offered a new postcard-worthy scene: glistening waterfalls frozen in time, the snow covered chalets of the town below, and the majestic peaks of the Bernese Alps towering above.

When we stepped off the train at Wengen station, it felt like stepping into a Christmas card. Fresh snow blanketed the village, and the sunlight sparkled off every surface. The air was exhilarating, and the atmosphere was buzzing with skiers, families, and holidaymakers soaking up the festive vibes.

We took our time wandering through Wengen’s charming streets. The village has a perfect balance of boutique shops, cozy cafes, and traditional Swiss architecture, with red shutters and wooden balconies adorned with twinkling fairy lights. A standout sight was the Hotel Bernerhof with its quirky cow statue—a real photo-worthy spot!

Watching Ski School and Choosing Our Next Adventure

We spent a while watching the ski school at the base of the slopes. There’s something truly mesmerizing about watching tiny tots, barely up to your knee, confidently gliding down the snow while you’re trying not to slip on the flat pavement! The more we watched, the more I wanted to have a go and we were tempted to book a beginner session, but with just a few hours to spare, we decided to save it for another trip. If, like us, you’ve never been skiing, The Swiss Ski School in Wengen offers lessons for all ages, and if you’re planning a longer stay, it’s a fantastic way to learn or improve your skiing, and it was nowhere near as expensive as I thought it would be. You can check out their official website for more details.

Instead, we opted for the cable car ride up to Männlichen. This ride came highly recommended for its sweeping views, and it did not disappoint. We glided upwards, leaving the busy village below as the snowy peaks grew closer with every meter.

Ascending to Männlichen: Views that Steal Your Breath

As we soared up the mountain, the landscape unfolded beneath us in a way that only the Alps can deliver. Below, skiers zigzagged down pristine runs, and the village of Wengen shrank into a charming cluster of rooftops. Ahead, Männlichen beckoned with its panoramic views and endless powdery slopes. The cable car itself is modern and smooth, making it easy to lose yourself in the beauty of the journey. For those considering this trip, check out the Männlichen website for tickets and schedules.

When we reached the top, the views hit us like a sledgehammer—in the best way possible. Surrounded by the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks, it felt like standing in the heart of a winter masterpiece. The snow glistened under the midday sun, and the air was so fresh it seemed to cleanse your soul with every breath.

There’s plenty to do at Männlichen for both skiers and non-skiers. From the summit, you can enjoy the Royal Walk, an easy trail that offers unparalleled 360° views. If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s also the thrilling toboggan run.

Continuing Our Christmas Day Adventure: Männlichen to a Festive Feast

After taking in the jaw-dropping views at Männlichen, we spent some time simply enjoying the moment. We wandered around the summit, watching the helicopter tours whisking lucky passengers across the mountain peaks. The helicopters were a sight to see in themselves, with each takeoff kicking up plumes of snow into the crisp air before disappearing into the vast alpine expanse.

Of course, we had to make time for a drink! We found a spot at the outdoor café near the slopes, where I enjoyed a refreshing local lager while Mrs. CamperMann stuck with her traditional glass of Prosecco – a habit that seems to have followed us across Europe. I should probably add here – we don’t drink very much or often but we do like two or three drinks a day when we’re on holiday (and don’t need to drive of course) – The French might say – Cela complète l’ambiance du moment (it complements the ambiance of the moment, or at least makes it sound more sophisticated 😜)!

Drink in hand, soaking up the atmosphere and watching sledgers race down the long, winding runs was surprisingly entertaining. The joy was infectious— tiny children skiing and sledging like pros, adults hurtling down like kids themselves, and even the occasional spill that ended in a cloud of snow and giggles.

On the short walk back to the cable car, I decided to take the plunge—literally—into a soft, undisturbed and inviting looking 3-foot snow drift. It was one of those spur-of-the-moment ideas that seemed brilliant right up until it engulfed me and the icy snow enveloped my face. Trying to keep a brave smile for my daughters camera while secretly in shock and trying to shake out all the freezing snow from under my clothes might not have been my finest moment, but it was definitely one to remember!

We then made our way back down, first by cable car to Wengen, and then on the return train to Lauterbrunnen. It’s a journey that would never get old, with the views just as stunning on the way down as they are going up.

A Swiss Christmas Feast

Back at Camping Jungfrau, we decided to treat ourselves to dinner at the on-site restaurant, which was open for Christmas Day. The menu wasn’t a special holiday set, but it was packed with tempting options—and after a day in the fresh mountain air, we were ready to indulge.

We started with a shared platter of traditional Swiss cheese fondue and a portion of beef tartare. The fondue was everything we’d hoped for—rich, creamy, and perfect for dipping chunks of bread. The beef tartare, while not Christmassy in the traditional sense, was unbelievably good and a deliciously light start to the meal.

For the main course, my daughter and I went for a good old classic Christmas choice: beef burgers and fries! 😂 We’d spotted them being served at another table and couldn’t resist. And let me tell you, they were every bit as glorious as they looked! Mrs. CamperMann opted for a local gnocchi dish, which unfortunately didn’t live up to expectations—though it certainly looked amazing.

To finish, we tucked into bowls of ice cream, perfect for rounding off an already indulgent meal. Feeling festive, we took a few selfies on the patio outside, surrounded by tall flame heaters, thick faux fur blankets, twinkling fairy lights, and snow-covered Christmas trees. It was a picture-perfect way to end the evening.

With full stomachs and the beginnings of a food coma setting in, we made our way back to the camper for an early night. Cozy, content, and with memories of a Christmas unlike any other, we were fast asleep before long!

A Christmas to Remember

Traveling for Christmas might seem like a big change from the norm, but it’s one that can create memories to last a lifetime. Since we started celebrating Christmas on the road, every year has been filled with moments we’ll never forget—where we were, what we did, and the laughter we shared. It’s not about giving up traditions; it’s about creating new ones, whether you’re surrounded by snow-covered mountains or basking in sunshine. If you’ve ever thought about doing something different for Christmas, a motorhome adventure could be just the magic you need. Give it a try—you won’t regret it.