Picture the scene: a typical, seaside town. Perhaps in the witching hour of 3am. It is a damp, cold night, the mists of the coast are swirling up around you, chilling you to the bone. There is not a soul to be seen in the streets, and only the rustlings of nocturnal creatures and the gentle crashing of waves upon the shores disturb the silence that has otherwise pervaded the town.

Nothing quite shouts Christmas quite like Christmas markets. Lit up by the warm glow of red, green and gold lights, these rambling bustles of festive activity embrace the best parts of the most wonderful time of the year, celebrating everything and anything of a yuletide nature.

If you thought that Switzerland was nothing but top-secret bank accounts, luxurious chocolate and Alpine mountains, then have no fear, we’re on hand to put the record straight.

Often, when exploring a new country, it isn’t just the culture, culinary accomplishments and architecture that draws in visitors; history has its own lure...