Few countries can rival Switzerland’s allure as the eternal European holiday destination. While you don’t need a reason to plan a trip there, if you’re looking for one, autumn in Switzerland is particularly splendid. As the days begin to shorten, the light softens, everything feels more mellow and that cup of hot chocolate becomes all the more enticing. The summer crowds have long gone, and the country’s most popular sights are all yours to savour at leisure.
As the leaves turn a golden yellow and fall, the outdoors becomes the best place to be. From hiking, biking, and exploring the highlights of wine country (yes, Switzerland makes good wine) to enjoying cinematic views from the winding panoramic trains and watching cattle return to their barns from the meadows – an annual ritual that’s celebrated across villages – autumn is a special time of year to be in Switzerland.
Start planning your perfect Swiss vacation with this 7+3-day Switzerland itinerary.
Best time to enjoy autumn in Switzerland
Fall in Switzerland typically stretches from mid-September to the end of November. While the leaves begin to change colour and drop in the last week of September, mid-October is the best time to visit for vibrant fall colours. Occasional rains can be expected but the weather is likely to stay dry and sunny.
You can also refer to our best time to visit Switzerland guide to decode your preferred season for a Swiss sojourn.
Best places to enjoy autumn in Switzerland
The beautiful Zurich looks even better when the crowds thin and the fall colours transform the lakeside and surrounding mountains. Its Old Town is best explored on foot with or without a guide, but for a touch of fun, embark on a chocolate trail through the city. Sample some of the country’s finest chocolate creations from dreamy Conditorei Café Schober, brimming with pretty corners and delicious baked goodies, to the simple, old-school Confiserie Hanold, a top favourite for its hot chocolate and truffles in every imaginable flavour. To dive into the country’s rich history with chocolate, head to the Lindt Chocolate Factory on the shores of Lake Zurich.
Soak in the splendours of Interlaken long after the summer crowds have departed. Explore its top sights: Lake Thun, Lake Brienz, Harder Kulm and Jungfraujoch, and the plenty of activities on offer. The region around Lake Thun is dotted with vineyards, and it’s the best time of the year to explore them on foot, stopping where your heart desires for an impromptu picnic with local wine and magnificent mountain views.
Also, check out our guide to fifteen beautiful places to visit in Switzerland.
Fall also marks the start of the hunting season, and the food on your plate in Switzerland reflects the changing seasons from pumpkins to chestnuts. Enjoy a variety of Swiss dishes in pretty mountain restaurants across the Bernese Oberland.
An eagerly anticipated event is the annual Jungfrau Marathon, held in autumn, offering a thrilling way to experience the breathtaking surroundings.
Autumn in Switzerland: Best things to do
Go hiking
When in Switzerland, do as the Swiss do and embrace the outdoors wholeheartedly. The Swiss love hiking, taking to the slopes right from their childhood. With 65,000 kilometres of trails, the options are endless, but here are some of the best autumn hikes to help you get started:
- Walk amongst the tallest and oldest larch trees in Europe, some as old as 1,000 years, as you hike from the Tracouet mountain station to Haute-Nendaz.
- Discover the stunning Brecca Gorge carved by glaciers several thousands of years ago. The region is known for its rich Alpine traditions and visitors can experience staying in an Alpine hut here.
- Take the cable car from Miglieglia and set out on hikes across one of Ticino’s gems – Monte Lema with glorious views of Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano.
Sleep under the stars
Delight in Switzerland’s clear, starry fall skies by sleeping out in the open in one of the many exciting rooms of the Million Stars Hotel. Peppered throughout the country, types of rooms and their locations vary, but what’s common to all is they allow you to take in the brilliant night sky. From bubble tents, and outdoor beds to tree tents, experience the Swiss outdoors in a unique way.
Also, explore our guide to the best places to stargazing around the world.
Try forest bathing
Experience nature’s healing and restorative powers on curated walks and time spent outdoors with specialised guides. From the otherwordly Breggia Gorge, the wonderful Les Mélèzes relaxation and recreation park, and the evergreen mountain forests of UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch to exploring Engadine forests with goats, nature’s healing touch never gets old.
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Soothe body and mind at a wellness destination
Soak in the healing powers of hot springs or opt for specialised spa treatments across eight certified wellness destinations during fall in Switzerland. From glamorous Gstaad to Bad Zurzach, a network of spa towns, it’s possible to find something for all budgets and tastes.
Also read | This Charming Lakeside Town Is Switzerland’s Unexpected Mediterranean-Like Escape
Savour Swiss wines
Switzerland’s fantastic ecotourism offerings are a well-kept secret and a great way to explore the country. Visit picturesque vineyards, explore local wine culture and traditions or just drink up the country’s splendid wines. Given that this is Switzerland, it’s possible to add a hike to your itinerary. Get started here:
- Barely 20 minutes from the centre of Geneva – the third largest wine-growing canton in Switzerland – visit the La Ferme Pittet, Russin. The farm, vineyard and orchard offer wine tastings, and vineyard tours and has six guest rooms.
- Experience farm life centred around wine at the family-run Diroso Winery, Bed & Breakfast in Turtmann. The focus here is natural viticulture without the use of any pesticides.
Savour Swiss vistas from a panoramic train
Swiss railways are a delight year-round, but they’re especially stunning when the fall colours light up the surroundings. With a selection of panoramic trains, the journey itself becomes the highlight. Take in the stunningly beautiful fall scenery, go past glacial lakes, through charming villages and over towering bridges, connecting Switzerland’s top attractions. Coupled with top-notch hospitality, getting on a train never felt better.
Also, check out our guide to the best things to do in Switzerland.
Festivals and autumn events to attend in Switzerland
Cattle are an inextricable part of Switzerland, and the country takes immense pride in the milk produced there. Grazing freely on Alpine pastures for long periods is considered to be the magic that results in superior-quality milk. Every year, nearly 400,000 cattle and 200,000 goats, along with their herders, make their way to the Alpine meadows during the warmer months to graze for several months before returning to their families from mid-August to mid-September.
The cattle descent is a highly anticipated event celebrated with music, merrymaking, food, and cheer. The stars of course are the healthy, happy Swiss cows with their tinkling bells. Few lucky ones get to wear pretty crowns made of fresh flowers and twigs. When the cattle arrive, the villages are ready to receive them with yodelling and alphorns. There are market stalls and local crafts on display as well as wrestling competitions for children. The carnival-like atmosphere is a wonderful one to partake in and a truly Swiss experience to enjoy.
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Beautiful Lugano comes alive in autumn with a festival marked to celebrate a bountiful summer harvest. Held over a weekend, there are parades, tables overflowing with delicious autumn specialities and plenty of Ticino wines to look forward to. From fresh apples to a variety of cheese, acquaint yourself with the region by tasting its exquisite produce. Several cultural events are also held, including several live folk music performances.
Best hotels in Switzerland for autumn stay
Switzerland offers a variety of accommodation options ranging from homely bed and breakfasts, stunning alpine chalets, the biggest international hotel chains to some of Europe’s classic grand hotels. One such is the Grandhotel Giessbach: wedged between the Giessbach Waterfall and overlooking the icy blue waters of Lake Brienz. Its location is breathtakingly beautiful, and the views are something you cannot turn away from.
The 22-hectare grounds transform their appearance with the changing seasons throughout the year. Fall in Switzerland is a particularly striking time as the foliage turns into myriad shades of ochre, rust and red. Add to this play of colour a thundering waterfall and a vast lake, and the scene is nothing short of magical.
Book your stay at Grandhotel Giessbach via Booking.com
Book your stay at Grandhotel Giessbach via Agoda.com
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(Feature image credit: Switzerland/Facebook)
Related | Switzerland In Summer – Savouring A Swiss Midsummer Dream
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Daytime temperatures are likely to be in the range of 8-15 degrees Celsius. It can get colder depending on the altitude.
Warm clothes to layer as temperatures can drop sharply in the evenings, a light rain jacket, all-weather walking shoes or other sturdy ones if you plan on hiking, a refillable water bottle and sunscreen.
It's a great time to go hiking as the scenery becomes more visually striking, while the sky remains largely clear and sunny.
The summer crowds have gone and the winter groups haven't arrived yet, so most places including the popular touristy ones are far less crowded.
Yes, you can see snow on mountain tops such as Matterhorn and glaciers, like the Aletsch glacier seen from Jungfraujoch.
GoldenPass Panoramic, GoldenPass Belle Époque, Glacier Express, Lucerne-Interlaken Express, Gornergrat Bahn, Rhaetian Railway, Wengernalp Railway, Voralpen-Express, Centovalli Express and Brienz Rothorn Railway.
La Ferme Pittet, Russin; Diroso Winery; Domaine Dillet; and Domaine Jean-René Germanier.
Geneva, Zurich, Grindelwald, Lucerne, Lausanne and Montreux.
Written By
Chaitali Patel
Chaitali Patel is happiest under a tree. She's passionate about all things travel and the environment. ..Read More
