Escape To Switzerland This Autumn

Picture yourself in vibrant Switzerland…

Experience autumn's unique charm in an alpine setting, where you can walk on colourful leaves or relax at a nature spa. The air is clear, the light is crisp, and every view glows with intensity.

Discover Switzerland’s rich heritage and history

Explore charming villages such as Wengen, Zermatt and Weggis, where traditional buildings and picturesque streets resonate with historical tales. A real treat is to witness the traditional autumn cattle drive (Alpabzug), a significant event occurring in late September or early October, when beautifully decorated cows are brought down from the mountain pastures - a genuine celebration of Switzerland's rural heritage.

• Hike through vibrant autumn trails in the Engadin valley or Bernese Oberland

• Take scenic train tours and make lifelong memories
• Glacier Express a slow-paced epic across Alpine majesty
• Bernina Express a UNESCO World Heritage line of 196 bridges and 55 tunnels between Chur/St. Moritz and Tirano
• GoldenPass Express with magnificent scenery from Lake Thun to Lake Geneva

• Cycle along picturesque lakes or kayak in serene waters

• Enjoy culinary experiences featuring wild game, chestnuts, cheese fondues, and discover Swiss wines

• Relax in thermal spas with panoramic alpine views

• Relax on a cruise while you admire idyllic villages such as Weggis

• Ride up in a cable car to the extraordinarily beautiful scenery of Oeschinensee above the village of Kandersteg

• Gotthard Panorama Express – combines a paddle-steamer on Lake Lucerne with a scenic train to Lugano beside the Italian border, where you can find plenty of warm autumn sunshine

• Vineyard strolls: Lake Geneva and Valais vineyards turn fiery red and gold—perfect for a harvest wine tasting

• Wellness retreats: embrace barefoot forest walks, Kneipp therapy, and botanical spas - autumn is bliss

• Cultural treasures: lantern-lit harvest festivities (Rääbeliechtli) or catch folk music, alphorn, and yodelling echoing across valleys 

• Pack smart: layered clothing is a must, the days are mild, nights can be chilly. Equally, temperatures can vary greatly from lakeside to mountain top.

• Book your scenic train journeys early, especially Bernina, Glacier, and Gotthard Express as the seats fill fast

• Explore during off-peak times, weekdays will be less crowded on trails and in villages

• Check village festivals: cattle drives, wine events, and charming harvest fairs peak from late September to mid-October

• Cattle drive (Alpabzug): witness the celebrated descent of cows from high pastures amid music, dancing, and local market stalls. The cows spend the colder months in the valleys before returning to the sweet grass of the mountains next spring.

• Barefoot leaf walk: Feel grounded on golden forest carpets. Such intimate sensations make autumn in Switzerland 'intense'.

• World-class train journeys: glide through beautiful landscapes on the GoldenPass Express - from Interlaken on Lake Thun via the mountain resort of Gstaad and down to lively Montreux on Lake Geneva.

This autumn, explore golden larch forests, charming villages, and legendary train routes. Relish different cantonal cheeses, regional wines, and cosy chalet evenings by the fire.  

Bring your sense of wonder and your camera because Switzerland's autumn awaits.

Need more inspiration? Watch this video by the Switzerland Tourist Board “Falling for Autumn” with Swiss born Roger Federer, and Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen: Falling for Autumn | Switzerland Tourism