Autumn Highlights in Switzerland

Walks, farms with pumpkins and apples, and seasonal specialties

Reading Time:    4 Min.
Publication:        September 15, 2025, Jessy Thür

When summer comes to an end and the leaves turn bright shades of red, yellow, and orange, a magical season begins in Switzerland: fall. It's the time for leisurely strolls in natural settings, warm drinks in charming cafés, and culinary experiences on farms with pumpkins and apples.

Walks through golden Switzerland. 

In autumn, the Swiss landscape is transformed into a sea of colors. We recommend circular walks such as the one around the Uetliberg, where you can look out over Zurich and Lake Zurich from above and the forests provide a colorful canopy. You can reach the starting point easily with the Uetliberg railway.

In Valais, too, for example in the Lötschental valley, the larch forests take on particularly striking colors from September onwards. Short walks through nature reserves such as the Reuss near Bremgarten or the Spiez reservoir in the Bernese Oberland offer peace and quiet, beautiful views, and a real sense of autumn.

Themed trails are also particularly popular in autumn, such as the chestnut nature trails in Ticino, which introduce visitors to regional customs and recipes. These kinds of excursions combine exercise with culture, perfect for a golden autumn day.

Farms with pumpkins and apples

Autumn is harvest time, and this is particularly noticeable on Swiss farms that sell pumpkins and apples. These places combine adventure, enjoyment, and regionality.

Pumpkin markets and pumpkins from the farm:

• Mathis Farm in Bottmingen: Over 250 varieties of pumpkins, farm sales, and recipes in “Philippe's Pumpkin Cuisine.”
• Juckerfarm in Seegräben: Famous for its huge pumpkin exhibitions with artistic figures, a real highlight for families. There are also farm shops with regional products, pumpkin dishes in the farm restaurant, and the opportunity to take seasonal fruit directly from the field.

Apples: varieties, harvest, and farm markets

The apple harvest peaks in mid-September and lasts until the end of October. Numerous farms offer pick-your-own experiences – fun for the whole family, especially children. The Steinacher organic farm near Zurich offers a wide selection of different apple varieties that can be picked fresh from the tree. The fruit is aromatic, fresh, and ideal for eating on the spot or taking home.

Cozy cafés & seasonal specialties

After a walk or a visit to a farm, there's nothing better than stopping off at a café to enjoy a warm soup, a slice of apple pie, or an autumnal pumpkin latte. Many cafés deliberately focus on regional products, offering a genuine taste of Switzerland.
Some farm shops now run small farm cafés where you can enjoy seasonal dishes right on the spot.

Conclusion

Autumn in Switzerland is an invitation to slow down: see the colors, taste the flavors of the season, and experience a connection with nature. Whether walking through colorful forests, visiting a pumpkin farm, or picking apples, it's the little moments that make this season unforgettable.

Plan a weekend, find a farm or café near you on yellowpages.ch or help.ch, and let autumn enchant you. If you're interested in tradition, you should also visit local autumn festivals – from chestnut festivals in Ticino to apple markets in eastern Switzerland. They show how closely nature, enjoyment, and community are connected in this country.

All information provided without guarantee.

Image Sources: Freepik

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