Living in Switzerland means being surrounded by beauty all year round – but autumn is something truly special. Golden larches, fiery vineyards, crisp mountain air, and peaceful trails make this season one of the most epic times to explore the country. Whether you’re seeking the best autumn hikes in Switzerland nor simply some of the most epic places in Switzerland in autumn, this guide will help you plan.
If you time it right, you can stretch the autumn colours well into late November, sometimes even the first week of December. Below, I’ve listed some incredible hikes and places to visit in Switzerland during autumn that should be on your bucket list road trip. Trust me – you’ll thank me later.
Getting Around Switzerland in Autumn
The best way to explore Switzerland in autumn is by car. It gives you the flexibility to chase the colours and tick off multiple spots on your autumn bucket list.
Car rental tip: I recommend checking prices with Discover Cars. They are reliable, trusted, and usually offer the best deals online.
List of Contents
- 1 Getting Around Switzerland in Autumn
- 2 Where to Stay in Switzerland in Autumn
- 3 17 Places to Visit in Switzerland in Autumn
- 4 Visit Valais during the Autumn Months
- 4.1 2. Sion and its Bisse Walks
- 4.2 3. Lac de Tseuzier, Rawil Valley
- 4.3 4. Derborance Valley – Switzerland’s “Little Canada”
- 4.4 5. Mont-Mine Glacier at Ferpècle
- 4.5 6. Lac Bleu, Arolla
- 4.6 7. Lötschental – The Magic Valley
- 4.7 8. Bettmeralp Ridge Hike & Aletsch Glacier
- 4.8 9. Chasing the Autumn Colours in Zermatt
- 4.9 10. Drive the Furka Pass Road
- 5 Bernese Oberland and its Autumn Gems
- 6 Canton Glarus
- 7 Lake Lucerne Region
- 8 Engadin Lakes Region – Graubünden
- 9 The Sunny Canton of Ticino in Autumn
- 10 FAQ: Visiting Switzerland in Autumn
- 11 Our Thoughts about Switzerland in Autumn
- 12 More Ideas for a Trip to Switzerland in Autumn
No time to read it now? Pin it for when you want to plan your autumn bucket list road trip in Switzerland.
Where to Stay in Switzerland in Autumn
Since this is a road trip, you’ll likely be in a new place almost every day. The beauty of travelling in autumn is that it’s not peak season (apart from the two weeks of school holidays in October). This means you can often book accommodation last minute, depending on where the sunshine – and autumn colours – look best.
Tip: I recommend using Booking.com for the best cancellation policy, giving you the freedom to change plans if needed.
And these are some of our favourite family friendly hotels in Switzerland
Alternatively look through the map and find the perfect accommodation in Switzerland that suits your needs.
17 Places to Visit in Switzerland in Autumn
All of the following locations are perfect for hikes, photography, or simply bringing along a picnic and soaking up the colours.
Click on the map and check out all locations and areas marked.
1. Lavaux Vineyards, Canton of Vaud (UNESCO Site)
As autumn settles in, the Lavaux Vineyard Terraces transform into a golden masterpiece, stretching for nearly 30 km along Lake Geneva. From Château de Chillon to the edges of Lausanne, the vines turn amber and copper, glowing in the sun.
The terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, date back to the 11th century when Benedictine and Cistercian monks carved them into the hillsides. Today, they’re the perfect place for a walk, hike, or glass of local wine.
Read more about the Lavaux Vineyard Hike.
Visit Valais during the Autumn Months
The Valais is one of the largest Swiss cantons and there is simply not just one place to add on to your places to visit in Switzerland during the autumn.
You can easily spend more than one week here and still be in awe and only scratch the surface.
But I understand you like to visit other places as well. So, let’s concentrate on the very best places to visit in Valais during the autumn. But be warned you may have to come back next year.
2. Sion and its Bisse Walks
Sion, the capital of Valais, is magical in autumn. Stroll through the old town, visit its castles, and then head out on a bisse walk for golden scenery.
Insider tip: The Bisse de Mont d’Orge is beautiful even in mid-November, offering that late-autumn atmosphere.
Read more about the Autumn Hike at Mont d’Orge.
3. Lac de Tseuzier, Rawil Valley
Surrounded by golden larches, Lac de Tseuzier is a painting come to life in autumn. You can either hike around the lake or simply drive up the Rawil valley, cross the dam wall, and take in the views.
Read more about the autumn hike at Lac de Tseuzier.
4. Derborance Valley – Switzerland’s “Little Canada”
Still raw and untouched, Derborance feels like something out of a fantasy film. The narrow road leading in – with stone tunnels and dramatic cliffs – is an adventure on its own. At the end of the valley, a peaceful lake surrounded by golden trees awaits.
Bring a picnic, stroll along the shore, and enjoy Switzerland’s hidden gem.
Read more about Derborance in autumn.
5. Mont-Mine Glacier at Ferpècle
Deep in the Evolène Valley, the Mont-Mine Glacier glows beneath autumn sunshine. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch the perfect timing when golden larches contrast with the first snowfall.
Make sure you dress warm for a visit to Ferpècle
Discover how to visit the Mont-Mine Glacier.
6. Lac Bleu, Arolla
When you make a list with the best places to visit in Switzreland in autumn, then Lac Bleu in Arolla can simply not be missed out.
Tucked away above the village of Arolla, Lac Bleu is one of the most beautiful blue alpine lakes in Switzerland. During autumn, the larch trees surrounding the lake turn a deep golden shade, perfectly reflected in the turquoise water. The short hike up to the lake is family-friendly and offers incredible views of the Val d’Hérens peaks.
It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to pack a picnic, sit back, and simply take in the magic of Switzerland in autumn.
Read who to get to Lac Bleu in Arolla
7. Lötschental – The Magic Valley
Often called the “Magic Valley”, Lötschental is one of Switzerland’s most breathtaking hidden gems. Sadly, a landslide in 2025 destroyed the entire village Blatten, making it even more important to support the region’s hotels, restaurants, and lifts.
Hike the Lötschental Panorama Trail for one of the best autumn hikes in Switzerland.
Read our guide to the Lötschental Panorama Trail. But note that because of the landslide I am not sure what is accessible. PLEASE before you go get some information at the Lötschental Tourism office
8. Bettmeralp Ridge Hike & Aletsch Glacier
The Aletsch Glacier is spectacular year-round, but in autumn the surrounding larch forests light up in fiery gold. The ridge hike above Bettmeralp offers jaw-dropping views down to the glacier.
Check Aletsch Arena gondola opening times – but even if the top lifts are closed, you can still enjoy the incredible ridge hike by walking up from Riederalp.
More about the Autumn Aletsch Glacier Ridge Hike
9. Chasing the Autumn Colours in Zermatt
Zermatt in autumn is the cherry on top of an already magical destination. Take the bike or hike along the 5-Seenweg (Five Lakes Trail), where golden trees frame views of the Matterhorn. Or simply spend the day at Sunnegga and its Leisee and walk down via Findeln to Zermatt
Don’t miss Stellisee for a picnic spot – and if Berggasthaus Fluhalp is open, consider staying overnight for a unique alpine experience. Alternative we suggest to spend the night in the village at Hotel National Zermatt.
Read more about Zermatt in autumn and best things to do.
10. Drive the Furka Pass Road
Few roads are as epic as the Furka Pass. Winding through the Rhône Valley and up into the high mountains, it’s stunning in autumn when the valley glows with colour.
Check out our Instagram Reel Rhone Valley & Furka Pass itinerary.
Bernese Oberland and its Autumn Gems
The Bernese Oberland famous for Interlaken and of course the Lauterbrunnen valley with its 72 waterfalls. But for now, I will keep away from this places in Switzerland, because it gets enough vibe all year round. However, there are these places which I think you will like.
11. The Blue Jewel of Lake Blausee, Kandersteg
Nestled in a peaceful forest near Kandersteg, lake Blausee is one of the most enchanting small lakes in Switzerland. Famous for its crystal-clear blue water and mystical atmosphere, it’s particularly beautiful in autumn when the surrounding trees glow in shades of gold and red.
The contrast between the fiery autumn colours and the deep blue water makes this spot a photographer’s dream. Blausee is easy to reach, family-friendly, and offers gentle walking paths, making it a must-visit stop on your Switzerland autumn itinerary.
Canton Glarus
Unfortunately, I still don’t know the Glarnerland too much (I need to change this) but there are a few places I recommend visiting during the autumn.
12. Berglistüber Waterfall
A short 10-minute walk from the car park brings you to this powerful waterfall. Surrounded by golden trees, it’s especially pretty in autumn and makes a perfect stop on a road trip.
13. Limmernsee & Muttenchopf Viewpoint
Not quite a hidden gem anymore thanks to Instagram, but still worth it. The turquoise lake surrounded by fiery mountains is unforgettable. Hiking up to Muttenchopf viewpoint in autumn guarantees incredible views and thinner crowds.
All details on the Limmernsee Hike. And if you like to spend some more time in the area here is how best to spend 6 days in Glarnerland
Lake Lucerne Region
14. Engelberg & Lake Herzlisee
Engelberg is an autumn wonderland with multiple highlights. My suggestion is to spend 2-3 days here and explore this valley.
Although Mount Titlis can be visited all year round and is not an autumn attraction, you should still ride the cabin to the summit for the view.
Another must-see is Lake Herzlisee above Brunni. Experience the magical autumn evening light reflecting gold on the water.
Read our full guide to Engelberg in autumn. Tip: Stay overnight in the mountain hut at Brunni for an unforgettable sunset.
Engadin Lakes Region – Graubünden
Beyond St. Moritz, the Engadin region is picture-perfect in autumn. Plan hikes, picnics, and photo stops at Lake Sils, Lake Silvaplana, and Lake Staz. Each one reflects the season’s magic in its own way.
Best time here is early morning when the mist still lays on the lake and the first sun rays are slowly burning away the fog. Absolutely magical.
15. Some of the top Activities in Engadin during Autumn
- Hiking the Morteratsch glacier trail where you will pass through the golden larches
- Head to the Maloja pass viewpoint. A spectacular scene with the pass road amongst the golden larch trees
- Late autumn capture the fog rising over the many lakes around St. Moritz
- Ride the cabin up to Piz Nair, a palette of orange shades awaits all along
To give you a more visual view how absolutely amazing the Engadin looks like in autumn I will link to a few Instagram reels.
16. Landwasser Viaduct, Filisur
One of Switzerland’s most iconic spots for photography. Time your visit for the late afternoon light and capture the red Rhaetian train crossing the viaduct against a backdrop of golden trees.
Read our tips for visiting the Landwasser Viaduct.
The Sunny Canton of Ticino in Autumn
This is probably one of the most underrated cantons in Switzerland, and you probably would never think about it as an autumn destination.
But let me tell you, Ticino has to be on every autumn road trip itinerary through Switzerland. Because there are some of the best places to visit especially in autumn.
17. Foroglio with its Waterfall & Calnegia Valley
Here we have two picture perfect places to visit in autumn in Switzerland. Where the Foroglio stone house village and its waterfall is the more known of the two, Calnegia however is a gem.
There is a path that guides you to the top of the waterfall and in to the Calnegia valley where you feel like having stepped in a Hobbit land.
Autumn up there is absolute magical. This place needs carful planning as the sun in Foroglio village only appears for about 2h during the autumn months..
You find detail on our guide with many other locations to the best places in Ticino during the autumn months. And if you travel with kids you must hike the BoBosco trail.
FAQ: Visiting Switzerland in Autumn
When is the best time to see autumn colours in Switzerland?
Peak colours usually appear from early October until mid-November, though higher valleys show colours earlier. You can check the colour finder here.
Is Switzerland worth visiting in October?
Absolutely! October is one of the best months, with crisp air, golden scenery, and fewer crowds. Some areas peak in November. So keep this in mind.
What should I pack for Switzerland in autumn?
Layers are key – warm jackets, waterproof shoes, and cosy jumpers for chilly evenings.
Our Thoughts about Switzerland in Autumn
Whether it’s golden vineyards, peaceful alpine lakes, or fiery mountain valleys, autumn in Switzerland is a road trip dream. These places show off the very best of Switzerland in autumn – and once you’ve been, you’ll be hooked.
To help you plan your autumn trip to Switzerland we have a selection of different Swiss itineraries on our blog, perfect for a road trip.
Make sure you plan a good 10 days to 2 weeks in Switzerland to get the best out of our Swiss autumn.
More Ideas for a Trip to Switzerland in Autumn
- 15 awesome things to do in Engelberg
- Sattelhochstuckli the Family Mountain near Lucerne
- La Tzoumaz – Family Hike along a Theme Trail “5 Senses”
- Best Things to do on Melchsee-Frutt
- Derborence, The Valley of Wonders of Nature – Hiking Guide
- Crans Montana – Family Walk – Bisse des Miriouges
- La Grande Dixence Dam – A Family Hike
- Lake Sanetsch – Easy Hike around the Lake
- Tseuzier Lake – Best family friendly hike with little kids
I hope that the information provided here will prove useful when you’re planning to visit the best places in Switzerland in autumn.
If I have left anything out or you have a question, please ask your questions in the comments below so that other readers can join in the conversation and benefit from your queries also.
Thank you & Never Forget to Travel
