Autumn trips in Switzerland: ideas for outdoor experiences

Autumn is the perfect time of year to get active outdoors: it’s not as hot as in summer, the forests glow in bright colours, and deserted landscapes can put you in the kind of mystical mood that almost makes you believe in fairies and dwarves.

Good planning is important for trips in autumn: if the first snow falls early, hikes at height can become dangerous or inaccessible. In addition, it is colder in the mountains, and you will need more clothes and to be prepared for the possibility of rain. Fog can also impair your visibility if you don’t make it above the fog line.

If you’re well-equipped, you’re sure to find something that suits you in our tips for autumn excursions.

The right equipment for trips in autumn

Different destinations require different clothing and equipment. As a general rule, the following applies to autumn excursions:

• The mornings and evenings are significantly cooler than daytime. It’s best to pack an extra layer, as well as gloves and a cap.

• Waterproof shoes with a good tread are particularly practical in autumn: leaves make paths slippery and rain is often possible.

• Headlamps/torches are particularly important for excursions early in the morning or late in the evening.

• Wild animals are preparing for winter. Stay on the paths and don’t disturb them.

• Pack enough water or hot tea in a thermos flask. Water fountains are often switched off during the colder seasons, so it may not be possible to simply refill your bottle during an autumn hike.

Treetop trail through autumnal forests

Take a 50-metre-high walk through the forest on the treetop trail in Toggenburg. Surrounded by yellow and red leaves, you’ll experience autumn up close. Stations along the trail help you to spot forest animals and special tree species.

Via ferrata in Ticino

Enjoy the southern warmth on the rock: from the middle station of the San Salvatore funicular, it takes less than an hour to get to the start of the via ferrata. The via ferrata then runs 250 metres high above Ticino, with a difference in height of 150 metres. At the end of the via ferrata you can either hike to the peak, hike down into the valley to Pazzallo or take the funicular back down to Pazzallo.

Autumn hike – savouring the Engadin’s yellow larch trees

The Engadin is known for its large larch forests. Every autumn, they change colour and glow so beautifully yellow that it’s almost kitschy. The first stage of the Via Engiadina leads from Maloja to Silvaplana over 13 kilometres and over 660 meters in height difference. An autumn hike that is easily accessible by public transport but still in the middle of nature.

Cooking over a fire

Whether it’s a simple bread on a stick, chocolate bananas or risotto, cooking or frying over the fire is always an experience. And in autumn, when it’s a little cooler, the fire also warms you up nicely. Simply pack a little more wood to help it burn longer. schweizerfeuerstellen.ch lists almost 600 places for campfires. Find one that suits you and your needs – whether that means close to a public transport stop, with a water fountain nearby or with plenty of seating, you’re sure to find it.

In autumn, the risk of forest fires is usually no longer significant, and the summer fire bans are often lifted. But to be on the safe side, check beforehand at waldbrandgefahr.ch.

Autumn walk in Central Switzerland

Central Switzerland has lovely walks – perfect for autumn. This excursion starts in Menzberg and leads over gentle hills to Wolhusen. On the way, you will enjoy a beautiful view of the Alps. It is a long walk – a good 10 kilometres – but with a height difference of only 100 meters, quite flat. Allow about three hours.