Golden Autumn: Best places for Indian summer in Switzerland

class=”sc-29f61514-0 dXbCZE”>

Golden Engadine

Things get really beautiful in the Engadine when the larches gradually turn golden in autumn. In the background there is snow on the high mountains, the sky is blue, and yellow larches are posing in front of it. A unique show not to be missed. Autumn days around Sils GR are particularly beautiful to enjoy with views of Lake Sils and Lake Silvaplana. The 160-kilometer-long Via Engiadina hiking route also passes here; this is a long-distance hiking trail that crosses the entire Engadine and offers a great outdoor experience in autumn. The route starts in Maloja GR, at the upper end of Lake Sils, and ends in Vinadi, the easternmost town in the canton of Grisons on the border with Tyrol. As you pass through autumn forests and picturesque Engadin villages on the way, you are always rewarded with panoramic views.

Aletsch Glacier

It’s not just in the Engadine that black pines put on a special show. You can also enjoy autumn contrasts on the hiking trails around the majestic Aletsch Glacier. Where there was ice 10,000 years ago, there is now the Aletsch Forest, a larch forest with a species-rich shrub canopy of blueberry bushes, mountain roses and mosses. Golden larches, green pines and red-yellow bushes contrast with the white ice tongue and mountains, creating a magical effect on visitors. It’s picture perfect when the first frost falls on the cool morning. The mountain railways around the Aletsch Arena will operate at full capacity until October 22. From now on, due to the revision, capacities will be limited until the beginning of December, thus ensuring fewer visitors and more peace in nature.

autumn vines

It is not only the forests that change color in autumn, but also the numerous Swiss vineyards, such as the famous Lavaux on Lake Geneva or the Lower Valais vineyards near Conthey. But Eastern Switzerland also has a lot to offer when it comes to vineyards. Visiting Ottenberg in Thurgau in autumn is a pleasure. Thanks not only to the golden vines that spread a real Indian summer vibe to the surrounding forests, but also to the town of Ottoberg TG with its beautiful houses. Ottoberg TG is the final stop on the wine route, which starts in Weinfelden and passes by various local wine producers, restaurants and bars to enjoy nature and its fruits in equal measure. In the Iselisberg, not far from Ottenberg, the “Art and Wine” themed trail invites you to take an inspiring circular tour.

waterfall area

You don’t necessarily have to go high to experience the beauty of autumn. You can experience atmospheric autumn days in the Wasserfallen region at the back of Frenkental on the border with Baselland and in the canton of Solothurn. You can go up to the waterfalls on foot or by taking the panoramic cable car from Reigoldswil BL. From here, various walks invite you to explore the Jurassic landscape. The tour is very nice up to Jägerweg and from there to Chellenchöpfli. This viewing peak offers panoramic views of Solothurn Jura, glowing in all its shades of red and orange on these autumn days. The hiking network around the waterfalls is extensive and can be combined as desired thanks to the good connection to public transport. If you prefer to relax, there are various places where you can stop for refreshments, such as the Hintere Wasserfallen mountain guesthouse.

Autumn Ticino

Ticino is known for its extensive chestnut forests, which attract many chestnut lovers in autumn. However, even if you are not passionate about collecting, it is worth visiting the Ticino forests in autumn. Numerous excursions and walks take you to original natural landscapes. A worthwhile circular walk is the Sentiero del Castagno, which passes through Alto Malcantone. The importance of chestnut for the region is clearly seen from the starting point of Arosio Paese TI, where the large church door is made of pure chestnut wood. From here the path heads into the fairytale forest of chestnut and birch, where the first leaves cover the path and crunch peacefully under your feet. A detour into the Valle di Lodano forest reserve would also be useful. Local beech forests have been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2021.

The magical region of Glarus

Glarnerland is especially beautiful in autumn. Each spot has its own charm; for example the beautiful Klöntal, the pedestrianized village of Braunwald or the beautiful town of Glarus. The high peaks of the Glärnisch tower are everywhere and contrast with colorful forests and deep blue alpine lakes. One photo motif chases another and fascinates nature lovers. In autumn, it’s worth taking a trip to Freiberg Kärpf, Europe’s oldest wildlife reserve, which celebrates its 475th anniversary this year. Here in Mettmen-Alp there are three game observation stations in the form of large bird nests, freely accessible to young and old. With a little luck and patience, you can observe mountain goats, chamois, deer, marmots, eagles and black grouse here; Incredible views of the autumn landscape are guaranteed.

zurich city mountain

Located so close to the city of Zurich, it is almost forgotten how beautiful Uetliberg can be. Especially now in the fall, those additional meters to the city can make the difference between a blanket of fog and bright sunshine. It’s easy to get there thanks to the Uetlibergbahn, the view from the tower is impressive and you can choose from a variety of excursion options from here. You can sit and enjoy the view with coffee and cake at the Uto Kulm restaurant or at the Uto Staffel mountain hotel fifteen minutes away. Or you can hike along the Albis chain to the height of the Albis pass and enjoy the autumn views. From here, it is not far from Lake Türlersee, where the lake’s circular path offers a beautiful end to an autumn trip and invites you to linger.

Source : Blick