From artisan markets to carrot and onion festivals, November in Switzerland offers something fun for everyone.
November 2nd: Funfair, Interlaken (Bern)
This eclectic autumn fair, which takes place in one of the most picturesque towns of the Bernese Oberland, offers a diverse selection of artisanal items for sale – such as jewelry, hand-woven baskets, and other handmade arts and crafts, along with clothes, local foods, and many other unique goods.
November 4th to 9th: Internationale Kurzfilmtage Winterthur (Zurich)
This most important Swiss short film festival attracts thousands of movie fans to Winterthur every year.
It is considered a great way for film professionals to network, while families get the chance to participate in various activities, such as movie workshops, concerts, parties, and interactive installations.
November 5th: Carrot market, Aarau
On this day, the capital of canton Aargau turns into the nation’s undisputed carrot centre as it hosts its popular annual carrot market.
Much like Bern’s iconic onion market (read more about it below), Aarau’s carrot market – or “Rüeblimärt” as it’s called in Swiss German – is a big hit each year.
November 7th to 9th: Automnales Beer Festival, Geneva
Geneva is known for its wines, but if you favour beers, then this festival is for you.
Held at the huge Palexpo convention centre, the event features Swiss and international craft beers alongside a selection of natural wines and even non-alcoholic drinks like kombucha.
November 7th to 11th: Fiera di San Martino, Mendrisio, Ticino
At this traditional outdoor market, named after a saint, you can buy a variety of local products, including food and wine from the region’s vineyards and farms.
An interesting fact: this event has been held at this very spot for almost four centuries.
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November 12th to 27th: Comedy Festival, Montreux (Vaud)
The 36th edition of this renowned comedy festival, featuring performances by international and local comedians, will offer a great mix of humour and entertainment.
This year, aside from other acts, it also features “The Great American Super Show.”
November 13th to 15th: World Cheese Awards, Bern
It is hard to believe, but this year will be the first time this international cheese event will be held in Switzerland – certainly a fit place to host these awards.
Besides the competition to crown the world’s best cheeses, there will also be a wide range of side events for cheese lovers. – including, of course, the tastings.
November 24th: Bern Onion Market
Bern’s traditional onion market, or Zibelemärit in Swiss German, will be making its comeback this year.
On the fourth Monday of every November, people around Switzerland flock to Bern’s Old Town from as early as 6 am to admire (and purchase) the various braids of onions on display.
In addition to the onion braids – you can also buy onion garlands or figures in numerous designs from more than 200 stalls. The market also sells onion-based foods such as onion soup, onion tar and onion pizza,
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Some Swiss ski resorts open for winter sports
The season is not yet in full swing, but some high altitude resorts in the Swiss Alps are already opening in November.
Among them are:
- Zermatt (Valais): November 1st
- Goms/Obergoms (Valais): November 15th
- Kanderstag (Bern): November 22nd
- Samnaun (Graubünden): November 27th
- Celerina (Graubünden): November 29th
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Christmas markets
It’s not December yet, but many Christmas markets are opening their doors in November.
Here are some of them:
Zurich: Opens on November 20th
Basel: Opens on November 27th
Geneva: Opens on November 20th
Lausanne: Opens on November 20th
Bern: Opens on November 20th
Lugano: Opens on November 27th
