Autumn is a great month in Switzerland, with many markets, food festivals, as well as cultural events taking place around the country. So what’s happening in the various regions of the country?
Waldstatt Cattle Show, Waldstatt, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, October 1st
If you’re looking for an authentic piece Swiss culture and folklore combined, why not head to the Waldstatt Cattle Show .
This is when farmers arrive with their cattle from the Alpine meadows in full traditional dress (both farmers and bovines), for a series of competitions where prizes are awarded in a range of categories, including ‘Most Beautiful Cow’.
Chopin Festival, Geneva, October 2nd to 12th
For the 28th edition of the Chopin Festival, exceptional performers and chamber musicians from diverse backgrounds will present the famous Polish composer’s masterpieces.
Performed in various concert halls around Geneva, you can see here who will perform which works, and where.
Herbstmesse (Lozärner Määs), Lucerne, October 4th to 19th
Though unpronounceable to non-(Swiss) German speakers, this large autumn fair will span all the way from the Bahnhofplatz via Europaplatz to Inseli in Lucerne’s city centre.
It will and feature over 100 market stalls selling anything from baked goods to clothing items and hand-crafted gifts.
Autumn Festival, Ascona (Ticino), October 4th
The quintessential autumn nut – the chestnut – has the leading role during this annual event, which includes not only a market with traditional handicrafts, but also typical local foods and wines from the area surrounding this picturesque Ticino town,
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Swiss Castles Day, all over Switzerland, October 5th
During this event, 28 castles across Switzerland will open to public with special themed programs.
This year’s theme is “Craftsmanship,” offering activities like glass blowing, felt making, and other artisanal demonstrations at participating castles.
You can see which castles will open, and what activities they will offer, here.
Mountain Beer Festival, Ramosch, Graubünden, October 18th
Can you think of a better way to spend an autumn day than a mountain hike followed by beer? (Yes, you do have to walk first, and drink later, not vice versa).
If this sounds heavenly, then head to the village of Tschlin in the Engadin, where the hike begins, and walk the 13 kilometres to Ramosch, where beer from several local Alpine breweries awaits.
‘Zürich liest’, October 21st – 26th
Reading actual, physical books may seem like something from the previous century, but in Zurich, this activity it is still alive and thriving.
You can see this yourself by visiting the international book and literature festival, Zürich liest (Zurich reads), which has been held in Switzerland’s largest city since 2011 and still enjoys great popularity among a broad audience.
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Basel Autumn Fair, October 25th to November 11th
Switzerland’s oldest and largest amusement fair – the Basler Herbstmesse – takes place from October 26th until November 10th. It is an integral part of the city’s cultural heritage and draws around one million visitors from Switzerland and abroad each year.
Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll from Barfüsserplatz to Messeplatz and from Petersplatz to the city’s cathedral while taking in traditional market stalls, exciting rides and many other nostalgic attractions.
Lausanne Marathon, October 26th
If you’re looking to keep fit while taking in magnificent scenery, then you may want to join 13,600 joggers in the Lausanne Marathon on October 27th at 10am.
The 30th Lausanne Marathon will see runners jog between Lausanne and La Tour-de-Peilz, passing along the shores of Lake Geneva and through the UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyards.
You can choose which type of marathon you’d like to run, be it a full marathon, semi-marathon, 10 kilometres or Nordic walking.
