From Alphorn concerts to wine growing festivals – here’s the best of what Switzerland has to offer in September 2026.
September 2nd to 6th: Geneva Watch Days
Home to luxury brands like Rolex, it is apt that this event takes place in Geneva.
But it is not just about famous watches: lesser-known but nevertheless talented and innovative independent watchmakers will also present their products.
Guided tours and expert panels will be part of this four-day event as well, held at the Rotonde, on the Quai du Mont-Blanc.
September 5th: Wrestling festival, Kilchberger (Zurich)
To a newcomer, two men wrestling in a sawdust and grabbing each other by jute shorts may not sound like a wholesome activity, but ‘Schwingen’ is actually fun to watch – especially as it is Switzerland’s homegrown form of wrestling.
This is a great opportunity to participate in this typically Swiss sport (as a spectator of course).
READ ALSO: Everything you need to know about Schwingen in Switzerland
September 12th to 14th: Knabenschiessen, Zurich,
In Swiss-German, this literally means ‘shooting boys’, but these youngsters don’t actually get shot, thank God.
The annual festival originated in the 17th century as a rifle shooting competition for local boys – and since 1991, also girls.
Every year, both have the opportunity to test and showcase their shooting skills — something Swiss teenagers are good at — in front of a wide audience.
READ ALSO: Why you might hear gunfire in your Swiss neighbourhood
September 12th: Alphorn festival, Gruyère (Fribourg)
What could be more ‘Swiss’ than listening to alphorns in the medieval village where the eponymous cheese is produced.
Not only that, but for an additional touch of folklore, you can also see the traditional flag throwers performing their craft.
September 13th: Sportissima – Bellinzona, Biasca, Chiasso, Lugano, Mendrisio and Tenero-Contra (Ticino)
This is an event dedicated to physical activity in the hope of promoting interest in one’s health and is free for all to attend – simply turn up at 9.30 am in the city of your choice (no registration necessary) and work out.
Participants can choose from ‘classic’ sports such as football and volleyball, as well as stand-up paddling, sailing, twirling and other activities.
September 25th to 27th, Grape harvest festival, Lutry (Vaud)
As a wine-growing part of the Lavaux region, Lutry, a suburb of Lausanne, holds three days of harvest festivities each year at the end of September.
The festival features concerts, cellars set up by local associations, a traditional schoolchildren’s procession on Sunday afternoon, and numerous stands and bars.
All grape-growing regions have festivals of their own, so if you live in, or near, one, check your community’s calendar.
September 26th: The Museum Night, Lausanne
For its 25th-anniversyry edition, you will be able to visit 29 museums, exhibitions, and performances across the Lausanne region (exact programme will be published on September 6th here)
Cattle descent from mountain pastures
September is the month when Swiss cattle leave their Alpine pastures where they spent summer months and make their way back to the valley for the winter.
To mark this seasonal rite of passage (literally), the cows — but also sheep and goats — are dressed up in colourful flower headpieces with the traditional bells around their neck.
Throughout the month, this event is celebrated in many Swiss regions, so there is likely one near you.
These are just a few examples:
- Gstaad (Bern), September 5th
- Müstair (Graubünden), September 12th
- Emmental (Bern), September 18th
- Urnäsch (Appenzell Ausserrhoden), September 19th
- Charmey (Fribourg), September 26th
You can see other cattle descents in 2026 here.
Hiking
If you like walking in nature, then September is a good month to do so.
That’s because the weather is still good but no longer extremely hot, and the changing of seasons from summer to fall is spectacular in Switzerland.
There are plenty of paths allowing you to experience Swiss nature up close and personal — no matter where in Switzerland you live.
You can find a hiking route nearest to you here.
Last but certainly not least: cheese!
This is, after all, Switzerland, so if you are expecting to visit some traditional cheese markets, there will be plenty of opportunities to do so throughout September.
This is a great way to taste local cheeses from various regions.
This website lets you know when and where cheese markets will be held.
