Lots of great events are happening in various Swiss regions — from wine tasting to listening to Alphorn music. These are ones you shouldn’t miss in September 2025.
September 4th to 7th: 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 12th to 13th: Flâneur – Das Stadtraum Festival, Basel
On those days, and particularly in the evenings, Basel’s Elisabethenstrasse will be transformed into an eclectic festival-style get-together known as Flâneur.
The urban festival is the perfect opportunity to make new friends while trying out fine local delicacies at pop-up corners, bar hopping, partaking in creative workshops and experiencing live concerts in the middle of the city.
Knabenschiessen, Zurich, September 13th to 15th
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
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September 14th: 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 20th: Alphorn festival in Gruyère (Fribourg)
What could be more ‘Swiss’ than listening to alphorns in the medieval village where the eponomous 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 20th: Cantonal Wrestling Festival, Biasca (Ticino)
For another touch of ‘Swissness’, this event will highlight not only Ticino’s own athletes, but those from other parts of Switzerland as well.
If you are a fan of Swiss wrestling (‘Schwingen’) or even a curious novice, this is a great opportunity to participate (as a spectator of course).
READ ALSO: Everything you need to know about Schwingen in Switzerland
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September 26th to 28th, 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.
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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 6th
Müstair (Graubünden), September 13th
Emmental (Bern), September 19th
Corbyr, Crans-Montana (Valais), September 21st
Charmey (Fribourg), Seotember 27th
Charmey (Fribourg), September 28th
Klöntal (Glarus), September 30th
You can see other cattle descents in 2025 here.
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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.
