A journey through spring and fall magic
When people think of Switzerland, skiing and hiking often come to mind. But beyond the slopes and trails, Switzerland offers some of its best experiences in the lesser-known seasons. From the colourful blooms of spring to the golden landscapes of autumn, Switzerland’s hidden treasures await those who venture beyond the usual tourist spots.
Spring: Blossoms, festivals and sweet surprises
As winter’s chill fades, Lucerne comes alive with celebration. The Lucerne Carnival – known locally as Fasnacht – is a tradition that marks the beginning of spring. The streets are filled with masked revelers, parades and spontaneous celebrations. It’s loud, it’s colourful, and it’s unlike anything you’ll see anywhere else in Europe. The joy is contagious and the festivities go on well into the night.
The charming town of Morges, on the shores of Lake Geneva, is a picturesque starting point for exploring the Swiss spring Here, the Tulip Festival transforms the lakeside parks into a vibrant tapestry of over 120,000 tulips set against the towering Alps in the distance. It’s an almost surreal sight!
As the warmer season arrives, strawberries begin to ripen. The lakeside town of Locarno hosts the Strawberry Festival in late spring, where locals celebrate the season’s juiciest harvest with tastings, food stalls, and strawberry-inspired creations.
Autumn: chestnuts, wine, and alpine glory
The Alpabzug, at the end of September, is a beloved tradition. Adorned with flowers and giant bells, cattle return from the Alps and the region comes alive with parades, music, and feasting. In places like Appenzell or Emmental, the sight of these majestic animals making their way through the streets, accompanied by a festive crowd, is truly unforgettable.
The Swiss countryside turns golden in autumn and local festivals bring the season to life. If you love the aroma of roasting chestnuts, Fully’s chestnut festival is a must. The chestnut harvest is celebrated each October with market stalls, lively music, and chestnuts of all varieties.
Autumn is also for wine lovers, especially in Lavaux. The terraced vineyards along Lake Geneva’s shores are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and turn a brilliant golden yellow in autumn. Many local wineries hold harvest celebrations where you can sip the famous Chasselas wine while taking in panoramic views of the lake and the Alps.
For the ultimate autumn experience, head to the Engadine Valley, where the larches turn the forest golden. Hiking through the high alpine meadows here is like walking through a painting, and with fewer crowds than in summer, you’ll have the landscape almost to yourself.
Switzerland has long been known for its stunning mountain scenery and outdoor adventures, but the country’s seasonal festivals and hidden gems offer an entirely different experience. From tasting chestnuts in a small Swiss village to sipping wine in Lavaux, these lesser-known moments bring you closer to the heart of Switzerland. On your next trip, consider getting off the beaten track and discovering the seasons that most visitors miss. You’ll be glad you did.
1/
Lucerne Fasnacht
2/
Locarno Strawberry Festival
3/
Locarno Strawberry Festival
4/
Bernese Oberland Alpabzug
5/
Fully Chestnut Festival
6/
Lavaux Wine Terrace
7/
Engadin Larches
Things to consider before traveling
How to choose your accommodation in Europe: a guide
In Europe, there is accommodation for every wish, price range, and desired experience. Whether it’s a tent suspended between two trees, a five-star hotel with a view of a turquoise sea, or a wallet-friendly hostel, it’s all here. The question is, what specific options do you have and how do you go about choosing? That’s […]
The ultimate guide to European currencies
How to convert cash, use cards, and reduce fees One of the great benefits of traveling around Europe is the ease of use when it comes to currencies. On much of the continent, you don’t need to worry about keeping different bills and coins or making mental-math conversations between one currency to another to […]
How to stay safe while traveling in Europe
No matter what, safety while traveling is most important. Luckily, Europe has a stellar safety record, and more than a dozen of its countries regularly appear at the top end of safest places to live and travel lists. To make your adventure safe and secure, consider these tips and best practices! Travel insurance […]
What you need to enter Europe
Visas, documents, and passports So, you are planning to visit Europe. Great! We will be happy to welcome you and share what makes this continent so unique. Here are answers to the most common questions about preparing for your trip. Addressing them now will make your travels smooth, easy, and convenient! Who needs a […]
Your complete guide to planning your daily life in Europe
Tips on local languages, mobile tech, and time zones We all know the feeling: your phone battery is dying or you’re passing through an area of weak signal. At home, it’s usually a simple annoyance, but when you’re traveling, not having access to a communications device is something you’ll want to avoid. So, how […]
Some tips to consider while traveling
Traveling around Europe
Your guide to trains, trams, busses and bikes Europe has one of the most advanced transportation systems in the world. From massive metropolises to small towns, you can easily link up from place to place by public transport. Riding the rails across this marvelous continent might be the best way to explore: it’s highly efficient, […]
Tips to communicate in Europe
Why speaking a few words of the local tongue will make your travel experience even better As you may have guessed, English is widely spoken in Europe, especially in northern countries. In many other countries, people have a good, if not fluent, grasp of the language. But that doesn’t mean that learning—and indeed using! […]
Your guide to passenger rights while traveling in Europe
If you’re a traveler, you’ve probably experienced a delay, cancellation, or other unforeseen issue. Of course, no one wants this, but it’s important to be prepared and perhaps most of all, to know your rights and privileges if a problem arises. So, what are your rights in Europe? Keep reading! Air Passenger Rights So, […]
Read more
The European Pioneer in Sustainable Tourism: Middelfart
Middelfart, a Danish city is the 2022 European Destination of Excellence.
Little-Known Destinations Are Finding Big Awareness
The Kaunertal Valley in Austria is a land of continuous contrasts that mirror the changing seasons. The panoramic Kaunertal Glacier Road weaves through snow-covered forests and ends at eternal ice. Lush greenery, babbling brooks, and sweet-smelling pastures are all made accessible to guests with reduced mobility. That’s why The Kaunertal Valley was chosen as Austria’s most recent EDEN winner. The theme was accessible tourism.
A sport legend in Croatia
Dražen Petrović – the Mozart of basketball.
Germany´s winter traditions
Tips for a cozy Advent season.