It’s getting cooler and the sun more golden: Autumn is arriving in Switzerland. No season is as colourful as this one – so get outside! But where? We asked members from the marketing team for some autumn highlights to save you the research:
Linda’s tip: Golden hike along the bisses in Crans-Montana
Bisses are historical irrigation channels that still exist today – and you can walk along them. My personal favourite is the hike along the «Bisse du Tsittoret». The 3.5-hour tour begins with an ascent. Make sure to take some breaks and admire the magnificent panorama – and keep an eye out for the world-famous Matterhorn! Treat yourself to a break in the hamlet of «Hameau de Colombire». Here you can see how the people of Valais once lived.
The best is saved for last: Enjoy the view as you walk along the bisse downhill along a wooded slope until you reach the Tièche valley with its many waterfalls. Afterwards, enjoy the sunshine on the terrace or on your private balcony at Crans-Montana Youth Hostel.
Good to know: If you’re out and about with children, you can also do only part of the hike.
How to get there: Either a 35-minute walk from Crans-Montana Youth Hostel or bus 432 from Lac Grenon to Vermala Cervin. To return, take bus 431 from Aminona to Lac Grenon. The Explorer Card lets you use public transport for free!
Water and colourful forests – autumn in Crans-Montana is stunning. ©Patrick Guller / Crans-Montana Tourismus & Kongress
Evelyn’s tip: High-alpine Indian summer in Saas-Fee
In autumn, Saas-Fee is transformed into a colourful paradise. The high-alpine landscape reveals itself in bright shades of yellow and orange, as the larch forests in the valley are illuminated by the sun. Together with the snow-capped peaks, this creates a contrast that makes this time of year particularly lovely. So off you go!
Before you can relax at wellnessHostel4000, head out into the great outdoors. The picturesque chapel trail, for example, takes you from Saas-Grund to Saas-Fee, past charming chapels and impressive vantage points that stand out in the autumnal colours. Always in view: the alpine panorama.
Your extra dose of vitamin D awaits on the Hannig. Thanks to its location, this mountain is particularly sun-drenched and the view of the high-alpine glaciers is brilliant. My favourite spot for a break is the Café Alpenblick, halfway to the Hannig. It is the perfect place to stop when walking from the village. Treat yourself to a coffee with homemade cake or a traditional Valais plate.
Saas-Fee in the high-alpine Indian summer. ©Saastal Tourismus AG / Yannick Lindemann und Puzzle Media
Good to know: Included in the price from the very first night, the SaastalCard gives you access to numerous attractions and you also benefit from free travel in the PostBus. The cable cars are also included in autumn!
How to get there: You can start your hikes to Café Alpenblick and the Hannig right from the hostel. Simply follow the yellow hiking signs.
For the Kapellenweg chapel trail, take the PostBus to Saas-Grund and start on foot towards Saas-Almagell via the Kapellenweg campsite to Saas-Fee.
Joel’s tip: A journey through time under the open sky in Interlaken
It’s high time for another trip to the Ballenberg Open-Air Museum in glorious autumn weather. It’s due to close at the end of October. Look forward to an exciting journey through the past with more than 100 original, centuries-old buildings from all over Switzerland. Watch people working in different professions, learn how cheese is made and explore the diverse flora and fauna. Guaranteed fun for young and old alike!
In keeping with autumn, there’s something to celebrate: on 6 October, the Ticino Festival is commemorated with «bella musica» and delicious risotto. You’ve already found your perfect base at the ultra-modern Interlaken Youth Hostel. What are you waiting for?
The Ballenberg Open-Air Museum is fascinating for young and old alike. ©Ballenberg, Freilichtmuseum der Schweiz
Good to know: Until the end of the season, you will receive a 25% discount when you book your tickets online.
How to get there: Rail passengers can take the Zentralbahn from Interlaken directly to Brienz or the Brünig Pass. A regular bus service runs from Brienz and Brünig stations to the Ballenberg West and Ballenberg Ost entrances.
Nina’s tip: Chestnut season in Locarno
Have you ever heard of the «bread tree»? The people of Ticino used to call the chestnut tree this because the fruit provided food for the whole winter. The chestnuts and associated traditions are aplenty – and they are still of great importance to the region today. That’s why an autumn visit to Ticino is doubly exciting! The Chestnut Festival takes place in Ascona on 12 October. Look forward to what are probably the most delicious hot chestnuts and a romantic autumn market by the lake.
If you prefer to gather and prepare chestnuts yourself, make sure to follow the Collina Alta panoramic trail. Along the way, you can gather as many chestnuts as you can carry. You will be enchanted by the chestnut forest, the view of Lake Maggiore and the impressive donkey bridge. Fun for all chestnut fans!
Good to know: When you stay at Locarno Youth Hostel, you get a Ticino Card and can use public transport free of charge throughout the canton.
How to get there: There are regular bus connections to Ascona from Piazza Castello, just a stone’s throw from the youth hostel. Or you can hire a bicycle from our partner «Rent a Bike».
A bus takes you to the starting point of the hike from Cinque Vie (right by the youth hostel) to Monti della Trinità.
Patricia’s tip: Dining and swinging in the Principality of Liechtenstein
Have you ever been to the Principality of Liechtenstein? Not only is this home to our only youth hostel abroad, but this small country also offers culinary highlights and swings at lofty heights. But one thing at a time. 😊
On the FoodTrail Liechtenstein, you can enjoy discovering the nation and its typical specialities at six stops. There’s something delicious to try everywhere! The adventure starts at the Liechtenstein Center in Vaduz, where your documents and the first riddle await you. Can you find all the stops and the way to Schaan?
You can also marvel at the country from swings. Yes, that’s right. Malbun has a swing trail. After a short chairlift ride, you reach the starting point at the playground at the Sareis mountain station. Then you hike from swing to swing, each one unique, until you reach the end point in Malbun. Have a good swing!
Patricia raves about dining and swinging in our small neighbouring country. ©Liechtenstein Marketing
Good to know: The Sarais chairlift will remain in operation until 20 October 2024. The Liechtenstein Adventure Pass (subject to a charge) includes a ride up and down and gives you access to 30 free experiences in the country. Plus you travel free of charge on public transport!
How to get there: From Schaan-Vaduz Youth Hostel, take bus 13 from Schaan Quader to Vaduz Post and you’re practically in front of the Liechtenstein Centre.
For the swing trail, take bus 44 from Vaduz, Schulzentrum to Vaduz, Post. There is also where the connection bus 21 to Malbun, Zentrum leaves from.
Alpine magic on four paws
Would you like to explore the impressive nature in Brienz together with your faithful four-legged friend? Then let’s go!
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