Switzerland is arguably the Vermont of Europe for fall foliage. Come October, golden yellow and vibrant reds sweep across the country’s vast forests, transforming the green landscape into a riotous display of color. It’s the perfect time for hiking, while the trees still hold their leaves and the snow hasn’t settled just yet.
The easiest way to hop across Switzerland is by train. The highly efficient network will take you from the city to the mountains in just a few hours. Grab your map, lace up your boots and discover one of these inspiring fall hikes, all easily accessible by railway.
What are the best months to hike in Switzerland?
May to October is a good time to hike in Switzerland. By May, most of the winter snow has melted, leaving high alpine trails clear for walking (although it’s always worth checking the conditions before you head off). July and August are the main holiday months when temperatures peak, but unfortunately so do the crowds. September and October tend to be the best months for taking to the trails. Expect warm weather, fewer crowds, and of course, spectacular fall colors.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Brigitte Blättler. Image Location: Pontresina, Grisons, Switzerland
Best autumn hikes in Switzerland
Val Roseg, Grisons
Closest station: Pontresina
Golden yellow larch trees carpet the Roseg Valley in October. Behind, you’ll find a backdrop of ice-frosted mountains, namely Piz Bernina and Piz Sella. This striking setting makes this 8.7mi hike one of the most beautiful in Switzerland. Follow the well-marked trail from Pontresina station, passing glacier-fed streams and waterfalls. Keep an eye out for chamois (local mountain goats) on the slopes above you. Hotel Restaurant Roseg Gletscher marks the halfway point of this hike; it’s a picturesque place to stop for lunch. Refuel on wiener schnitzel with French fries, washed down with a local ice-cold sauvignon blanc.
Terrasses de Lavaux, Vaud
Closest station: St-Saphorin
Is there anything better than hiking combined with wine tasting? Starting in the village of St-Saphorin (accessible from Lausanne on the RER Vaud service), this gentle 6.8mi walk traces the shoreline of Lake Geneva, winding through the Lavaux vineyard terraces. En route, you’ll pass dozens of small wineries—like Vieux Pressoir Rivaz—which offer tastings. Only one percent of Swiss wine is exported, so get ready to sample vintages that you won’t be able to try elsewhere. Fall is the perfect time to follow this trail, as the vines are laden with grapes, ready for harvest. Finish in Lutry, where you can take a train back to the start.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Bruce Yuanyue Bi. Image Location: Aletsch Forest and Glacier, Valais, Switzerland
Aletsch Forest, Valais
Closest station: Fiesch
If you’re looking for incredible views of Europe’s largest glacier, head to the Aletsch Forest. Hiking through this 1000-year-old stone pine forest guarantees wow-worthy panoramas across the famous Aletsch Glacier, which sweeps down the valley like an enormous river of ice. There are a few routes to choose from: a fairly mellow trail from the Riederalp gondola or a slightly longer, more challenging path from Bettmeralp up to Lake Bettmersee. Both promise excellent viewpoints to capture the fiery foliage and ice-encrusted glacier on camera.
Oeschinensee
Closest station: Kandersteg
You’ll no doubt recognise the aquamarine waters of Oeschinensee. This impossibly beautiful lake, hemmed in by 9,500ft mountaintops, has featured on many Swiss postcards and advertisements. Fall is a great time to visit, when the grassy fields have turned bronze and the peaks are experiencing their first dusting of snow. The only way to visit this natural wonder is on foot. It’s a straightforward 20 minute walk—just take the Kandersteg gondola to the top and follow the signs. Alternatively, try the slightly more challenging 5mi Panoramaweg route for arguably the best views, passing the Oberbärgli restaurant and Hohtürli pass.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Raul C. Image Location: Oeschinensee, Kandersteg, Bern, Switzerland
Valle di Lodano, Ticino
Closest station: Ponte Brolla
Tucked away in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland, you’ll find Valle di Lodano. This ancient beech forest is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, best seen in fall when the leaves turn amber and saffron yellow. Take the train to Ponte Brolla and then it’s just a short bus ride to Lodano. Dozens of hiking trails spiral out from this tiny alpine village. Try the 4.5mi route that climbs up through the forest, passing Soláda and Castèll as waymarks on the map. Fall is also prime season for sweet chestnuts; keep an eye out for sellers tossing searing-hot pans of them in the street.
Take a hike
Download the Trainline app, and compare prices in advance for train tickets in Switzerland and across Europe so you can get the best deals and ensure your train fares don't experience a sudden hike. And if you want ideas for what to do in Switzerland when it's snowy, check out our articles on the best ski resorts in the Alps including Zermatt and Gstaad.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Anton Petrus. Image Location: Matterhorn, Zermatt, Valais, Switzerland