Why Autumn is Prime Hiking Season
As the summer season ends and the stand-up paddles and kyaks are packed away until next year, families start looking for ways to enjoy the cooler temperatures and changing leaves.
One of the best and most family-friendly activities you can do in Autumn is hike!
With over 65 000 kilometers of marked trails, there is a track to suit all family members and experience levels. Discover almost every corner of Switzerland; from hill climbs to alpine meadows, forests and more – it is entirely in your hands.
Five Reasons why you should Hike in Autumn
1. Fall spectacle: To say that Switzerland is spectacular in Autumn is an understatement. The vibrant golden larches, chestnuts, and many other trees, turn from green to the most impressive pallet of rusty oranges, yellows and browns. Starting late summer and continuing into Autumn, Switzerland’s vineyards are a vibrant hub of harvest activity. The colours of Autumn should not be missed and are best enjoyed on foot.
Our recommendation: Hike to the larches of Balavaux!
11km | Approx 3 hours
Experience the magnificent foliage of the oldest and most established larch trees in Europe. This hike begins at Tracouet mountain station and leads to Haute-Nendaz. See the giant “King of Balavaux” – a larch with a trunk circumference of 11.8m!
Further highlights include: Panoramic gondola ride, Lac Noir (Black Lake) mountain lake, Bisse de Saxon irrigation channel.
2. Tranquil trails: Summer is busy season on the Alpine Trials; however experienced hikers know that Autumn provides the opportunity for fewer crowds and a calmer hiking experience. While shorter tracks continue to be popular among locals and weekend visitors, longer trails are quite empty allowing you to move comfortably at your own pace and find peace within the stunning nature.
Our Recommendation: Western Swiss Plateau
18km | Approximately 5 hours | medium
This tranquil hike takes you from the idillic village of Ste-Croix in the Vaud Jura, past Balcon du Jura and on to Val de Travers. The trail offers many stunning mountain vistas and gives hikers a true sense of peace.
Highlights include: “Pierre de la Paix” boulder, Pouetta Raisse Gorge, Val de Travers and more!
3. Diverse options: You do not need to be an athlete to enjoy Switzerland’s hiking trails. From riverside strolls suitable for even the youngest hikers, to glacier-adjacent paths, or even wheelchair accessible trails, hiking can be enjoyed by everyone. The tracks are clearly marked with realistic estimates of time and experience level. This makes it easy to decide in advance which one is right for you. Read more about the diverse hiking options here.
4. Rich experiences: Hiking is so much more than walking! Our hikes allow you to see wildlife, hone your photography skills, or even taste local wines. The many hikes listed on our website, allow you to filter for type of experience, sights you would like to see, as well as the duration, length, and difficulty.
5. Alpine wildlife activity: Autumn is a great time for nature lovers and children alike to get out and about. In addition to the changing leaves, autumn is the perfect time to spot animals preparing for winter – marmots fattening up, deer during rutting season, and birds migrating. Find out more about Swiss Wildlife watching.
Hiking with Kids
Hiking can be an inexpensive and impactful way to teach children about the environment and give them an appreciation for nature. You can start hiking with children at any age – it is not uncommon to see hikers with babies in backpacks snoozing or enjoying the variety os sights, sounds and smells.
Start children off gently, building them up slowly over time – no parent wants to carry a child in the middle of a four hour loop!
Another way to make hiking a truly family affair is to get the kids involved in the planning – look up the route before hand and show them where you will walk. Involve them in the decision making process and, bring plenty of snacks (and perhaps even a couple of bribes!). Many hikes in Switzerland passby playgrounds, things to climb, and animals to watch. Keep kids motivated by letting them know that a “playground is right up ahead”.
Find our list of family friendly hikes here.
Our recommendation: Discover Heidi’s World
12km | 4 hours | Easy
Experience life as the famous storybook character, Heidi knew it. This family-friendly hike in Maienfeld has been especially designed to accommodate buggies/strollers, making it an experience even the smallest family member can enjoy.
Highlights include: 12 narrated stops, Heidi Village, Museum, Restaurant, and more!
Tips for a Smooth Autumn Hike
- Check lift and hut operations: Many close by mid-October; cable cars may reduce service.
- Layer up: Bring warm layers and waterproofs—mountain weather can turn quickly.
- Plan timing: Peak leaf viewing varies, mid-September to early November depending on altitude and region.
- Trail markers: Stick to yellow/red-white for most hikes; only attempt blue-white (alpine) paths with proper gear.
Panoramic Hikes
Finding a hike with a panoramic view is not hard – deciding which to choose is where it gets difficult! We have profiled over 500 different panoramic hikes on our website. Covering the entirety of Switzerland, there are a wide range of different views to choose from including alpine pastures, lakes, fairytale villages, vineyards, vast meadows and everything in between.
Autumn is the perfect season to hike in Switzerland, when vibrant foliage, comfortable temperatures, and fewer crowds combine to create an unforgettable experience for families. For more information visit switzerland.com/autumn
