If you are visiting Switzerland in September, or looking for things to do, this guide shares 11 unique events and things to do in Switzerland in September. From food to wine, as well as the best hike in Switzerland, this guide will make sure you don’t have a dull moment this month!
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The Alpine descent is one of my favorite things to do in Switzerland in September | Photo by Kuno Schweizer Unsplash
Table of Contents
- What to Do in Switzerland in September
- Switzerland in September
- Getting Around Switzerland
- Tips for Visiting Switzerland in September
- Unique Things to Do in Switzerland in September (from a local!)
- #1. Go Hiking in the Swiss Alps and Stay in a Swiss Town
- #2. Visit Switzerland’s Largest Outdoor Flea Market
- #3. Check Out the Neuchâtel Street Food Festival
- #4. Take a Culinary Hike in the Alps
- #5. Discover the Lucerne Summer Festival
- #6. Attend an Alpine Descent
- #7. Visit the Rhine Falls
- #8. Explore (and get drunk) at the Swiss Wine Harvest Festivals
- #9. Hike through the Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces
- #10. Check out an Oktoberfest
- #11. Indulge in Vegan Food at the Vegan Festival Switzerland
- Summary of Things to Do in Switzerland in September
What to Do in Switzerland in September
If you Google, “things to do in Switzerland in September” the first thing that will come up is an article from….2015. This summarizes information about Switzerland to a T. There is very little accessible information, especially in English, for tourists or locals the like. The information you will come across is either extremely outdated, or painfully boring + as a local I would never suggest you do those things. So, this is why I’ve created my blog and this post for you!
You might also like: 10 of The Best Restaurants in Zurich, Switzerland
Switzerland in September
September is when Switzerland really shows its true colors—literally. By the end of the month, the mountains are painted with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows as the leaves change, and sometimes you’ll get a peak of snow. It’s also when the summer crowds start to thin out and kids are back in school, making it a great time to explore without the chaos. The weather is just right, the scenery is stunning, and it’s a perfect time to dive into some unique local events.
In September, the Swiss countryside and towns are buzzing with activity! And it’s honestly the best time to get away from the city (thinking Zurich city center for locals). From music and art festivals to food and wine events, there’s plenty to see and do outside of the city. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first time here, September is a great opportunity to experience Switzerland from a local’s perspective. There’s something for everyone—whether you’re into outdoor adventures, cultural events, or just enjoying some good food and drink.
In this guide, I’m sharing some of my favorite things to do in Switzerland during September. Consider this your inside scoop on how to make the most of this beautiful time of year. I’ll cover everything from unique events to hidden gems and personal recommendations that can help you create some great memories.
Getting Around Switzerland
Getting around Switzerland is a breeze, and whether or not you need a car really depends on your travel style and plans. Switzerland has one of the most efficient and well-connected public transportation systems in the world, making it easy to explore cities, towns, and even remote mountain areas without needing a car. You can get a discounted ticket here: Zurich Half-fare Card. Trains, buses, and boats run like clockwork, and they can take you almost anywhere you want to go.
If you’re planning to stick to major cities like Zurich, Lucerne, or Geneva, a car isn’t necessary. Public transport will get you around easily, and you’ll avoid the hassle of parking and navigating through narrow streets. Plus, Swiss cities are very walkable.
However, if you’re looking to explore more off-the-beaten-path destinations, or you’re planning to stay in a remote chalet, having a car would be easier. It gives you the freedom to travel on your own schedule and explore smaller villages and hidden gems that might be less accessible by public transport.
In short, while you don’t need a car to get around Switzerland, but it can be helpful if your travel plans include remote areas or a desire for extra flexibility.
Tips for Visiting Switzerland in September
- Pack for Multiple Seasons: The weather in Switzerland varies like crazy – one day it might be raining and you’ll need a winter coat and the next you could be sun bathing at the lake. Pack layers, a rain coat, packable down jacket, an umbrella, and a few different pairs of shoes in order to be prepared for whatever comes your way!
- Bring a refillable water bottle: Switzerland is know for it’s public drinking fountains that you’ll find in every big city (Zurich has over 1,000 fresh water fountains!) Many small towns have them as well. So, save on buying water and refill your bottle when you are out and about instead!
- You don’t need a lot of cash: It can be helpful to have some Swiss Francs with you, but almost everywhere takes card so don’t worry if you run out of have time to exchange money at the airport.
Unique Things to Do in Switzerland in September (from a local!)
#1. Go Hiking in the Swiss Alps and Stay in a Swiss Town
September is my favorite time to hike in Switzerland because it is extremely green, fresh, the temperature is excellent, and most of the trails will be free of snow. *Always check AllTrails and the weather before you go though! My husband and I are avid hikers and use AllTrails to plan out our routes in Switzerland. The hike below is one we did last September, and plan to do again this year! It’s an extremely challenging hike, for a total of 8.2 miles and an elevation gain of 2,847 ft. but it’s absolutely worth it! There are shorter routes you can do for all levels though, so make sure to plan accordingly. We personally just love this one (as you can see from the pictures!).
After the hike I highly suggest heading to Adelboden, one of my favorite little towns in Switzerland! The town looks like it’s from a movie and it’s a place that instantly relaxes me. We love staying at Adler Adelboden. It’s a cozy chalet with great food, views, and a great spa.
Adelboden is a must-visit city in Switzerland and one I really recommend for a weekend getaway, hiking or not.
Local Tip: If you do check out a spa in Switzerland the sauna’s and steam rooms are naked, meaning no bathing suits are allowed. It might not be what you are used to, but trust me, you’ll be able to relax in no time.
#2. Visit Switzerland’s Largest Outdoor Flea Market
Where: Le Landeron (Ville 39-1, 2525 Le Landeron)
Date: September 27, 28, 29th
The Flea Market Festival in Landeron is September 27, 28, 29th and is the largest outdoor flea market in Switzerland! Located in the picturesque medieval village of Landeron by Lake Biel, this event has more than a hundred antique stalls. Local businesses also set up food stands, so you can easily grab something to eat while enjoying a wonderful day out and finding a new treasure for your home!
#3. Check Out the Neuchâtel Street Food Festival
Where: Place du Port, 2000 Neuchâtel
Date: August 29th – September 1st
The Neuchâtel Street Food Festival kicks off August 29th and goes until September 1st and it’s one you don’t want to miss! More than 40 food trucks head to this scenic spot to display their favorites. From local dishes to Spanish and Asian cuisine, they have it all.
#4. Take a Culinary Hike in the Alps
Website: Horugüet Hike Information
Date: September 14th
Horugüet Hike is a foodie’s and hikers dream, located in Zermatt on September 14th. Participants get to embark on a foodie journey through the town, stopping at various restaurants and food spots to enjoy specially curated dishes. It’s an excellent opportunity to taste the best of what Zermatt’s top chefs and eateries have to offer, all while soaking in the stunning alpine scenery. Perfect for food lovers looking to explore local cuisine in an unforgettable setting. Book your ticket here!
#5. Discover the Lucerne Summer Festival
Where: Various locations throughout Lucerne
Date: August 13 – September 15
Lucerne’s festival is a celebration of classical music that attracts renowned musicians from around the world. Starting August 13-September 15, this festival offers a range of performances in various stunning venues around the city. Whether you’re a classical music aficionado or just appreciate beautiful melodies, the Lucerne Festival is a unique cultural event that will get you out of the heat and inside for a special experience.
Check out the full program and get your tickets here!
#6. Attend an Alpine Descent
The “cattle homecoming”, often called: Alpabzug, Désalpe or S-chargiada, is a tradition of bringing livestock down from the Alpine pastures for winter. You can find a full list for difference towns throughout Switzerland here! It’s one of my favorite events in Switzerland, and is easy to pair with a hiking day as well. There are descents in September and October.
You might also like: 10 Awesome Summer Bars in Zurich
#7. Visit the Rhine Falls
If you are in Zurich, a perfect day trip during the week is to Rhine Falls, the largest waterfall in Europe! Rhine Falls, or “Rheinfall” in German is located in northern Switzerland near the town of Schaffhausen. You can experience Rhine Falls in various ways, including boat trips that take you close to the roaring water, viewing platforms that offer breathtaking perspectives, and guided tours that provide historical insights. There are also nearby trails for hiking, allowing you to explore the surrounding scenic landscapes!
Rhine Falls can be visited by car or train | Photo by Himmel S Unsplash
#8. Explore (and get drunk) at the Swiss Wine Harvest Festivals
September is also the perfect time to explore Switzerland’s wine regions as the harvest season begins. Head to vineyards in places like the Lavaux or the Valais to experience wine tastings, tours, and harvest celebrations. It’s a wonderful way to sample local wines and learn about Swiss viticulture in a picturesque setting! A few I recommend are:
- PerBacco! Grape Harvest Festival: September 5-8th.
- Liechtenstein Winegrowers’ Festival: September 14th, 3pm-10pm.
- SerraWine Tasting: September 21st.
- Sagra dell’uva: September 27-29th.
- Grape Harvest Festival: September 27-29th.
#9. Hike through the Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces
Since we are talking about wine, September is a beautiful time to explore the Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces, a UNESCO world heritage site! The wine harvest typically begins in September, so what better time go explore. You can check out this area on foot or via bikes, stopping at various wineries along the way. I recommend following this trail: Lavaux Wine Trail. We parked at the parking garage at Cully train station, which was super easy and affordable, and cut the trail a little short at Rivas. Highly recommend!
We got a 1/2 bottle of Pinot Noir from Marina Bovard for only 12 CHF! You can also grab bottles of wine from different wineries at these wine “vending machines” along the way.
Expert Tips: Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy along your journey and pick up a bottle of wine from one of the vending machines. There are plenty of scenic spots to stop, eat, drink, and take in the beautiful surroundings. Also, bring some cash in small bills for easy wine purchases from the machines, and/or at the wineries.
#10. Check out an Oktoberfest
Many Americans will be surprised to know, Oktoberfest does not start in October. Instead it begins in September and for most locations, continues into October! Switzerland has Oktoberfest events in every city and town, so check one out here! If you are in Zurich HB holds their Oktoberfest, Züri-Wiesn, from September 26th to October 19th.
#11. Indulge in Vegan Food at the Vegan Festival Switzerland
Where: Main hall of Zurich HB station
Date: September 17-22
The biggest vegan food festival in Switzerland is back for another year and let me tell you, if you haven’t had vegan food before, this is your perfect chance. I found one of my favorite vegan lunch spots, Veganitas, at this festival last year. Located in the main hall of Zurich HB you can pass through for lunch or dinner and try a variety of vegan dishes – vegan pitas, vegan tacos, burgers and more! There are items you’ll try that you are shocked are vegan and maybe convince you to add some more plant based items into your diet!
Summary of Things to Do in Switzerland in September
- #1. Go Hiking in the Swiss Alps and Stay in a Swiss Town
- #2. Visit Switzerland’s Largest Outdoor Flea Market
- #3. Check Out the Neuchâtel Street Food Festival
- #4. Take a Culinary Hike in the Alps
- #5. Discover the Lucerne Summer Festival
- #6. Attend an Alpine Descent
- #7. Visit the Rhine Falls
- #8. Explore (and get drunk) at the Swiss Wine Harvest Festivals
- #9. Hike through the Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces
- #10. Check out an Oktoberfest
- #11. Indulge in Vegan Food at the Vegan Festival Switzerland
September in Switzerland is truly magical, with its perfect weather and vibrant events. Whether you’re hiking through the Alps, exploring charming towns, or enjoying local festivals, there’s something special about this month. I hope this guide helps you make the most of your time here and discover some new favorites along the way!
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