9 Reasons Why You Should Travel Longer in Switzerland During Autumn and Winter

Switzerland in autumn and winter rewards those who take their time. Crisp air, shorter days, and snow-dusted peaks create breathtaking landscapes, from fiery autumn valleys to pristine winter wonderlands. Scenic train journeys, alpine hikes, and cosy village strolls reveal hidden corners, seasonal festivals, and unforgettable vistas when you linger a little longer.

In autumn, emerald valleys blaze with gold and crimson, framed by jagged, snow-tipped peaks. In winter, the landscape becomes a snowy wonderland, perfect for exploring charming villages, bustling cities, and secluded alpine spots. Extended stays allow you to savour cosy cafés, enjoy seasonal festivities, and soak in golden sunsets over the Alps, turning every day into a new discovery.

As one of Europe’s safest nations, Switzerland offers a unique blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation, making it an ideal destination for an unforgettable autumn or winter escape. If you’ve ever considered visiting, now is the perfect time to plan a trip and fully immerse yourself in the country’s seasonal magic.

Also read: 15 Best Airbnbs in Switzerland With the Most Amazing Views

Why visit Switzerland? Here are the best reasons!

1. Train journeys in Switzerland are simply breathtaking

Image credit: Swiss Tourism

The best way to discover the beauty of autumn and winter in Switzerland is by embarking on an enchanting rail journey through the country. The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland (GTToS) is one of the most spectacular ways to explore the country. This curated route connects the most scenic train journeys into one unforgettable experience, weaving through alpine peaks, glacial valleys, crystal-clear lakes, and storybook towns, all from the comfort of a train.

You’ll begin your adventure aboard the Bernina Express, which travels from Chur to Tirano, winding through the Swiss Engadine Alps and past stunning glaciers like Morteratsch and the beautiful Lago di Poschiavo. From there, the Glacier Express connects Zermatt with St. Moritz, crossing 291 bridges and 91 tunnels, with unforgettable views of the Matterhorn and the majestic Rhine Gorge.

The journey continues with the GoldenPass Express, linking Montreux and Interlaken. As you glide through the scenic Lake Geneva region and the Swiss Pre-Alps, you’ll pass charming towns such as Gstaad and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. For a unique twist, the Gotthard Panorama Express combines a boat ride across Lake Lucerne with a scenic rail journey to Bellinzona or Lugano, passing through the lush Reuss Valley and the impressive Gotthard Base Tunnel.

Image credit: Swiss Tourism

Finally, the Luzern-Interlaken Express offers a short but spectacular route between Lucerne and Interlaken, with breathtaking views of Lake Lucerne and the towering Jungfrau mountains, alongside the charming lakeside village of Brienz.

The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland offers the perfect way to explore the country’s diverse landscapes, all from the comfort of the world’s most scenic trains. Use the GTToS map to plan your journey and experience Switzerland like never before. With the Swiss Travel Pass (STP) 1st Class, you’ll enjoy unlimited travel in first class on these premium panoramic trains, with extra travel days added for free! Just be sure to book your seat in advance, as seat reservations and fees apply.

Beyond rail travel, the Swiss Travel Pass also covers an extensive network of public transportation, including local buses, trams, and trains in more than 90 towns and cities, making it easy to explore both major hubs and small villages without hassle. What’s more, you’ll receive free or discounted entry to over 500 museums, 50% off most mountain excursions (such as cable cars and cogwheel trains), and full access to boats, buses, and local trains across the country. So make sure to book your Swiss Travel Pass 1st Class to elevate your next trip to Switzerland!

2. There are plenty of hidden gems to explore

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While the Alpine wilderness and epic train journeys are reason enough to visit Switzerland, those travelling with the Swiss Travel Pass 1st Class have even more to look forward to, especially with the two bonus travel days included in the pass. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the main highlights and immerse yourself in the country’s autumnal colours or winter charm.

Why not head south to the Ticino region, where Swiss precision meets Italian flair? In Lugano, autumn brings golden hues to lakeside promenades and palm-lined streets, while winter offers cosy cafés to warm up after a brisk stroll along the lake. Nearby, Bellinzona impresses with its trio of UNESCO-listed medieval castles, especially striking against a backdrop of autumn foliage or dusted with snow. The towns of Ascona and Locarno offer sun-drenched piazzas in autumn and festive markets in winter, providing a slower pace that’s perfect for winding down your trip.

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Alternatively, spend your extra days in French-speaking Switzerland, exploring the Vaud region and Lake Geneva Riviera. In Montreux, autumn transforms the lakeside promenades into a tapestry of warm colours, while winter brings the sparkle of Christmas markets and the snow-capped Alps as a stunning backdrop. Lausanne buzzes with cultural events in the cooler months, from art exhibitions to festive celebrations, while the charming town of Vevey delights with vineyard walks in autumn and cosy culinary experiences in winter, alongside tributes to Charlie Chaplin’s legacy.

For those seeking something more central, Bern, the nation’s capital, enchants year-round. In autumn, the medieval Old Town glows amid amber leaves, and in winter, its arcaded streets and riverside views take on a magical, festive atmosphere. Or make your way to Basel, a hub of art and architecture where autumn light accentuates the city’s historic charm, and winter markets and river cruises offer a seasonal twist. With excellent connections and easy access to Germany and France, it’s also an ideal base for pre- or post-cruise extensions.

With so much to see in Switzerland during the autumn and winter seasons, those two extra days on the Swiss Travel Pass 1st Class can turn a great trip into an unforgettable one. Whether you’re after the fiery hues of autumn, snow-dusted mountain vistas, lakeside relaxation, or cultural exploration, Switzerland makes it easy to experience the season to the fullest.

3. It has superb spots for skiing

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Boasting some of the world’s best locations for skiing, Switzerland offers opportunities for this snowy sport, especially during the winter season. That’s right, you heard me. In Zermatt, the Theodul Glacier remains frozen despite the changing of the seasons, making it the perfect place for you to try your hand at skiing whenever you choose to visit Switzerland.

Also, a visit to Zermatt is basically a two-for-one experience, as it’s located at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn: a colossal mountain that has become synonymous with this incredible nation itself. For a complete list of the best ski resorts in Switzerland (and where to stay!), click here. 

4. Switzerland is home to breathtaking winter and autumn vistas

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Whether you’re a photographer looking to capture the beauty of nature from behind the lens or an artist ready to paint it out on a canvas, the natural sights of Switzerland are simply second to none during the autumn and winter seasons. Need a bird’s-eye view? Visit Jungfraujoch to set foot in the region commonly known as the Top of Europe, where you can experience plenty of snowfall and stunning winter scenery. 

Image credit: Swiss Tourism

Or take a boat trip down the Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall, and experience the primal roar of nature as it engulfs your senses. 

For more reasons to visit Switzerland, you can also head to Grindelwald Village. Located in the centre of the Bernese Mountains, this idyllic little town represents a perfect escape from metropolitan living. Expect to be surrounded by beautiful lakes, sloping meadows and charming treks.

Also read: 6 Must-Visit Cities in Switzerland for Art and Culture

5. Treat yo’ self to some of the world’s best chocolates

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Speaking of decadent treats, did you know that we owe the creation of milk chocolate to the Swiss? Chocolatier Daniel Peters is generally credited with this achievement, inventing this delicious creation way back in 1876. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, then, that Switzerland is one of the chocolate capitals of the world.

Image credit: Confiserie Sprüngli Official Facebook Page

Being a chocoholic is yet another one of many reasons to visit Switzerland! While you’re in Zurich, make sure to mosey on over to Confiserie Sprüngli, which has multiple locations throughout the city. The cafe is famous for exquisite truffles, the iconic Luxemburgerli macaroons, and enough chocolate to make Willy Wonka sweat with jealousy.

Be sure to visit Auer Chocolatier in Geneva as well. Here, the Auer family makes handmade chocolate treats, just as they have been doing for the past five generations.

Also read: 30 Europe Souvenirs to Bring Home from Your Next Adventure

6. It’s the birthplace of cheese fondue

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Another one of the reasons to visit Switzerland: the food! Swiss cuisine is fairly unique, as the various cantons (regions) of this country are influenced by different cultures, namely, German, French, and Italian. This results in a variety of popular dishes, each with its own roots. The raclette — composed of melted cheese on potatoes, pickles, and onions — is rooted in French cuisine. Meanwhile, the polenta with braised beef is popular in the canton of Ticino, which is dominantly Italian.

Of course, certain dishes like fondue (rustic bread dipped in near-boiling cheese) and rostini (crispy-fried grated potatoes) are considered universally Swiss. Regardless of their origin, you can count on the food in Switzerland to keep your bellies full, your bodies warm, and the cold at bay.

7. It’s heaven for hikers

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With some of the most beautiful trails in the world at your feet, start with an easy hike in the Lauterbrunnental Glacial Valley, also known as the Valley of 12 Waterfalls. In autumn, the valley comes alive with fiery hues of red, orange, and gold, while the crisp air makes rivers and meadows even more refreshing. Take a leisurely walk along the Trümmelbach Falls trail, which offers an easy loop past roaring waterfalls framed by colourful foliage. In winter, the landscape transforms into a snowy wonderland, and while some trails are covered in snow, the views of frozen waterfalls and snow-dusted chalets are simply magical. For a cosy winter option, consider taking the cable car up to Grütschalp for panoramic views and short snowshoe walks along gentle trails.

To up the challenge slightly, explore Parc Ela, a pristine natural expanse in the canton of Graubünden. The Hängebrücke Val Meltger trail, an eight-kilometre hike, offers panoramic views of the Oberhalbstein Valley that are stunning in any season. In autumn, the forests are ablaze with colour, while in winter, snow-laden peaks and frozen streams create a serene, almost otherworldly atmosphere for those equipped with proper gear. For a shorter autumn excursion, the Val Tuors trail lets you enjoy quiet forests and golden meadows, while winter enthusiasts can try snowshoeing along the Alp Flix loop for an invigorating experience surrounded by sparkling snow.

For hardcore hikers who don’t shy away from extreme challenges, the Matterhorn awaits. The 12-hour ascent from Zermatt is not for the faint of heart. Autumn offers crisp, clear days with spectacular visibility, making it ideal for long alpine treks, while winter transforms the climb into a snow-and-ice adventure requiring technical skills and proper equipment. If you prefer a winter alpine experience without the extreme climb, consider taking the Gornergrat railway up from Zermatt for sweeping Matterhorn views, combined with short snowshoe or winter hiking trails along the ridges.

No matter your level or the season, Switzerland in autumn and winter provides hiking experiences that are both challenging and breathtakingly scenic—whether it’s golden valleys, snow-capped peaks, or frozen waterfalls, every trail promises a memory worth treasuring.

Travel longer and explore the best of Switzerland with the Swiss Travel Pass 1st Class! 

8. There’s no shortage of art, music, and culture

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Music lovers, if you’re visiting Switzerland in the cooler months, there are still plenty of reasons to keep the rhythm going. In autumn, the Lucerne Festival Autumn showcases classical music at its finest, with performances by world-renowned orchestras and soloists in stunning historic venues. From symphonies to chamber music, the festival offers an immersive experience for those who love refined melodies and orchestral brilliance.

As winter approaches, Switzerland transforms into a wonderland of Christmas and winter music festivals. The St. Moritz Snow & Jazz Festival combines jazz, blues, and soul with snowy alpine scenery, offering both indoor concerts and open-air performances in the heart of the mountains. Meanwhile, cities like Zurich and Geneva host festive winter concerts, featuring everything from traditional carols to contemporary ensembles, often accompanied by Christmas markets and seasonal activities that create a magical atmosphere.

Many of these events also include free or community-friendly experiences, from open-air performances in town squares to intimate jam sessions in cosy alpine lodges. So whether you’re chasing classical brilliance, jazzy grooves, or festive melodies, Switzerland in autumn and winter offers music that warms the soul and keeps the spirit lively—no matter how chilly the air gets.

9. The Swiss celebrate everything

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Last but not least, here’s one of the slightly more whimsical reasons to visit Switzerland as soon as you can. The celebration of Désalpe (or Alpine Descent) takes place in villages and towns across the country in September, during harvest time.

Villagers celebrate the return of cows from their grazing in high alpine regions by shearing and brushing them, as well as festooning the cows with large bells. Then, these cows are paraded through the village, with prizes normally being handed out to the prettiest-looking ones. It’s a day when the city and countryside meet, and everyone joins together and simply celebrates with joy.

Also read: 8D7N Switzerland Itinerary: Top Things to Do in Switzerland During Summer

From its highest peaks to its lowest valleys, Switzerland is a marvellous hub of modernity and tradition that begs to be seen and experienced in person. The simple truth is that you could take one trip there (or several), and it would still be difficult to immerse yourself in all the delights that it has to offer. 

Featured image credit: dr ashok kolluru | Flickr