Fall is a wonderful time to visit Switzerland, packed with family-friendly festivals and traditions, from lively cow parades to exciting autumn fairs. Families can explore Jucker Farm’s pumpkin sculptures, enjoy the spooky Wirzweli Witch Trail for Halloween, or take part in the Räbechilbi turnip lantern parade. The weather, unfortunately, is not always nice (with rain and cold), so make sure to bring the right gear to enjoy these unique seasonal activities. Fall is truly a wonderful time for families to explore Switzerland.
Colorful Alpine Festivals
Every autumn, Switzerland celebrates a centuries-old tradition known as the cow parade, where Alpine farmers bring their herds down from the mountain pastures. Called Alpabfahrt or Alpabzug in German-speaking regions and Désalpe in French-speaking areas, these parades are a seasonal highlight. The cows, adorned with flower crowns, greenery, and ornate bells, march proudly through alpine villages while locals and visitors gather to celebrate. Another event is the livestock show (Viehausstellung), where cows, goats, and sheep are judged in friendly competitions, often followed by small animal parades. These events usually take place between September and October, and we often check the MySwitzerland website for dates and locations. To get more information on a visit to the cow parades, click here.
Exciting Autumn Fairs
During fall, many Swiss cities host autumn fairs that combine amusement rides, food stalls, and market shopping. Families can expect everything from nostalgic carousels to thrilling rides, although each ride requires a separate ticket, which can add up quickly. Two of the fairs our family has visited include the Lozärner Määs in Lucerne and the Basler Herbstmesse in Basel. Our kids particularly enjoyed choosing their favorite rides and sampling treats from the market stands. If possible, we recommend visiting early in the day or on weekdays to avoid large crowds and long lines while still soaking up the festive atmosphere.
Pumpkin Magic at Jucker Farm
One of Switzerland’s most family-friendly autumn traditions is a visit to Jucker Farm, a collection of four farms that host impressive pumpkin displays from September to November. When we visited Jucker Farm Bächlihof, the theme was “big cinema,” brought to life with pumpkin sculptures of Ice Age’s mammoth and sloth. Around Halloween, our family always heads here to select pumpkins for carving, which has become a yearly tradition. The farm also offers a large playground, sand pits, climbing areas, and farm animals like pigs and goats, making it ideal for small children. This combination of art, farming, and fun makes Jucker Farm a top fall destination in Switzerland for families. For more family-friendly tips on a visit to Jucker Farm, click here.
Hiking the Witch Trail in Wirzweli
For a more adventurous autumn day, we recommend Wirzweli Mountain, especially around Halloween. Known for its witch-themed attractions, this family-friendly destination includes playgrounds, an owl path, and even a summer toboggan run. The highlight for kids is the Witch Trail (Hexenweg), a 3.2 km mostly downhill hike filled with interactive witch-themed stations. Children can fly on a broomstick zip line, crawl through giant spider webs, and visit Lizi’s little house. At the end of the trail, they collect a colorful “magic stone” souvenir. The Witch Trail’s fairy-tale charm makes it an unforgettable family activity during autumn in Switzerland. Click here for more information on a visit to Wirzweli.
Räbechilbi: The Turnip Lantern Parade
Another magical Swiss fall tradition is Räbechilbi, where turnips are carved into lanterns and carried through the streets at night. While small towns across Switzerland host their own parades in November, the largest celebration is in Richterswil on Lake Zurich. The entire town glows with thousands of lanterns. The main event is a spectacular parade featuring intricately carved turnips decorating large floats. Families should plan to arrive by train, as parking is very limited, and bring cash to purchase parade badges (entrance tickets) from children at the station. Food stalls are available, but the lines are long, so we packed extra snacks. Although the parade route can get crowded, finding a spot near the end offers a better view and a little more breathing room for kids. At the end of the parade, the floats are parked on the parade route to get a closer look. This unique festival is a truly magical family experience in Switzerland during autumn.
Conclusion
Autumn in Switzerland is a season filled with traditions, family activities, and cultural festivities. From Alpine cow parades to pumpkin festivals and glowing lantern processions, there are endless opportunities to enjoy the colorful beauty of Swiss fall. Whether you’re picking pumpkins at Jucker Farm, hiking through Wirzweli’s Witch Trail, or watching turnip lanterns light up Richterswil, each experience creates memories your family will cherish.