An eventful change of seasons in Switzerland
The ultimate guide through Swiss most important and exciting events in October
When vineyards turn golden and the apple harvest is in full swing, it means that autumn is on its way to Switzerland. Vivid and abundant in colours, festivals, events and culinary scene in this period of the year, autumn is one of the best moments to visit these lovely Swiss sites.
Although daylight hours are decreasing and temperatures turn noticeably chilly, October in Switzerland offer plenty of warm and sundrenched days ideal for trekking and hiking through striking landscapes, various outdoor activities, traditional open-air celebrations and cultural events. It’s all about having fun and having an excellent, memorable time because autumn hides true Swiss treasure.
Ticino Region
The October event calendar in Switzerland kicks off with the famous Lugano Autumn Festival traditionally celebrated among its residents who are joyously saying goodbye to the summer and welcoming autumn season during a three-day-long street event (Friday, October 1, 2021-Sunday, October 3, 2021). This colourful and vibrant seasonal festivity is held in the beautiful scenery by the lake. It offers everyone lots of wine, music and local food typical to the Canton Ticino culture and cuisine. In addition, the festival features “grottini “or caves, small picturesque stations, s where the Swiss sell local food products and handcrafted goods. There you can taste Ticinese specialities such as polenta with stew, risotto, minestrone, gnocchi, as well as Ticino wines and other local delights.
Zurich Region
Also, over the first month’s weekend (October 2-3, 2021), numerous historical and contemporary buildings around Zurich will be publicly open to all architectural enthusiasts and the city’s tourists. “Zurich Open House ” is a unique and fascinating event that allows looking behind the façades of around 80 outstanding private houses, museums, offices, studios, theatres, workshops, and schools. The country’s largest city will offer free admission to all buildings of architectural interest, as well as guided tours. For more details and customised tours, you can visit the website https://openhouse-zuerich.org
Basel Region
On October 10, the Fondation Beyeler in Basel (Riehen) will host one of the most important exhibitions ever devoted to Francisco de Goya (1746-1828) outside of Spain. The exhibition is presenting over 70 paintings, including impressive and enigmatic “Witches’ Sabbath “(1797-98), in addition to rarely publicly seen artworks from private collections, combined for the first time with a selection of masterful drawings and prints from the most renowned European and American museums. Goya was an inventor of the mysterious, personal pictorial world. He was also a painter of great portraits, the pioneer of modern art and one of the last major court artists; his 60-year career spanned from Rococo to the Romantic period. The show has been developed in collaboration with the Museo Nacional del Prado in Madrid and is a must-see!
Lake Geneva Region, Valais
Gourmet hike “Les Ripailleurs du Val Ferret 7th edition “on Saturday, October 9, 2021, at La Fouly, is meant for those searching for 2 in 1 experience – enjoyment in food through hiking tour, or the other way round. It is organised by the restaurateurs and food trades of Val Ferret and made up of eight gourmet stops, each represented by one Ripailleur from Val Ferret. It is a pleasant walk that will offer you a sense of happiness and enjoyment. (www.eventslafouly.ch)
Lucerne Region
October is the time of festivals in Switzerland, and most of them celebrate seasonal fruits of nature like apples, chestnuts and pumpkins, and local products such as cheese and wine. Though there are many cheese festivals all over this tiny country, the Lucerne Cheese Festival is very popular among food lovers and delicacies from the world’s four corners. This dairy craftsman show will take place at Kappelplatz square in the centre of the city on Saturday, October 16. Kasefest Luzern is regarded as one of the best cheese markets in central Switzerland, showcasing around 20 producers from the region, which offers more than 200 different types of cheese to the visitors and festive ambience.
East Switzerland Region
Last but not least OLMA Fair in St. Gallen is the largest and most important agricultural exhibition that attracts numerous visitors from afar.
The famous folk festival happens from October 7, 2021, to October 17, 2021, and will feature more than 400 exhibitors showcasing various products, services, and specialities.
The “Sauli” piglets race, mule race and parade by the guest canton of Schaffhausen brings the highlights of this seasonal event which brings expectation every year with great excitement among both its participants and numerous visitors.
So whether or not you were planning a short escape or break around Switzerland this autumn, head straight there for some real quality time.
Explore exciting events and happenings around Switzerland in October. Swiss Events in October, Swiss Events in October , Swiss Events in October
