Switzerland in September is a fantastic idea for a vacation if you are looking for a place that is warm, not hot, not crowded but not empty also. See, in September, the tourists have begun to return to their home countries and the weather is moving towards winter, leaving Switzerland for those who choose to come in the off-season. In the following blog, you’ll find all the information you need to plan a great September vacation full of activities to do and places to see.
Is September the best time to visit Switzerland?
Yes, September can be considered the best time to visit Switzerland, despite it not being peak tourist season. The large crowds have gone back because the season is over and work and schools start almost everywhere. Though the warm summer is over, there’s still some warmth in the air that is pleasant enough for you to be able to indulge in fun, outdoor activities. Another great reason is that September is the start of the off-season, so you’ll be able to cash in some deals tour operators and hotels give out in order to attract business. So, yes, September is a great time for Switzerland.
Weather in Switzerland in September
Switzerland weather in September is at the cusp of winter, so it is not really cold, nor is it as hot as it is during the preceding month. So, the weather is sort of perfect. Even if you do feel cold or warm, the right attire can make it go away. There can be some rain as well but that happens in specific parts of the country.
- Temperature: Low – 15°C, High – 250°C
- Humidity: Around 77%
- Chance of Rain: 33% chance
- Daylight: 13.5 to 14.5 hours
- Sunrise: Around 06:35 AM
- Sunset: Around 08:20 PM
Things to do in Switzerland in September
One of the best parts about vacationing during this month is that there are many things to do in Switzerland in September. Here are some of these activities that you must try to enjoy your vacation:
Train Rides
One of the most unique and fun experiences in Switzerland is train rides. There are many trains here that take scenic routes of the country leading to one of the most stunning rides ever. The Glacier Express gives you an 8-hour ride from Zermatt to St. Moritz. It takes you through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges, giving you breathtaking views of the Alps. If you want to check out the idyllic towns, GoldenPass Line is the one for you. Though you might have to change trains, it is worth it. Other great train rides worth seeing are the Gotthard Panorama Express, Brienz Rothorn Bahn, Bernina Express, and Mount Rigi Cogwheel Train.
Gorge on Swiss Cheese & Chocolate
Switzerland is known for its amazing cheese and chocolates thanks to the amazing milk the country produces. All cows here are grass-fed resulting in high-quality milk. Lausanne is where you can get the best taste of cheeses and chocolates. There are daily tours that take you to the factories and museums where you can learn about cheese and chocolate making. And of course, you can also taste the cheeses and chocolates. This is a great experience for anyone who loves cheese or chocolate. And even if you don’t, seeing the whole making process and the huge factories is quite an experience.
Hiking & Biking
This summer activity is still available in the month of September. Though there are chances of rain throughout the month, on dry days, you can indulge in these fun activities. Lake Bachalpsee is a great place for a short hike as it doesn’t take more than a couple of hours to do this hike. Similarly, the Lakes Trail is a short yet very scenic hike that can be done in 3.5 hours. Jungfrau in Interlaken is one of the best hikes that can be done in September as the views here are just fantastic in this month. Other awesome hikes worth exploring are the North Face Trail, Seenwegg Zermot, Panorama Trail, Lake Oeschinen Loop, and Trummelbach Falls. These hiking destinations are also great places to do bird watching.
Watch Factory Tours
Switzerland is also famous for its watches. All around the world, many people happily boast of having a high-end Swiss watch as their prized possession and once you see how these watches are made, and the rich history behind this gadget, you too would want to own a Swiss watch. One of the best tours can be done in Le Locle and La Chaux-de-Fonds in the Jura area where there are regular tours and workshops. You can really get into the history and culture of Swiss watchmaking. You can get similar tours and workshop opportunities in Biel where many famous watch companies operate. This unique type of tour will give you a love and respect for watches.
Shopping
Bring an extra empty bag on your vacation because Switzerland is also a great place for shopping. You are going to find some amazing clothes and accessories in many different cities, each unique and amazing. In Zurich, head to Bahnhofstrasse 31 where you’ll find the best brands, watches, perfumes, and jewelry. Also, do make a stop at Scotch & Store apparel store. Their collections are marvelous. Another famous item that you should shop for and take back home is chocolate. Yes, Swiss chocolate is arguably the best in the world and you have to go to Negozio Lindt Chocolate. At this factory outlet, you can buy loads of chocolate for a great price. Just be careful that you don’t eat it all before going home. Most Swiss cities have great shopping avenues, so be sure to check out all.
Places to Visit in Switzerland in September
The great thing about Swiss cities is that each one has something unique and wonderful to offer that will make your vacation awesome. So, here are the best places to visit in Switzerland in September:
1. Zurich
This is the city where you are most likely to land while coming from your country thanks to the massive international airport, so might as well start your tour in Zurich. Kids have returned to their school so head to Lake Zurich to enjoy water-based activities without the crowds. History fans can head to the Old Town where they can see places like Grossmünster, a Protestant church with Roman-like architecture and designs, Lindenhof hilltop, Marc Chagall’s stained-glass windows, Fraumünster. There are also many museums like the Swiss National Museum holding important materials from Swiss history, and Kunsthaus Zürich, which is a place to see modern art. Also, don’t forget to shop at Bahnhofstrasse. This city will be a great start to your vacation.
2. Zermatt
This is the perfect place for hiking and nature enthusiasts as this is a car-free town so get ready to walk everywhere. Only in September and the middle of October will you get to see the wonderful fall colors of the hiking trails of Matterhorn, so head to Zermatt, a town located at the foothills. From here, you can take many different hiking trails full of stunning scenery. The hikes are easy and full of amazing sights. You can also indulge in adventures like mountaineering and paragliding. If you want to hang out in the town, there is much to do here as well. Check out the Matterhorn Museum and gorgeous hotels and resorts, or take a clog train to Gornergrat. You can also dine at many Michelin-star restaurants in Zermatt. This town is a unique and lovely attraction that is a great change from other Swiss cities.
3. Ticino
Experience Italy in Switzerland in the Southern region of Ticino. Here, everyone speaks mostly Italian and it is ingrained in the culture and history as well. There are many cities in this region with each having wonderful attractions like Locarno having the Locarno Film Festival and Lugano having amazing art galleries and museums. Ascano is a picturesque lake town that has gorgeous views from multiple lakeside promenades., and Bellinzona has UNESCO Heritage Sites like Montebello Castle, Castegrande, and Sasso Corbaro Castle. The two lakes in this region, Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano are also busy hubs for water-related fun and adventure. All in all, the Ticino region will feel like a vacation away from a vacation.
4. St. Moritz
Going to St. Moritz in the winter can be an expensive affair as the town is known for its luxurious ski resorts that are packed to the gills all through winter. But the story of Summer is quite different. Yes, people do come here but there are not that many so the prices are comparatively cheaper. In September, the snow has melted off nearby mountains, opening up the hiking trails that are smooth enough to even handle bikes. Mountaineering is another exciting activity worth doing during this time. If these don’t excite you, head to St Moritz Lake and windsurf, row, and sail on the pristine waters. St. Moritz also has art galleries, museums, events, races, culinary festivals, luxury stays, and more. It is the perfect vacation destination.
5. Geneva
Decisions made in the city have an impact on the rest of the world, thanks to the presence of the United Nations Headquarters, International Red Cross, World Trade Organization, and World Health Organization. Geneva is the world diplomacy capital and one of the safest cities in the world. So, be sure to have it on your itinerary. Geneva has a rich history that can be explored in sites like Maison Tavel, St. Pierre Cathedral, and Vieille Ville. Museums like Musée d’Art et d’Histoire, Patek Philippe Museum, and International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum are also an important part of Geneva. But it is the lush gardens like Parc La Grange, and Jardin Anglais that will impress the most. Geneva also has Swiss Banks, watchmakers, delicious food, and brilliant events and festivals. In short, it’s a city worth seeing!
Events & Festivals in Switzerland in September
There are also many events & festivals in Switzerland in September that you can be a part of to add more fun and excitement to your vacation.
Festivals in Switzerland in September
Since the weather is so great, many festivals are held this month encouraging people to get out and enjoy themselves. Here are those festivals in Switzerland in September:
Lucerne Festival in Summer
Classical music fans, here’s your chance to experience the best artists from around the world. The month-long Lucerne Festival is a music festival dedicated to classical music. Experience orchestras, recitals, chamber music, and various other formats of classical music. The event promises to be one of the most musically and culturally enriching festivals.
When: 13th August to 15th September
Location: Lucerne
KnabenschiessenOne of the oldest competitions in the world, the Knabenschiessen has been around since the 17th century. This is a shooting festival for kids of age ranging from 13 to 17 years. This is also a carnival of sorts as there are a lot of fun and exciting things happening like games, food, drinks, music, and other forms of revelry. Come, explore this unique festival that is also a centuries-old tradition.
When: 7th to 9th September
Location: Zurich
Alpine Cattle Descent
After grazing in the lush green mountains during summer and spring, the cattle start to descend to the plain through all the villages and towns in the hills. This movement is celebrated with multiple events and festivals all over the towns that fall in the routes of the descents. The cattle are beautifully decorated and it all feels like a huge parade. This is uniquely Swiss and a must-see!
When: 17th to 18th October, 2024
Location: Hilly Regions in Switzerland
Events in Switzerland in September
There are multiple fun events in Switzerland in September that tourists can be a part of. These events include some awesome public holidays so you can expect good crowds.
Jeune Genevois
Considered as Geneva’s Thanksgiving, Jeune Genevois is always celebrated on Thursday which comes after the 1st Sunday in the month of September. Though this was originally a fast, today, rarely does anyone fast. Instead, many people like to gorge on delicious plum tarts. You should too!
When: 5th September 2024
Location: Geneva
Federal Thanksgiving Day
The third Sunday of September is celebrated as Federal Thanksgiving Day. This is a national-wide holiday and most businesses are closed. Though it started as a Roman Catholic holiday, other denominations and faiths also agreed to observe this day as the day for an interfaith feast. The following day, Monday, is also a holiday, so plan celebrations accordingly.
When: 15th September 2024
Location: All Over Switzerland
Chästeilet Wengen
Taste delicious cheese, listen to great music, and indulge yourself in some of the freshest and tastiest alpine products at the Chästeilet Wengen. This is a great opportunity for tourists to explore amazing products, including cheeses that they will not find back in their country, or even the metropolitan areas of Switzerland.
When: 22nd September
Location: Wengen’s Village Centre
Travel Tips to Visit Switzerland in September
The following travel tips for a trip to Switzerland in August or September will ensure you can plan your trips well:
- The weather is on the cool down, so it will be pleasant most of the time but some might feel it to be quite cool.
- Since most of the tourists have left, you can score some deals and offers for hotel stays, flights, and tours.
- This is the last month for outdoor activities, so be sure to include loads of such fun activities and have a great time.
- If you are thinking of buying Swiss chocolates, buy from factory outlets where you find them at a much more affordable price.
- Don’t miss the descent of the cattle as it is quite a unique event that you find in many other countries.
Things to Know Before Visiting Switzerland in September
What to Pack for Switzerland in September?
It is the end of the summer season, so the temperatures are not high. So, pack comfortable clothes but also carry a jacket in case the nights are cool. Also, pack good hiking gear, swimwear, your medications and prescriptions, universal phone and laptop chargers, and other important things.
What to Wear in Switzerland in September?
Wear cotton, comfy clothes but also carry a thick jacket. Wear high-quality shoes as a lot of walking and hiking will be involved especially when you are in rural areas. You can also accessorize with hats, caps, glasses, and cool watches that you can find right here in Switzerland.
Getting Around in Switzerland in September
Switzerland is famous for its public transport, so you can use the transport to get around. There are many different passes available that will get you access to trains, buses, etc. that are valid in most cities and towns. So, it would be a good idea to get these passes
Where to Stay in Switzerland in September?
Switzerland is one of the most tourist-friendly countries, so there are many stay options for tourists like hotels, resorts, ski lodges, homestays, and Airbnb homes. There are also many backpacker hostels used by hikers and students. So, there are enough stay options for all budgets and requirements.
What to Eat in Switzerland in September?
Swiss chocolate and cheese are obvious. They are available throughout the year. September is also harvest month and there are many goodies in season like Rösti, Raclette, Zürcher Geschnetzeltes, Vacherin Mont d’Or, Basler Läckerli, Tartiflette, and Bündner Nusstorte. Swiss food is quite unique and a must-try for all tourists.
FAQs about Switzerland in September
To know more about Switzerland, the following FAQs about Switzerland in September will help you:
Is the weather hot in September?
Not really. August is the peak summer month. This time around, the heat is on the decline so the weather is surprisingly pleasant and bearable. So, you can include many outdoor activities in your vacation without any worry about the temperatures.
What are the advantages of visiting Switzerland in September?
August is the end of the tourist season, so in September, the tourist numbers are quite low. You can get good hotels, tours, transport passes, etc at discounted prices. And at the more popular attractions, you won’t have to jostle with the crowds. You can enjoy a free run.
What else is special about Switzerland in September?
Mid-September to October is the harvest season for many things like pumpkins, truffles, chestnuts, and walnuts. So, you can eat foods that make use of these ingredients and since they are in season, they are delicious. And of course, many cheeses become available in September, so eat those as well.
Can I ski in September?
No, September is not the month for skiing. It is the final month of the hot season, so there is barely any snow in the mountains. However, there are other activities like biking, mountaineering, and hiking that you can do in the hilly regions. You will get to see many amazing sights here.
Any special events in September?
The Descent of the Cattle is something you cannot miss. All through September and October, you will get to see something special happen. The cattle that had been up in the mountains for grazing return down to the towns and villages. These events are like a mini festival worth being a part of.
This country is simply amazing. So, start making an itinerary full of the top things to do and the best places to visit in Switzerland given above, and have a brilliant time in this naturally blessed country. Take advantage of the lack of crowds in September which will also make this vacation light on your pocket.
