Best hikes to see the most colourful foliage

Scroll

Intro

As the wind rustles through the leaves, the golden autumnal sun shines down on nature's loveliest colours. Our hiking tips will take you to the most colourful displays of foliage. Red, yellow, orange...

Golden larches in Engadin Sils, Graubünden

Scroll
Sils im Engadin, Herbstpanorama

If you walk along Via Engiadina, you will experience all of the striking contrasts of the sunny valley between Maloja and Samedan up close. The larches provide a lovely gold canopy to accompany you along this remarkable route. It takes you from Maloja through Grevasalvas to St. Moritz, over Alp Muntatsch to Samedan.

More info

Chellechöpfli aglow Waldenburg, Basel

Scroll

The tour starts at the car park for the waterfall cable car in Reigoldswil. While walking up to the Jägerweg, you will pass by many small waterfalls. Walk past the upper station to Waldweid until you reach the turning for Hintere Egg. There you will find grilling areas where you can take a rest and sit back and enjoy the breathtaking panorama. The path continues on to Chellenchöpfli some 500 metres away where you can enjoy a gorgeous view of the Solothurn Jura.

More info

Multi-coloured foliage in Bern Bütschelegg, Bern Region

Scroll
Buetschelegg, Panorama

Start at Restaurant Sternen, near Bütschel/Gschneit. First walk down the side street to the Tavel memorial. There are benches for you to sit and enjoy the view of Lake Thun, Niesen and Stockhorn. Then follow the sign for Bütschelegg. Once you reach the top of Bütschelegg, you can enjoy the wonderful autumn colours from the scenic overlook.

More info

Enchanting overlook from Arenenberg Chateau Salenstein, Schaffhauserland

Scroll

The well-marked 200km circular hike in Thurgau takes you past countless lovely spots, 25 small lakes and nearly as many castles and palaces. The trail leads from Ermatingen up to Arenenberg, which is a great place to take a break. Stroll through the gardens of the Arenenberg estate, past maple trees that seem almost gilded in the sunshine. 

More info

An autumnal stroll along the Doubs Goumois, Jura Three-Lakes

Scroll
Goumois, Doubs_1

What could be more beautiful than hiking along the Doubs in autumn in order to relax, recharge and enjoy untouched nature far from the hustle and bustle of civilisation. The third section of this four-day hike goes from Goumois to Soubey following along the Doubs for the entire way. The murmuring river, rustling leaves and bright canopy of autumn leaves will leave you captivated. 

More info

Glowing beeches in Jura Park Wittnau, Aargau

Scroll

The path in the Aargau Jurapark follows the gently rolling hills to Aarau, the city of beautiful gables. On your way there, you will pass by many forests, stands of yellow beech trees, beautifully hued fields and several viewing platforms overlooking the Swiss Plateau, the Alps and even Germany.

More info

Zurich's nearest mountain in full autumn splendor Üetliberg, Zurich

Scroll
Albis, Zuerichsee

Once you arrive at Uetliberg you can enjoy a wonderful panorama of the sea of buildings that is the city of Zurich, the glittering lake, and the Albis mountain chain and Alps. After a pleasant 1.5 hour hike up and down hills you will arrive at Felsenegg. Then continue on towards Albispasshöhe. From here you can either keep going or take the bus back to Thalwil. This is a particularly rewarding hike in autumn.

More info

Golden vineyards in Valais Conthey, Valais

Scroll
Conthey, Herbst Panorama

In autumn a gourmet hike through the Conthey vineyard is a special treat. The local Conthey wine is a must-try and it pairs particularly well with local specialities such as smoked trout, lamb on a spit, Alpine cheese and homebaked goods. These culinary delights are accompanied by an interesting talk on the different types of wines, the climate, plant life and, of course, the golden vineyards.

More info

Nature alive with colour Lodoano, Ticino

Scroll
Valle di Lodano, Tessin

Form the centre of the village of Lodano, the hiking trail passes through forests of chestnuts which soon give way to stands of beeches. Near Castello there is a riverside forest brimming with alders, poplars and willows. Farther along on the mountain trail heading towards Canaa, you will find the most beautiful and impressive beech trees in the valley. To return from Castello, follow the path that goes through Canigee and Solada. After crossing a side valley, beech foliage and beechnuts are followed by chestnut leaves and husks. 

More info

Vibrant colours ring the lake Gruyère – Fribourg Region

Scroll
Sorens, Le Gibloux

Turquoise waters contrasting with golden autumn foliage The circular hike is about 44km long and follows very close to the banks of Lake Gruyère, sometimes heading a little inland. Walk in the shade of deciduous and evergreen trees and through villages where the heritage of La Gruyère is preserved. The golden spruce, larch and beech trees and the enchanting atmosphere that surrounds Lake Gruyère makes this circular hike a dreamy experience.

More info

The golden vineyards of Lavaux St. Saphorin, Vaud

Scroll
Epesses, Lavaux

This lovely hike makes its way through the terraced vineyards of Lavaux, which have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2007. From St Saphorin the path heads to Lutry, with breathtaking views of Lake Geneva and of the surrounding mountains. The highlight of the tour? The vineyards, which could not be more radiantly golden.

More info

Autumn colouring the Schrattenfluh Sörenberg, Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region

Scroll
Marbachegg, Wanderin

An autumn hike with views from the terrace of Marbachegg of the village of Marbach. Along the way you can enjoy great panoramic views of nearby Schrattenfluh. Other highlights: The Swiss mountain hut on Alp Imbrig has some great barbecue spots and a breathtaking panorama.

More info

Autumn scenes in Scuol Scuol, Graubünden

Scroll
Scuol, Herbstimpressionen

Take the bus from Scuol directly to Tarasp. The hike passes by Tarasp Castle, the Lai Nair more lake, through the wonderful Clemgiaschlucht Gorge and across the viaduct. All of this stunning beauty in lovely autumn colours. 

More info

Aletsch Forest  Riederalp, Valais

Scroll

From Bettmerhorn take Gratweg to the upper station for the Gletscherbahn Moosfluh lift. This affords you an amazing view of the massive Aletsch Glacier and a panoramic vista of the Valais moutainscape. From here you can take the adventure trail over the Hohfluh to Riederfurka and then down to Aletschwald Forest. This is one of Europe's most beautiful mountain forests, and it is dotted with golden Swiss stone larch and pine trees that are well over 600 years old. 

More info

Colourful Ascona Ascona, Ticino

Scroll

A fantastic location overlooking Lake Maggiore and the Brissago Islands. As you follow the sign to Ascona, you will walk uphill along the road for a piece and then turn left onto the hiking trail. A paved path leads through the forest to Gruppaldo, then on toward Monte Verità and Ascona. The well-kept panorama trail is dotted with many inviting seating areas that offer a view of the lake and a fantastically colourful panorama.

More info

A golden vista in Glarnerland Niederurnen, Glarnerland

Scroll
Niederurnen, Hirzli Panorama

This tour gives you a view of the most impressive mountain in Glarner Unterland. The panorama and the view of the Linthebene Plain, Zurich and Lake Walensee are stunning. Start this hike at the upper station (980 metres above sea level) for the Niederurnen-Morgenholz cable car.

More info