Herbstferien – Autumn Break in Switzerland 2025: Top Family Day Trips and Getaways

Introduction: Why Herbstferien in Switzerland Is So Magical

Herbstferien – often called the autumn school break in Switzerland – is one of the best times of the year for families to explore, unwind, and enjoy the golden season together.

Every year when the leaves change color, Switzerland feels like a storybook. Streets are lined with golden chestnut trees, Marroni (hot chestnut) stands pop up in the cities, and vineyards across the Romandie glow in fiery reds and yellows.

For families, Herbstferien 2025 is that perfect pause—two weeks where kids are off school, the weather still allows adventures, and attractions are less crowded than summer.

I remember my first Herbstferien as a mom here: my daughter was still tiny, bundled up in her red rain jacket, while my son proudly carried his “first pumpkin” from Jucker Farm like a trophy. Those small family moments make this holiday season unforgettable.

Planning Ahead: Tips for Families in 2025

• School dates differ: Zurich and Bern often have their autumn break in different weeks, so check your canton’s calendar early. This also helps if you want to avoid peak crowds.

  
  

• Transport: If you’re planning 3+ trips, book your tickets in advance. Locals save most with Saver Day Passes, while visitors benefit from the Swiss Travel Pass (see details later).

  
  

• Weather layers: Mornings can be chilly (8–10°C), afternoons sunny (16–20°C). I always carry a light down jacket for myself, rain jackets for the kids, and waterproof shoes. Manor has affordable family-friendly options.

  
  

• Snacks: My secret weapon—grab fresh sandwiches and fruit boxes from Migros or Coop before heading out. A family picnic in autumn sunshine beats a pricey restaurant lunch.

Best Family Day Trips During Herbstferien

Jucker Farm Pumpkin Festival (Pumpkins & Playgrounds)

If there’s one spot that screams autumn in Switzerland, it’s Jucker Farm near Zurich. Every year, they build massive pumpkin sculptures—last year it was dinosaurs, and in 2025 I’ve heard the theme is “Mythical Creatures.”

• Why I recommend it: The farm is more than pumpkins. There’s a hay playground, petting zoo, apple orchards, and hands-on carving workshops. My kids love making their own pumpkin lanterns (though I end up scooping out most of the seeds!).

  
  

• Best for kids: Giant straw pyramids to climb, corn mazes, and pumpkin soup served in bread bowls.

  
  

• Food tip: Don’t miss the farm bakery. Their pumpkin bread and fresh apple juice are always a hit in our family.

  
  

• Picnic idea: Take sandwiches and sit by the lake at nearby Pfäffikersee afterwards.

🔗 Check carving workshop times on Jucker Farm Website.

Scenic Train Journeys (GoldenPass & Bernina Express)

There’s something magical about autumn train rides—the mountains dusted with first snow, valleys glowing golden, and vineyards rolling by.

• GoldenPass Line (Lucerne–Interlaken–Montreux): We once did this trip during Herbstferien and stopped for fondue in Gruyères halfway—still one of our most memorable days. Kids love the panoramic windows and spotting castles along the way.

  
  

• Bernina Express (Chur–Tirano): On this route, the train spirals down into Italy. I’ll never forget my son’s face when we stepped out in Tirano—it was warmer, Italian, and he couldn’t believe he had crossed countries by train in just hours.

  
  

For locals & expats: Use an SBB Saver Day Pass or regional passes (like Graubünden regional offers) to ride these scenic routes at a fraction of the price.

For tourists or visiting family: The Swiss Travel Pass is the easiest way to experience Switzerland’s famous panoramic trains—it includes these routes and makes seat booking simple.

🔗 Book panoramic seats directly with Swissactivities.ch.

Pro tip: Pack snacks, coloring books, and small games for the kids—the train journeys are long but smooth.

Autumn Hikes & Wildlife Parks

Autumn hikes don’t need to be strenuous. Families can find flat, stroller-friendly trails surrounded by autumn colors.

• Aletsch Glacier Panorama Trail (Valais): Europe’s largest glacier framed by fiery larches. We did the easy Bettmeralp loop—my daughter collected larch cones while I snapped photos every two meters.

  
  

• Chestnut Trails in Ticino: In October, the forests around Ascona are full of chestnuts. Bring a bag and let the kids “hunt” for their treasures.

  
  

• Wildlife Park Goldau (ZG): Half-zoo, half-forest. My kids still talk about hand-feeding deer here. The park has picnic spots with grills, so bring sausages to cook.

  
  

🔗 Guided family hikes can be booked via Getyourguide.com.

Castles & Fairytale Villages

Autumn fog makes castles look straight out of a fantasy film.

• Chillon Castle (Montreux): My son loved the dungeons, while we enjoyed the lake views. On a crisp autumn day, the reflections of golden trees in Lake Geneva are breathtaking.

  
  

• Gruyères Village & Castle: The cobblestone streets, Gruyère cheese fondue, and castle views make it a perfect day trip. We once visited in light drizzle—it only made the town more magical.

  
  

🔗 GetYourGuide tickets for Chillon Castle

Lakeside Escapes in Golden Autumn

Some of our most peaceful Herbstferien days have been by the lakes.

• Lake Lucerne: Take a family cruise, then ride the cogwheel train up Mount Rigi. We once had hot chocolate at the top while fog covered the lake below—it felt like floating above the clouds.

  
  

• Lake Thun & Lake Brienz: Combine boat rides with playground stops in Spiez or Iseltwald.

  
  

• Lake Geneva (Lavaux): The vineyards are UNESCO-listed and glow golden in October. There are picnic benches along the terraces where you can unpack a Migros picnic.

  
  

🔗 Book Lake Lucerne cruises via GetYourGuide.

Weekend Getaways for Families

City Breaks with Kids

• Zurich: The Zoo and Technorama science museum are my rainy-day lifesavers. Last year, my kids spent 3 hours building chain reactions at Technorama—it was hard to pull them out.

  
  

• Basel Herbstmesse: Switzerland’s oldest funfair, running from late October. Think Ferris wheels, candy stalls, and roller coasters—it feels like stepping into a Swiss-style carnival.

Farm Stays & Alpabzug Celebrations

Every autumn, cows decorated with flowers march down from the Alps in the Alpabzug.

• We went to Appenzell once during Herbstferien—it was like stepping into a Heidi story. The kids had front-row seats for the cows, and afterwards we stayed in a farm B&B where they helped feed goats in the morning.

  
  

🔗 Browse farm stays on MySwitzerland.com.

Wine & Chestnut Festivals That Welcome Families

Yes, wine festivals can be family-friendly!

• Neuchâtel Grape Harvest Festival: Parades, live music, and endless food stalls. My kids loved the cotton candy while we tried local wines.

  
  

• Bregaglia Chestnut Festival: A full week dedicated to chestnuts—everything from soups to cakes. There are storytelling events for kids and guided walks through the chestnut forests.

Food & Picnic Tips for Herbstferien

Eating out with kids can be pricey, so we mix picnics with one special meal.

• Picnic: Coop ready-made wraps, Migros fruit boxes, and Rivella for the kids.

  
  

• Restaurants: In Gruyères, try fondue at Le Chalet. At Lake Lucerne, we once stopped at Seerestaurant Baumgarten—family-friendly and right on the lake.

  
  

• Snacks to try: Marroni from street vendors, pumpkin soup at Jucker Farm, and raclette at autumn markets.

What to Pack: Autumn Clothes & Essentials

• For kids: Waterproof boots, rain jackets, light beanies. I got these kids’ rain boots from Manor last year—they lasted the whole season.

  
  

• For adults: Layered outfits—base layers, warm sweaters, and waterproof outerwear.

  
  

• Extras: Picnic blanket, thermos for tea, and a small backpack for chestnut or leaf collections.

Practical Tips: Saving on Transport, Food, and Attractions

Traveling around Switzerland in autumn can get pricey, but there are smart ways to keep costs in check.

• For locals & expats:

  The most budget-friendly option is the SBB Saver Day Pass, which can be as low as CHF 29 if booked early. If you’re planning to stay in one region, look at regional passes like the Tell-Pass (Lucerne area) or the Berner Oberland Pass—these cover unlimited boats, trains, and cable cars within their regions. Another great option is RailAway Combos, which bundle train travel with discounted attraction tickets (we’ve used these for Zoo Zürich and lake cruises, and they really add up in savings).

  
  

• For tourists or visiting family:

  If you have relatives or friends visiting Switzerland during Herbstferien, the Swiss Travel Pass is a fantastic option. It offers unlimited travel on trains, buses, boats, plus free or discounted entry to over 500 museums. For short-term visitors, it’s stress-free and cost-effective compared to buying individual tickets.

  
  

• Food tip: Bring your own picnic whenever possible. Migros and Coop both sell family packs, fresh wraps, and fruit boxes that are much cheaper than stopping for restaurant meals. We love packing a simple picnic and enjoying it by a lake or at a playground mid-trip.

  
  

• Gear tip: Autumn weather can be unpredictable—sunny one minute, rainy the next. Waterproof shoes and jackets are essentials. Last year I picked up kids’ rain boots from Manor, and they held up perfectly during pumpkin field visits and muddy hikes.

Final Thoughts + Recommended Tools for Families

Herbstferien isn’t just about filling free days—it’s about slowing down, enjoying nature’s show, and creating memories.

When I look back, the moments that shine aren’t the expensive ones. It’s carving pumpkins with sticky hands, sharing Marroni on a chilly walk, or watching my kids gasp at fog lifting over Lake Lucerne.

So whether you’re new to Switzerland or a long-time resident, I highly recommend planning at least a few family adventures this Herbstferien 2025.

👉 Start with the flexible Swiss Travel Pass here if you’re a visitor—or grab a Saver Day Pass if you’re local. Either way, Switzerland’s autumn magic is waiting for you.

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