Autumn in Switzerland is truly a magical time. The breathtaking landscape around us transforms into a carpet of red and gold, and the mild temperature is perfect for getting outdoors. It’s so magical that Swiss Tourism invested their marketing budget in getting Halle Berry and Roger Federer to star in their latest promotional campaign! Lucky for us, we already live here! So consider this your friendly reminder to set aside some time to enjoy the foliage.

There is absolutely no shortage of hiking trails in Switzerland – all of them are beautiful and stunning. You really just need to get out the door, and the autumn vibes will be all around. However, if you’re looking for easy and seriously low-effort walks for some leaf peeping, we got you. We rounded up a number of places, both near and far. We’ve stuck to easy, family-friendly strolls, where you don’t need alpine skills to enjoy the incredible nature.

• When is the best time to catch the autumn foliage? 🍂
• I want to enjoy autumn foliage in Geneva
• I want to do some easy leaf peeping hikes (walks) close to Geneva
  • By public transportation 🚆
  • Easier to access with a car 🚗
• I want to see the autumn foliage elsewhere in Switzerland

When is the best time to catch the autumn foliage? 

Typically, the end of September to the end of October is usually when the leaves start to change colors. The second or third week of October is usually the peak time, especially in higher elevations. It’s honestly also the nicest time for hikes, as the temperature is much cooler but not yet freezing. No need to worry about being all gross and sweaty on the train! By November, most of the leaves would have fallen and many of the cable cars are closed…cue in the seasonal depression (reminder to take those vitamin D supplements). 

With global warming and unpredictable weather, you never know what to expect. HOWEVER, MySwitzerland has an amazing fall foliage map where you can find the current and predicted foliage throughout the country. You can also see the live webcams linked on the map, so you can guarantee a beautiful autumn excursion. Many places listed in France will also have their own live webcam, which I highly recommend checking out ahead of time!

I want to enjoy autumn foliage in Geneva

You don’t really need to travel far to see the leaves changing colors. You can already see the foliage around Geneva slowly transforming! For some great leaf peeping, I’d recommend easy walks in the many forests (bois) and vineyards in the outer communes.  

• Viaduc du la Jonction + Bois de la Bâtie (Jonction) – An easy stroll through the bois de la bâtie, where you can enjoy the foliage, stop by the animal park, and enjoy the unique meeting point of the Rhône and Arve rivers as the trees turn red and yellow. If you’re looking for something a bit longer, Sentier du Rhône (5.5hr), which takes you all along the Rhône river through the Moulin-de-Vert nature reserve.
• Along the Arve river (Carouge) – The walk along the Arve river is one of my personal favorites. During autumn, the trees along the river transform into a sea of gold. I usually like to start from Pont Hans-Wilsdorf and take the pedestrian path towards Carogue. You have the flexibility to do a shorter walk and then hop on the tram, or walk further along the river.
• Bois de Merdisel – Château des Bois via Satigny – This 1.5 – 2 hour walk starts in Satigny, taking you through the beautiful Bois de Merdisel forest, and ending up at the Château. 
• Entre Arv – Lac – The full walk (4.5hrs) takes you through the beautiful vineyards and villages in the countryside of Geneva.

I want to do some easy leaf peeping hikes (walks) close to Geneva

By public transportation

• Salève (France) – Another very accessible walk from Geneva. You can skip the hike up the Salève via the cable car and just enjoy a loop around the top for panoramic views of Geneva and the valley. A round-trip full cost ticket is around 18€ (2025 rates) 
• Lavaux Vineyards (Vaud) – The Lavaux vineyard walk is one of my all-time favorites. It’s my go-to day trip when friends and family are in town, because it is stunning any time of the year. It’s even more so during the autumn season when the leaves on the vines have turned golden. There are multiple ways to get to Lavaux, and you can easily choose how long (or short) your vineyard walk is. 
• Les Fruitières de Nyon (Vaud) – This walk promises stunning views of lake Geneva and the alps, with well-marked paths and is easily accessible by public transportation via the St. Cergue train station. 
• Rochers de Naye (Vaud) – Rochers de Naye is the highest peak overlooking Montreux, so you know the views will be gorgeous. For us lazy folks, there is a cogwheel train that takes you to the top without breaking a sweat. You can catch the train from Montreux station and enjoy the 50 min ride up the mountain, which ascends 2,000m. A full price roundtrip ticket costs around CHF 36 (2025 rates). 
• Gorges de l’Areuse (Neuchâtel) – If walking through forests, gorges, and meadows are more your thing, I’d recommend checking out Gorges de l’Areuse. The highlight of course, is the picturesque stone bridge that looks like a scene from Lord of the Rings, which is even more magical with the red and gold leaves. The trail runs between the Noiraigue and Boudry train stations, making it a perfect one-way hike.

Easier to access with a car 

• Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval (France) | 🚗1hr from Geneva – Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval is one of my favorite destinations to take visitors, given its proximity to Geneva and the stunning horseshoe-shaped natural amphitheater and many waterfalls. You can choose to take a walk or just simply enjoy the stunning foliage in the valley from the comfort of a restaurant, where you can also enjoy some fondue. 
• Mont Blanc region (France) | 🚗~1hr from Geneva – One of the easiest but beautiful walks in Mont-Blanc is the loop around Lac Vert, where you can see the colorful trees reflected on the surface of the lake. 
• Creux de Van (Vaud/Neuchâtel) | 🚗1.5hr from Geneva – Creux de Van is an impressive horse-shoe shape rock formation with a steep rock face that drops into the valley. You can easily drive to the nearest parking (300m away), and walk around to enjoy the panoramic views (about 2km along the cliff). The rock formation sitting amongst the autumn tapis is definitely worth the trip.

🔥 Hot tip: Always check the weather forecast before your trip, as the weather during this season can be unpredictable.

I want to see the autumn foliage elsewhere in Switzerland

Autumn is truly a great time to visit other parts of Switzerland that’s been on your bucket list. There’s way less tourists compared to the summer, and all the top destinations are all extra beautiful during this season. 

• Zermatt (Valais) | 🚆4hr from Geneva – Ok, bit of a no-brainer to recommend Zermatt, since it’s beautiful anytime of the year, but autumn may be one of the best times to visit – with no summer crowds and not yet in the crazy ski season. To see Zermatt in autumn is like stepping into a literal postcard, with the iconic Matterhorn framed by garden larches and grasses. The easiest hike is the Riffelsee – Riffelberg, which takes you to see the iconic mirror lake in under an hour.
• Mount Pilatus (Lucerne) | 🚆3.5hr from Geneva – If you’re planning a visit to Lucerne, Pilatus is usually on the itinerary, and for good reason. It’s easily accessible via the train, you get a 360 degree panoramic view of the surrounding lakes, and easy hikes.
• Wasserfallen (Basel) | 🚆4.5hr from Geneva – This circular hike in the mountains of Basel is highly recommended for the ultimate leaf peeping experience. You can walk along a ridge, stunning views of rolling hills, and a cable car ride to start. 
• Engadin Valley (Graubünden) | 🚆7.5hr & 🚗6.5hr from Geneva – Arguably the most famous region in Switzerland in the autumn season, famous for its golden larches. It’s insanely picturesque. If you ever had a bucket list autumn spot in Switzerland, this should be on the top of your list. While the hikes in the area are quite difficult, you can still find shorter, more manageable hikes to enjoy the scenery. 

🔥 Hot tip: If you need more inspiration, be sure to check out Switzerland Tourism’s best foliage hike list. 

I’m dedicating this post to all the outsidey but not outdoorsy girlies out there. Switzerland’s autumn is too beautiful to be enjoyed only through your screen. You don’t need to be a hardcore hiker to enjoy some leaf peeping. 

Where are your favorite places to enjoy autumn in Switzerland? Leave your comments below!