Culinary autumn in Zurich
As the days grow colder, life in Zurich is as varied as the weather: countless exhibitions, events and culinary delights promise treats galore.
If the leaves on the trees are slowly turning orange and dropping to the ground, temperatures are falling, and the mist hangs low over Lake Zurich in the morning, then autumn has surely arrived in Zurich. In the streets the smell of roasted chestnuts fills the air, while restaurants tout tasty mushroom and game dishes.
Even the ever-popular cheese fondue tastes much better when there's a chill in the air. In Zurich the fondue season kicks off in earnest in October, with chefs being extremely creative when it comes to showcasing this melted cheese speciality – you can enjoy fondue on a tram to Zurich, during a cruise on Lake Zurich, in a tent in the creative Stadtgarten park, or – if you want the full traditional experience – in one of the historic guild houses on the banks of the Limmat.
But autumn heralds not only culinary delights, it is also the ideal season for hiking. Whether taking one of the countless easy walks around Zurich and Lake Zurich, or a more challenging hike in the Swiss mountains, you can quickly get out into the fresh air to enjoy nature pure and simple. Many panoramic trails are only a 90 minute-ride away from Zurich by public transport.
On returning to Zurich in the evening, hikers and walkers can enjoy a wide variety of culture and entertainment such as concerts, exhibitions and theatre performances. The cultural calendar is crammed with events in autumn so visitors are positively spoiled for choice.