Schwendner Chölbi, Appenzell, September 1st to 14th
This may sound like a tongue twister, but this traditional annual fair is lots of fun, with attractions such as stone throwing competitions, carrousels, high-altitude swings, and other activities — both mild and extreme.
Flâneur – Das Stadtraum Festival Basel, September 5th to 7th
On the evenings of September 5th, 6th and 7th, Basel’s Elisabethenstrasse will be transformed into an eclectic festival-style get-together known as Flâneur.
The urban festival is the perfect opportunity to make new friends while trying out fine local delicacies at pop-up corners, bar hopping, partaking in creative workshops and experiencing live concerts in the middle of the city.
Grape harvest festival, Auverney, VD, September 6th and 7th
Usually, grape harvest begins in Switzerland in October, except in this wine-growing village in Vaud.
You can walk around this very picturesque, ancient community in the Lauvaux region and sample various local procucts in Auverney’s wine cellars.
Alphornn music festival, Flumserberg, SG, September 7th
Each year, a local and international alphorn festival takes place this St. Gallen community. Another traditional Swiss custom, the flag throwing, will also be included in the folkloric show.
In Swiss-German, this literally means ‘shooting boys’, but these youngsters don’t actually get shot. The annual festival originated in the 17th century as a rifle shooting competition for local boys – and since 1991, also girls.
Every year, both have the opportunity to test and showcase their shooting skills — something Swiss teenagers are good at — in front of a wide audience.
Classical Music Festival, Montreux-Vevey (VD), September 5th to 13th
The 78th edition of this classical music event will take on the shoes of Lake Geneva, overlooking the Alps.
According to the website, “classical music becomes a multi-sensorial experience where music blends with the visual arts, and even comedy, for eight innovative concerts performed by outstanding musicians.
Sportissima, Bellinzona, Biasca, Chiasso, Lugano, Mendrisio and Tenero-Contra (TI), September 10th
This is an event dedicated to physical activity in the hope of promoting interest in one’s health and is free for all to attend – simply turn up at 9.30am in the city of your choice (no registration necessary) and work out.
Participants can choose from ‘classic’ sports such as football and volleyball, as well as stand-up paddling, sailing, twirling and other activities.
The sporty event is held in the following cities on September 10th: Bellinzona, Biasca, Chiasso, Lugano, Mendrisio and Tenero-Contra.
Cattle descent from mountain pastures
September is the month when Swiss cattle leave their Alpine meadows where they spent summer months and make their way back to the valley for the winter.
To mark this seasonal rite of passage (literally), the cows — but also sheep and goats — are dressed up in colourful flower headpieces with the traditional bells around their neck.
Throughout the month, this event in celebrated in many Swiss regions, so there is likely one near you.
These are just a few examples:
- Corbyr, Crans-Monnata (VS), September 14th
- Wassen (UR), September 14th
- Emmental (BE), September 18th
- Grimentz (VS), September 21st
- Charmey (FR), September 28th
- Klöntal (GL), September 30th
You can see other cattle descents in 2024 here.
Hiking
If you like walking in nature, then September is a good month to do so.
That’s because the weather is still good but no longer extremely hot, and the changing of seasons from summer to fall is spectacular in Switzerland.
Even though a number of trails have been closed duet flooring and other weather-related damage, there are still plenty of paths allowing you to experience Swiss nature up close and personal — no matter where in Switzerland you live.
Last but certainly not least: cheese!
This is, after all, Switzerland, so if you are expecting to visit some traditional cheese markets, there will be plenty of opportunities to do so throughout September.
This is a great way to taste local cheeses from various regions.
This website lets you know when and where cheese markets will be held.
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