A must-see Swiss autumn experience near Zurich.
Swiss autumn festival, Zurich day trip, Lake Zurich, Swiss countryside, harvest season, Swiss guide, Jucker Farm, local traditions
If you think Switzerland is all about chocolate, cheese, and mountain peaks — think again. Each autumn, the quiet town of Rapperswil turns into a vibrant world of pumpkins, colors, and creativity. This is the Swiss Pumpkin Festival, where local artists transform humble gourds into spectacular sculptures — and yes, this year even Barbie joined the fun!
Fall in Switzerland is full of hidden gems — from harvest fairs and mountain cheese festivals to vineyard walks and cozy alpine villages wrapped in golden light.
🍁 I would be delighted to guide you through these and other seasonal experiences, sharing stories, local traditions, and the beauty of Swiss life beyond the postcards.
So this autumn, let’s celebrate pumpkins, mountains, and magic — together in Switzerland
Imagine strolling through fields covered with thousands of pumpkins, tasting homemade pumpkin soup, and taking photos with playful, larger-than-life displays. The festival sits right by the shores of Lake Zurich, making it a perfect escape from the city — a blend of nature, art, and Swiss charm.
🎃 Barbie Went to Switzerland 🇨🇭💖
Barbie packed her heels one day,
And flew to Zürich — “Yay, hooray!”
No beaches here, no Malibu sun,
But pumpkins, cows — and so much fun!
She swapped her pink for autumn gold,
In Rapperswil, where tales are told.
The Alps behind, the lake ahead,
She said, “This place’s a dream instead!”
Now every fall, the locals cheer,
When Barbie’s back — “The tourists are near!”
So come, dear friends from the USA,
Switzerland’s waiting — in pumpkin array! 🎃🇨🇭✨
While most Americans think of pumpkins as symbols of Halloween or Thanksgiving pies, Switzerland gives this humble vegetable a whole different kind of spotlight. Here, pumpkins are celebrated not just for carving or cooking — but as a true work of art.
The Swiss countryside has a long tradition of Herbstfest, or Harvest Festival, when communities come together to thank the land for its bounty. Long before supermarkets and pumpkin spice lattes, farmers would decorate their villages with gourds, corn, and flowers — symbols of nature’s generosity.
Over time, this rural gratitude turned into joyful, colorful festivals. Today, pumpkin events in places like Rapperswil or Jucker Farm have become a modern blend of tradition and creativity. Families sculpt thousands of pumpkins into amazing shapes — from castles to dragons, and even pop icons like Barbie!
And while Germany has Oktoberfest with its beer and pretzels, the Swiss keep things a bit cozier — with pumpkin soup, local cider, fresh bread, and laughter echoing through the Alpine air. Add a touch of Halloween spirit, and you’ve got a perfect mix of Swiss precision and American fun.
Swiss autumn festival, Zurich day trip, Lake Zurich, Swiss countryside, harvest season, Swiss guide, Jucker Farm, local traditions
If you love discovering local traditions, see also my Swiss sample tours — where we visit alpine farms and taste authentic Swiss cheese near Zurich.