If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting Switzerland (of course), we have a great concept to introduce you to. It’s the “shoulder season”. September and October are a magical time when the weather is milder, the picturesque towns are a little less crowded and the atmosphere is at its autumnal best. And you may be thinking: “If I’m going to Switzerland, I’ll at least go skiing in the Swiss Alps or go to a holiday market.” I’ve heard that. But after city-hopping myself around this beautiful country this September, I can now confidently say that shoulder season is superior. And I’m ready to prove it.
So, here’s the deal: You’ll want to start in Zurich. First, it’s very easy to get to from the US and there are excellent transportation options to get anywhere in Switzerland. Next, if you want to go to a small town in the mountains with amazing mountain views and the best fondue ever, Grindelwald is the place for you. And finally, if you’re smart, you’ll want to head to a French-speaking part of the country, preferably Geneva, to relax.
I just returned from this very trip a few weeks ago and it has now become my whole person. And in my humble opinion, I believe I have experienced the best of everything Switzerland has to offer, which is why I have put together this amazing travel guide for you. Send this to your group chat and keep scrolling for an epic fall getaway that will be the envy of every local.
(Full transparency: The author received compensated accommodations, meals, and experiences during this vacation.)
Related articles
How to get to your destination
Yes, Switzerland is in the middle of Europe, but it’s actually not that difficult to get to. United Airlines offers several daily (nonstop!) flights from New York City (Newark Liberty International Airport, to be exact) to Zurich. I flew United Polaris for the first time and it was an absolute game changer for my 8 hour flight. Between two free checked bags, Premier Access (with lounge access), a priority check-in line, an in-flight amenity kit with exclusive skincare items, and a lie-flat seat on the plane, I arrived in Zurich. Fresh and ready.
zurich
stay
Bow au Lac: We had a wonderful time at this hotel, thanks to its iconic location in the heart of downtown Zurich. The room was spacious (my room had a view of Lake Zurich!) and felt European in the best way possible. It is also just a short distance from Bahnhofstrasse, known as the world’s most expensive shopping street. Even if you don’t plan on buying branded goods (well, I am), just browsing the fancy stores in person is pretty cool.
Maddie Hyatt
Maddie Hyatt
Book your stay
B2 Hotel Zurich: A former brewery hotel? Sign up! We loved staying here as it has a rich history and retains much of the original brewery while giving off a chic hotel feel. The biggest feature of this facility is the library, which also doubles as a restaurant. With over 33,000 books housed in floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, this space is the first thing you see when you enter the facility’s main entrance. The beauty is breathtaking and the food is unparalleled. Coincidentally, the Caesar salad here is one of the best I’ve ever had. The room was also great and the bed very comfortable, just what you need when traveling abroad.
dusbilt
Clara Tuma
Book your stay
play
Visit the Lindt Chocolate Factory. There’s a reason it’s the number one thing to do in Zurich, and it lives up to its hype as Switzerland’s largest chocolate museum. Once inside, a giant chocolate fountain awaits. Then begin a self-guided audio tour learning about the history of Swiss chocolate. The best part of the tour is towards the end, when you can sample as many different chocolates as you like. Once you’ve decided on your favorite, head to the gift shop to find exclusive Lindt goodies for your (likely jealous) friends and family. You will also receive one Lindt truffle of each flavor. Tickets are only $20 and can be accessed by public transportation. Pro tip: Come hungry!
Take a Cruise on Lake Zurich : One of the lesser-known things about Switzerland is that it has beautiful lakes all over the country. While you’re here, be sure to take a ferry across Lake Zurich. Choose from 90-minute, 3-hour, or 4-hour cruises. Trust me, you’ll be able to take some great photos.
Plan your spa time: Hürlimanbad & Spa Zurich is a must-visit here. We can’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon than at our rooftop infinity pool with panoramic views of Zurich. There are several Roman-style baths in the basement of the spa, which are basically giant hot tubs. If you purchase a day pass (you get a discount when you stay at B2 Hotel Zurich!), you can enjoy all the water activities.
Maddie Hyatt
Sample all the chocolates at the Lindt Chocolate Factory.
Maddie Hyatt
View of Lake Zurich.
eat
Marguita: Zurich’s Mediterranean* spot located in Bau au Lac. The food is fresh, unique and very tasty. I’ll have the truffle gnocchi. Don’t ask questions, just do it. It’s right next to Lake Zurich, so it’s very lively. Personally, I was drawn to the cocktail menu. Take my advice and order the sweet, sour and delicious Champagne Punch.
Restaurant Swiss Chuchi: This list will surprise literally no one, but this list includes several potential fondue restaurants. With 11 melty cheeses on the menu, there’s something for everyone. Interesting fact: This was the first fondue parlor in Zurich’s Old Town. kill!
Spaghetti Factory Rosenhoff: I don’t know about you, but when I travel, I always try to try a pasta restaurant for dinner. After a day of sightseeing, there’s no better way to refuel than with a hearty bowl of pesto-coated noodles. I especially liked this place. This is because although it is luxurious, it is not stuffy.
Grindelwald
stay
Bergwelt Grindelwald Hotel, Alpine Design Resort: If you’re looking for a cozy cabin-like resort in the middle of Switzerland’s most iconic mountain, this is it. My room had views of the Eiger Mountains and came with a small patio perfect for enjoying your morning coffee. Bonus: Your stay includes breakfast and access to the Fire & Ice Spa. We loved the spa after a long day of hiking. Coming back and soaking in the outdoor jacuzzi (which also has mountain views) was a great way to spend a lazy afternoon.
Maddie Hyatt
The view from my room.
Maddie Hyatt
Fire & Ice Spa.
Book your stay
play
Mountain Cart Ride: At the top of Grindelwald First Mountain is an adventure park. If you’re looking for an outdoor activity to enjoy Switzerland’s natural beauty, you’ll find it here. You can zip through the mountains on gondolas, zip lines, and mountain carts, or take things a little slower with cliff walks and hikes.
Go Paragliding: For around $250, Paragliding Jungfrau offers spectacular views of the Eiger North Face and the mountain peaks of the Jungfrau region. Flying through the air felt like a gentle roller coaster and I never wanted to leave. It’s actually very difficult to explain how amazing this experience was. This was the highlight of my trip. Listen, I know Switzerland is already expensive, but if I could do anything in Grindelwald, I’d splurge here.
Visit Europe’s highest ice palace. This hotspot (which is actually frigid) isn’t technically in Grindelwald, but it’s very easy to get to from here. As the name suggests, it is a palace made of ice. Walk through the halls and see an impressive display of ice carvings and carvings.
Maddie Hyatt
We go down the mountain using floats.
Maddie Hyatt
View from the Cliff Walk at Grindelwald First.
eat
Pinte: This is another fondue place, but with some of the most beautiful mountain views in the world. Here you can breathe in the crisp mountain air, watch paragliders come and go, listen to the sound of cowbells, and enjoy an outdoor fondue. You’ll feel like you’re in a picture book.
Avocado Bar: Looking for a casual place to sip a beer and soak up the view? This is it. With plenty of outdoor seating and a large beer selection, this is a must-visit in Grindelwald.
Barrys Restaurant: Think: a cabin atmosphere with fine Swiss cuisine. Casual enough to pop in after a long day of adventure, but trendy enough to make you feel like you’re visiting one of the best places in town. I’m not going to lie, I’m still thinking about smoked sausage.
geneva
stay
Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva: This 5-star hotel just off Lake Geneva is officially rated the most beautiful hotel I’ve ever seen. Not only are you on the water, you can also see the snow-capped Alps in the distance and the Old Town across the lake. The rooftop restaurant offers 360-degree views of the city, and the luxurious spa features a lap pool and hot springs. And the room too! In addition to being large, the bathtub had the perfect curve for maximum relaxation (this is important, IYKYK), and the comfortable bed was extremely difficult to get up from each morning. I also liked how the floral display in the lobby was constantly updated. It was great to see every time we entered.
Four Seasons Hotel des Berges Geneva
Four Seasons Hotel des Berges Geneva
Book your stay
play
Take a sightseeing walking tour. Geneva is known for its many tourist attractions, so you won’t get bored wandering around this beautiful city at your own pace. Walk to the Geneva Fountain (a giant fountain that spews water 460 feet into the air), take a photo in front of the floral clock, and take a break by climbing the steps of St. Pierre Cathedral. At the world’s longest wooden bench (srsly). I really enjoyed being able to take my time and see each thing as much as I wanted without being rushed by a tour group.
Get a massage at Spa Mont Blanc: Treat yourself to an extensive menu of face and body rituals at this Four Seasons spa. I opted for the 50 minute massage, which was just what my tired muscles needed. The best part? After the treatment, we were able to take a dip in the pool and hot springs to further relax.
Take a chocolate tasting tour. Whether you choose to join a guide or explore the old town on your own, there are plenty of small chocolate shops selling homemade sweets. You really can’t go wrong.
Maddie Hyatt
View of the Geneva Fountain.
Maddie Hyatt
Spa Mont Blanc pool.
eat
Il Lago: This is the most luxurious place I’ve eaten in Switzerland, but I wanted my last night in the country to feel special. And boy, have we done it. From the unreal pasta to the special edition bubbly, it was the most indulgent experience. The service was also great. My water glass was never less than half full. They provided extra crostini for the burrata and the menu suggestions rocked my world.
Maddie Hyatt
Tagliolini with red shrimp and caviar.
Maddie Hyatt
Tiramisu.
Café du Soleil: Finally, we have arrived at the last recommended fondue. Billing itself as a “Mecca for melted cheese and exceptional Gruyère”, it’s Geneva’s oldest bistro and knows a thing or two about melted cheese. Save some space after dinner for the Catalane Creme Brûlée, also known as the richest dessert on the menu, and thank me later.
Breitling Kitchen: If you’re wandering the brick streets and craving a crisp beer and some tapas, this is the place to stop on Google Maps. Food is only served after 6:40pm, so it’s a great place to grab a drink or a snack before continuing on with your evening. Sit on the front patio and enjoy stunning Lake Geneva views and, of course, great people-watching.
Related articles
Maddie Hiatt is Cosmopolitan’s senior social media editor, where she manages social strategy for Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. She can often be seen listening to Taylor Swift, trying out new skin care products, or taking her dog Waffle for walks in her favorite New York parks. Follow her on Instagram.
