Zürich is an excellent destination year-round, but autumn is especially rewarding for nature lovers and food enthusiasts. The city is home to roughly 70 parks and green spaces, from botanical gardens to museum grounds, each offering a distinct retreat. Spend an afternoon in the Baroque Rechberg garden between the Kunsthaus and Zurich University, wander the Old Botanical Garden with its medieval herb section dating back to 1837, or explore the wide lawns and mature trees of Rieterpark, where some beech specimens are over 150 years old.
© Zürich Tourism
Discover the cityscape and surrounding panorama with unique experiences such as the Sauna Boat on Lake Zürich. Ideal for small groups of two to six people, the boat is typically available for four-hour bookings. Guests may bring their own robes, slippers and refreshments or arrange them in advance. No skipper’s license is needed, and you can alternate between sauna sessions and refreshing dips in the lake while taking in expansive views of the city and the distant Alps.
© Zürich Tourism
Autumn also brings a rich harvest of wild mushrooms from nearby urban forests, including porcini, puffballs, Burgundy and parasol varieties. These seasonal mushrooms appear on menus across the city and work beautifully in many preparations, from simple sautés to the classic communal indulgence: fondue. Traditional fondue is served in beloved spots like the cozy, wood-beamed Walliser Kanne and the elegant Swiss Chuchi at Hotel Adler, but you can also enjoy fondue with a twist on the Fondue eTuk Tuk. Up to four passengers can share a bottle of white wine and a classic Swiss cheese fondue while the driver guides them past the city’s notable landmarks.