This traditional Autumn festival is fun for the whole family. Pony rides, puppet shows, a treasure hunt, face painting, miniature railway and lots more.
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It takes place from 10.00-17.00 with pony rides and face painting from 12.00-16.00.
Herbstfest
Gurten Autumn Festival
Early September
The event will take place in any weather and admission is free.
Due to the large number of people, early arrival by public transport is recommended.
Gurtenbahn (operates every 15 minutes)
Dorfstrasse 453084 Wabern
Alpabfahrt
The Swiss Cattle Descent
August - October
Every Autumn, the cows come back down to the valleys after their summer on the mountainside pastures in a procession called the Alpabfart (or Désalpe). In Alpine villages all around Switzerland the cows, wearing flower headdresses and large jangling cowbells, parade through the streets.
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Pick a weekend that works for you and see what villages are hosting the procession at that time.
Grindelwald
This village in the Bernese Alps is a popular gateway for the Jungfrau Region, with skiing in winter and hiking in summer. Dorfstrasse 11, 3818 Grindelwald (1h10min drive from Bern)
Things to do there from now until the end of October:
Grindelwald First-Top of Adventure:
Take a 22-minutegondola to the top of First (it runs from 8.00-18.00) and enjoy some of the unique views and adventures it has to offer. The First Cliff Walk is free and a great place to start. You can hike down, take the gondola down or consider one of the more unique options down the mountain: the First Glider, the First Flyer, First Mountain Carts, and the Trottibike Scooter are offered at various stations from the top. They area hit with guests, kids, and those looking for beautiful views with a side of adventure.
Glacier Canyon Grindelwald:
The Grindelwald Glacier is the longest glacier in Europe. The Gletscherschlucht Grindelwald is a narrow glacier ravine with a small river running through it. For a fee, you can walk through the ravine on an elevated walkway and walk (or crawl) 7meters above the roaring Lütschine River on the giant “Spiderweb”
The Pfingstegg Toboggan Run: this Rodelbahn (luge/toboggan) track is 736 m long.
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Grindelwald Hiking Trails: Lake Bachalpsee, First to Schynige Platte, Eiger Trail
Although driving is the fastest way to get there, other options are available.
Tip: American holidays are a great time to visit because it typically means shorter lines.
Europa park is just 2 hours north of Bern. In the heart of Europe, between the Black Forest and the Vosges Mountains in France, lies this beautiful theme park and it’s all decked out for an “eerily beautiful Halloween”
Paradise Adventures at Bernaqua
mid to late October
The outdoor pools may have closed for the season but Bernaqua indoor waterpark (attached to Westside Mall) remains open. On the following dates there will be a paradise island theme with inflatable animals, an extra waterslide, obstacle courses, and more:
Prices for 3 Hours:
Family ticket 1 adult + 2 children 70CHF
2 adults + 1 child 80 CH
each additional child 15 CHF
Bern Zibelmarit (Onion Market)
On the fourth Monday in November, the famous Onion Market transforms the streets of Old Town into an enormous marketplace.
More than a hundred stalls will be set-up for farmers to sell their regional products and artistically woven braids of onions and garlic.
The event starts at 4.00 and the lanes in the Old Town will start to fill up by 7.00 and continue to be busy until it ends at 18.00.
Expect busier commutes this day and consider starting the day off with a slice of onion tart!
