Fancy autumn in Switzerland? Then there’s nowhere better than the holiday region of Gstaad!

In the words of Bernese-dialect rock band Span, ‘I gloube, I gange no meh a Louenesee’ (‘I think I’ll be heading to Lake Lauenen a bit more’). It’s a sentiment we fully endorse this autumn. There truly is a little idyll waiting for you up there at Lauenensee! Those looking to indulge in great food will be more than satisfied: the rustic mountain inn above the lake is a lovely place to while away some time, or you can enjoy an open-air fondue at the XXL fondue caquelon on the panoramic hiking route from Lauenen to Tüffi and back to the starting point. Keen hikers can go for a long walk in the nature reserve, where a ranger will be happy to tell you all about the local flora and fauna. You won’t be short of things to do, and you’ll love the peace and tranquillity of Lake Lauenen. It’s easy to get there by post bus: the Gstaad–Lauenensee line runs until the end of October. The Gstaad Card allows you to travel on public transport within the region for free if you’re staying for one night or more.

Mark your calendar for an unmissable traditional event for young and old: at the start of September, local farming families lead their cows down from the mountain pastures to the valley. Decked with flowers, the cattle are led along the promenade, with market stalls, musical performances and other events taking place alongside. Even if you can’t make it for the parade, you have a good chance of spotting cows being led down to the valley on other days in autumn. It’s a spectacular end to a successful alpine season!

A proper hike is a must on any holiday in the Bernese Oberland. Locals love Sparenmoos above Zweisimmen, which has a very special aura. Head up to this unique plateau 1,600–1,750 m above sea level to enjoy the remarkable panoramic views. The route starts in the Sparenmoos car park, leads over the gently rising Nüjeberg plain and continues to Alp Schilteneg and the summit of Hundsrügg. Your gaze sweeps over the distant scenery, delighting in the spectacular views over Stockhorn, the Bernese and Vaud Alps, the Wildstrubel, Mont Blanc and the picturesque Simmental valley. The hiking taxi ferries keen hikers around until 15 October – book the day before. Alternatively, you can take the post bus up from Zweisimmen.

Head to Saaniland for brilliant experiences and adventures for visitors of all ages! The Wispile is home to a petting zoo, playground and cute scooters for the zooming down the slopes. Alpenruhe World of Adventures has a pirate ship, children’s railway and bouncy pillows – plenty to delight mini pirates and future train drivers. The high-altitude hike from Horneggli to Rinderberg is suitable for the whole family. At the end, little ones are rewarded with Olga’s cowshed, where they can let off steam in the indoor area or on the outdoor playground, while their parents put their feet up on the terrace of the mountain restaurant. If the weather isn’t cooperating, head to STATION Saanen, an indoor playground in Saanen. There’s all sorts for families to do! A special programme of family events takes place on 2–27 October, with plenty of fun activities.

Visitors eat very well indeed in Gstaad. This foodie holiday region has a wide selection of top restaurants, boasting around 278 Gault Millau points and one Michelin star between them. In autumn it’s all about game dishes and traditional meat feasts, as served at the golfing hotel Les Hauts de Gstaad & Spa in Saanenmöser or the Hotel Kernen in Schönried.