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Autumn is just around the corner and summer holidays are now far behind us. Nevertheless, the still mild climate and sunny days invite us to explore places and cities and spend time outdoors. That's why autumn is the perfect season to explore small and big cities by planning a short weekend break. Here is for you a selection of 5 fascinating cities that are worth a visit for an autumn weekend in Switzerland.
We love... autumn in the city!
Autumn is just around the corner and summer holidays are now far behind us. After a difficult working period, tiredness is beginning to set in and the still mild climate and sunny days invite us to explore places and cities and spend time outdoors. So it’s time to put on comfortable shoes, pack your backpack and explore new destinations that are easily accessible by public transport and with little effort. Swiss cities are a perfect destination for all seasons, but in autumn the warm colours of the trees and the Alpine landscape make them even more attractive. That’s why they are the perfect destination for an autumn weekend break. In this article, we suggest 5 cities that are worth a visit for an autumn weekend in Switzerland.
City tours
Bern, the city of bears
As Switzerland’s federal capital and gateway to the Alps, Bern knows how to impress first-time visitors. The city offers a relaxed and glamorous atmosphere: the narrow medieval alleyways invite you to stroll along, the open-air cafés provide refreshment after a long walk or a cool afternoon aperitif, and the numerous craft shops in the old town offer original and good quality products. But Bern is also the gateway to the Alps: from here the options for excursions and sporting activities seem almost endless! You can choose between a trip to the hilly landscapes of the Emmental, a visit to the imposing mountains of the Gantrisch Nature Park or a hike through the idyllic Oberaargau. Read the full article here.
Find a hotel in the city on Booking.com.
Discovering Geneva
Geneva, Switzerland’s most famous French-speaking city, is located on the shores of Lake Geneva, where the Rhone River leaves the great water mirror to continue its journey first to France and then to the Mediterranean Sea. The elegant and sophisticated city, both modern and ancient, is famous throughout the world for its humanitarian vocation and for being the headquarters of the United Nations and the Red Cross. But despite this strong institutional character, you will certainly be amazed by its ability to perfectly combine an ancient soul with a young and modern attitude. In Geneva you’ll find many attractions not to be missed and lots of opportunities for leisure and entertainment. Read the full article here.
Find a hotel in the city on Booking.com.
Lucerne, the city of lights
Situated on Lake Lucerne and surrounded by a magnificent mountain landscape, Lucerne represents a perfect synthesis of all that Switzerland has to offer to visitors and, also for this reason, it is an unmissable stop for those visiting the country for the first time. The small, hospitable and people-friendly town has a quaint, well-kept old town centre, an elegant lakeside promenade and numerous attractions not to be missed. Despite its small size, the town has a lively and first-class cultural offer. There are many museums to visit, and even more shows and concerts for all tastes at the city theatre and the larger KKL, a modern cultural centre on the lakeside in the city centre. We are really in love with this town, which we have been calling home for three years! Read the full article here.
Find a hotel in the city on Booking.com.
Schaffhausen and the Rhine Falls
Located in the northeastern part of Switzerland, just a stone’s throw from the German border, Schaffhausen is certainly one of the most charming Swiss cities. The city is perfect for a weekend or a day trip, especially during spring and summer when the green surrounding it becomes intense and the Rhine Falls are stronger and more spectacular than ever. Over the centuries, the city has preserved its valuable old town like few other major cities have, by restoring historic buildings and preserving their charm. And if you are visiting Schaffhausen, you can’t miss a visit to the nearby Rhine Falls, which, with their 150 meters wide, are the largest waterfalls in Europe! Read the full article here.
Find a hotel in the city on Booking.com.
Rapperswil-Jona, the city of roses
Rapperswil is an old medieval town in the Canton of St. Gallen, on Lake Zurich. The town is commonly known as “Rapperswil-Jona” since the two neighboring towns of Rapperswil and Jona were administratively merged into one entity in 2007. However, most visitors who come here focus their attention and time on the small Rapperswil, a town with an old heart and an interesting medieval historic center. However, the whole area around the town offers many options for sports and outdoor activities lovers both during summer and winter. Read the full article here.
Find a hotel in the city on Booking.com.
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