Guest author: Whitney Buchli
Having grown up in Eastern Canada where one can experience the most vibrant and intense fall colors, autumn is without question my favorite season. There’s something about autumn that feels nostalgic and exciting - and if there’s one place in Switzerland that reminds me of a Canadian fall - it’s without a doubt, the Engadin.
With its abundance of wildlife, crystal clear lakes and majestic valleys, the Engadin region is the perfect place to experience a golden autumn and explore the outdoors together as a family. We take a trip here every fall to enjoy this special season with all of our senses. From the crisp morning air to the warmth of the afternoon sun, the sweet smell of dry pine and the delicious hearty meals that welcome us home after a long day on the trails, autumn is the best time of the year to get out and make some memories together in the outdoors.
The Unpredictable Beauty of Fall
There’s an undeniable thrill in the unknown, and fall’s ever-changing nature is part of what makes it so captivating. The main attraction that gives the Engadin its golden glow is the larch tree. The larch is unique in that while it looks similar to other conifer trees like pine and spruce, it’s considered a deciduous tree, meaning it sheds its needles every fall. They are adapted to cold, northerly, and mountainous regions, where they are most recognizable by their brilliant golden foliage in the fall.
Since temperatures differ from year to year, timing your visit to enjoy the colors at their peak can be tricky. A spell of warm, sunny days with cool nights is what makes for the most spectacular colors. Our advice is to keep your plans flexible, check the regional webcams and get in contact with locals such as the national park, hotels, or tourism boards for the most up-to-date conditions.
Be Ready for It All
Fall is a season of contrasts: chilly mornings that turn into mild afternoons, and breezy evenings that can quickly dip into colder temperatures. To make the most of your outdoor time, you’ll need to be prepared for anything—especially when you’re adventuring in the mountains and have kids in tow!
The key to having a positive experience and staying comfortable in unpredictable weather is simple: layers. We choose clothing that is light and easily combined. We start with a merino base layer to keep our girls warm and dry without overheating. On top of that, we add a cozy fleece or puffy mid-layer jacket for insulation, and top it off with a windproof, water-resistant jacket to keep them protected from sudden gusts or unexpected rain showers. Our girls enjoy carrying their own backpacks to be able to adjust their layers as the temperatures and conditions change throughout the day.
Discovering Nature’s Hidden Treasures
One of the best things about exploring the outdoors in autumn is the abundance of wildlife and natural wonders you’re bound to encounter. The Engadin is home to Switzerland’s only National Park, where you can learn about the unique features of the region and observe wildlife such as ibex, chamois, red deer and the endangered bearded vulture to name a few. We highly recommend bringing along binoculars and picking up the child-friendly guidebook from the national park in Zernez to learn more about the local flora and fauna. Our girls enjoyed learning about how the local forests protect the town from avalanches during a ranger talk in the town of Pontresina and how they can now proudly identify safe pine nuts to eat, right from the cone!
Fun Ways to Engage with Nature
Fall is the perfect season to inspire creativity and curiosity in your children while spending time outdoors. One simple and fun activity is creating nature mandalas using fallen leaves, acorns, pinecones, and stones you find along the way. Gather items in a variety of colors and textures, and let your kids arrange them in beautiful circular patterns—this not only sparks their imagination but also helps them appreciate the beauty of natural materials. Another way to keep kids entertained is by climbing boulders or tree trunks, which offers a great chance to burn off energy while developing their balance and coordination. For a quieter activity, try leaf rubbing with crayons and paper to capture the intricate details of different types of leaves, or encourage them to create a nature journal with sketches of the plants and animals they encounter. Even something as simple as building a mini dam in a shallow stream can turn into a lesson about water flow and engineering! These simple, free and hands-on activities keep kids engaged with their surroundings while adding a playful element to your family adventure.
Our Top Picks for Unforgettable Fall Adventures in the Engadin
If you’re interested in planning a fall adventure in the Engadin, consider including a few unforgettable experiences to connect with nature and make the most of your time in this beautiful region. We recommend getting up close to nature's power by following the path of the Morteratsch Glacier, a fascinating journey that offers insight into climate change with stunning alpine views. For wildlife lovers, head to Val Trupchun, known as the “Serengeti of the Alps,” where you can search for majestic red deer during their autumn rutting season. After a day of exploration, reward yourselves with some of the region’s delicious specialties—pizokel and capuns, hearty traditional dishes that are the perfect way to warm up after a crisp day outdoors. Whether it’s hiking through golden larch forests or savoring local flavors, the Engadin offers endless ways to create lasting family memories this fall.
