In November, a grey blanket often lies over the Swiss Plateau for days, while the sun shines just a few hundred metres higher. Here is a simple explanation of how it happens, why the air gets worse and where to escape the grey.
What sparks us.
Stories, gadgets & good reasons from Lucerne.
26/10/2026
Räbeliechtli: When Turnips Become Lanterns
When darkness falls early in November, children walk through their village carrying hand-carved turnip lanterns. One of Switzerland's most beautiful - and oldest - autumn traditions.
The Romans carried it across the Alps, it fed whole valleys before the potato arrived, and with climate change it is being planted again. Plus: how to make perfect roasted chestnuts at home.
A solar jar, some cotton gauze and two felt eyes: in about half an hour you'll have a ghost that lights up on its own for Halloween. The guide in 8 steps, with sketches.
When the smell of roasted chestnuts fills the streets, autumn has arrived. A look at marroni, Ticino tradition and the Swiss dessert vermicelles.
Why the start of autumn in Switzerland smells like freshly pressed cider, what makes Hochstamm orchards so special, and why Thurgau is considered the apple canton.
Summer 2026 was the hottest on record in Switzerland, and the harvest began around three weeks early. What heat and water shortage trigger in vine and berry – from Oechsle to sunburn.
Misty mornings, damp moss, the scent of forest earth: Switzerland's mushroom season has begun. A journey through porcini and chanterelles – and the official mushroom inspection service that barely exists anywhere else.
31/08/2026
Plum Season: When Late Summer Smells of Cake
In late August, purple plums pile up at the market and a baking tray slides into almost every Swiss oven. The short, intense season of a late-summer classic — Basel's Zwetschgenmaa and the heroes of the Fricktal.