Autumn in Switzerland is a dream season for photography. The light becomes softer, the air feels sharper, and the colours turn warmer and deeper.
It’s that brief time of year when everything seems to slow down a little, and I always feel most inspired to photograph outdoors.
Here are three places I keep returning to – not only for their beauty, but also for the sense of calm they bring.
Seealpsee (Appenzell)
Seealpsee feels like a hidden world. A mountain lake surrounded by golden trees, with mist rising above the water and sunlight filtering through autumn leaves.
Getting there takes a bit of effort – it’s quite deep in Appenzell, and although buses do run, having a car is much easier. From the parking area, there’s a short but steep walk uphill, so it’s worth planning a short break before starting the session.
Sometimes you’ll see people making small campfires by the lake, or the last cows and goats coming down from the alpine pastures. In autumn that happens less often, but the atmosphere remains the same – peaceful and painterly.
Seealpsee is one of those places where nature does most of the work. The light, the colours, and the silence all come together effortlessly.
Melchsee-Frutt
Melchsee-Frutt is beautiful all year round, but in autumn it becomes truly special. The warm tones of the grass meet the cool blue of the lake, and there’s often fresh snow already visible on the surrounding peaks.
It’s an easy trip from the Lucerne area and offers both wide, cinematic views and quiet corners for more intimate portraits.
For families, couples, or anyone who loves the feeling of open space, it’s an ideal location for a relaxed mountain session – without too much hiking involved.
On a clear day, the light here is perfect: soft, yet rich in colour and contrast.
Klöntalersee (Canton Glarus)
Klöntalersee has a very different character – more like a northern fjord than a typical Swiss valley. Narrow, quiet, surrounded by steep rock walls and still water.
It’s easy to reach from Zurich; buses run until around October 20th, after that you’ll need a car.
In autumn, the sun barely reaches the valley, which creates beautifully soft, even light. The reflections in the water are stunning, and after the main season, there’s a rare silence that makes you slow down and breathe a little deeper.
It’s a place that feels far away from everything, in the best possible way.
A Few Tips for Your Autumn Session
Autumn sessions are incredibly rewarding, but they also require a bit of planning. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Dress warmly. Layered outfits in earthy tones – beige, green, brown, rust – always look beautiful in natural light.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Even during a photoshoot, mountain paths are still mountain paths.
- Timing matters. The light changes quickly, and the softest tones appear early in the morning or just before sunset. Right before the clock change is the perfect time for sunrise sessions – the sun comes up after 7 a.m., so there’s no need for a painfully early start.
- Bring a thermos. It’s practical, comforting, and adds a lovely touch to your photos.
- Stay flexible. Mountain weather can change within minutes – sometimes fog or drizzle create the most atmospheric scenes.
These are just a few of my favourite spots, but there are many more waiting to be discovered.
Maybe next year I’ll write a second part of this post – Switzerland never stops surprising me, especially in autumn.
If you’d like to plan your own autumn photo session, feel free to get in touch – I’d be happy to help you choose the perfect place and timing
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