Jucker Farm in Autumn: Pumpkins, Food & the Most Instagrammable Farm Near Zurich
There are many ways to celebrate autumn in Switzerland.
You can go hiking through golden forests, drink something warm by a lake, or spend an afternoon wrapped in a scarf while pretending you are not actually freezing.
Or… you can go to Jucker Farm and surround yourself with hundreds of pumpkins. And honestly? I highly recommend the last option.
If you're visiting Zurich in autumn, especially in October, Jucker Farm is one of those seasonal experiences that is worth adding to your itinerary. It is colourful, incredibly photogenic, very family-friendly and, above all, it actually feels like autumn.
The annual Kürbisausstellung is split between two locations: Bächlihof in Jona and Juckerhof in Seegräben. The pumpkin installations are divided 50/50 between the two farms, so if you want to see the complete exhibition, you'll need to visit both.
So, what exactly is Jucker Farm?
Jucker Farm is a family-run agricultural business in the Zurich region, with several farms combining agriculture, food, events and experiences. And while the farm is open throughout the year, autumn is when it really comes into its own.
Every year, Jucker Farm hosts its famous pumpkin exhibition, turning the farm into a colourful outdoor exhibition made almost entirely of pumpkins. And when I say pumpkins, I don't just mean the standard orange ones you put outside your front door in October. We're talking about pumpkins in every possible shape, size and colour, from tiny decorative ones to enormous specimens, as well as elaborate pumpkin sculptures created around a different theme each year.
It is basically autumn heaven.
The pumpkin exhibition
The pumpkin exhibition is definitely the main reason to visit.
The sculptures change from year to year, so even though I had already been once, I was happy to come back. You can wander around the farm, look at the different installations and, of course, take approximately 500 photos of pumpkins. No judgement. I did too.
The whole place is incredibly Instagrammable, especially on a sunny autumn day when the colours of the pumpkins contrast with the changing leaves and the surrounding countryside. And you don't really need to plan a complicated photography route. Just walk around and you'll constantly find something worth photographing.
📸 My tip
If you're mainly interested in photography, I'd allow yourself at least a couple of hours rather than rushing through the exhibition. And if you can, go during the week.
I visited around the weekend before Halloween, which is probably one of the most popular times to go, and it shows.
There are a lot of people.
Very. Many. People.
Families, children, photographers, people buying pumpkins… everyone seems to have the same idea.
So if you're hoping for those dreamy, completely empty pumpkin-field photos you see on Instagram, managing your expectations might be a good idea.
Yes, you can actually buy the pumpkins
One of my favourite parts of visiting Jucker Farm is that the pumpkins aren't just there to look pretty. You can buy them. And there are so many to choose from.
Different colours, shapes and sizes are available, including some genuinely unusual varieties that you don't usually find in an ordinary supermarket.
Last year I ended up buying pumpkins to decorate both my home and my sister's.
Because apparently once you see a giant selection of beautiful autumn pumpkins, coming home with just one is no longer an option. If you're looking for something special for autumn or Halloween decorations, this is definitely one of the best reasons to visit.
And yes, you will probably spend more time choosing a pumpkin than you expected.
Come hungry: the food is actually really good
Jucker Farm isn't just a place to look at pumpkins. You can also eat there, and I definitely recommend doing so.
During my visit, I tried several autumn-inspired treats, including:
pumpkin soup
pumpkin spice latte
chestnut cake
other seasonal dishes and snacks
Everything I had was really good and fit perfectly with the whole autumn atmosphere. There is something particularly satisfying about eating pumpkin soup surrounded by pumpkins while the temperature outside starts dropping. Very autumn. Very Switzerland.
💸 One important warning
There are two things I would keep in mind before visiting:
1. It gets very busy. Especially around Halloween weekend, expect crowds and potentially queues.
2. This is Switzerland. 😂 Don't arrive expecting farm-shop prices.
The food is good, but prices are very much in line with what you would expect in German-speaking Switzerland. So I would absolutely recommend eating there, just don't be surprised when your pumpkin soup and coffee cost a little more than you were expecting.
Is Jucker Farm only for families?
Honestly, yes and no.
It is very family-friendly. There are activities for children, play areas and plenty of things to keep younger visitors entertained. But that doesn't mean adults can't enjoy it.
If you like seasonal experiences, photography, food markets, farms or simply finding slightly unusual places to visit while travelling, I think it is worth going even without children. Just know what you're getting yourself into: this is not a hidden, peaceful countryside escape. It is a popular autumn attraction. And that's part of the experience.
Special activities and more
Pumpkin Sculptures: Marvel at the intricate pumpkin sculptures and displays. These sculptures are beautifully carved and often follow a specific theme each year, making for an excellent photo opportunity.
Pumpkin Carving: Participate in pumpkin carving sessions, where you can create your own pumpkin masterpiece with the provided tools and guidance.
Farm Shop: Visit the farm shop, where you can purchase a variety of farm-fresh products, including pumpkins, apples, and homemade treats.
Culinary Delights: Indulge in a wide range of pumpkin-based culinary delights, from pumpkin soup and pumpkin pie to pumpkin-flavored drinks. Jucker Farm's pumpkin-themed menu is a highlight. I had their very own version of a pumpkin spice latte, a fantastic chestnut cake, a flavour pumpkin soup and some other delicious treats.
💡 There's also the chance to have brunch there and to enjoy it in one of their seminar rooms - a perfect activity for the colder autumn days!
Farm Tours: Jucker Farm offers guided tours that provide insights into their farming practices and the harvest season.
Jucker Farm shop: at the entrance of the premises you'll find their very own buffet style restaurant and shop. Fruits and veggies are available by season, flavourful schnapps and and inviting cold cuts will be the perfect souvenir to recreate the experience at home. But the best souvenir is... a pumpkin! Hundreds of pumpkins are sold at the farm, decorative and edible, peculiar shaped and round, from bright orange to almost blue, big and small - take home the pumpkin of your dream!
How long do you need at Jucker Farm?
I would plan around half a day at most.
You can see the pumpkin exhibition, walk around the farm, take photos, buy some pumpkins and have lunch or a snack without spending an entire day there.
For me, this is actually one of its biggest advantages. It works perfectly as a half-day trip from Zurich, leaving you plenty of time to continue exploring the region afterwards.
Is Jucker Farm free?
One thing that has changed since my first visit is that the pumpkin exhibition is now paid entry during the pumpkin season. Since prices and admission conditions can change from year to year, I would always check the official Jucker Farm website before visiting. And personally, I still think it is worth it if you enjoy seasonal experiences and photography. Especially if you are planning to buy pumpkins anyway, which, let's be honest, is part of the fun.
For 2026, admission to Bächlihof costs:
CHF 8 Monday to Friday
CHF 10 Saturday and Sunday
free for children up to 12
There is also a combined ticket if you want to visit both locations.
The 2026 dates are:
Bächlihof Jona: 12 September – 1 November 2026
Juckerhof Seegräben: 19 September – 25 October 2026
So if you're planning to visit both, pay attention to the dates: Bächlihof stays open longer.
How to get to Jucker Farm
The pumpkin exhibition takes place across two different locations, so you can choose the one that fits your itinerary best, or visit both if you want to see the complete exhibition.
Bächlihof – Jona
Address: Blaubrunnenstrasse 70, 8645 Rapperswil-Jona
From Zurich, take the S15 towards Rapperswil and get off at Jona. From there, continue by local public transport and walk the final section to the farm.
Juckerhof – Seegräben
Address: Hofstrasse 15, 8607 Seegräben
From Zurich, take the S14 towards Hinwil and get off at Uster. From there, continue towards Seegräben by local public transport. Alternatively, you can take the train to Aathal and walk to the farm.
During pumpkin season, both locations can get very busy and parking is limited. If possible, I would recommend travelling by public transport.
👉 For current opening hours, prices, transport connections and pumpkin exhibition information: Jucker Farm's official website
When should you visit?
If your goal is specifically the pumpkin exhibition, October is the obvious choice.
I visited around the weekend before Halloween, which is probably when the whole experience is at its most atmospheric. But it is also when the farm is busiest.
So my ideal combination would be: October + weekday + earlier in the day.
You'll still get the pumpkins, autumn colours and seasonal atmosphere, but hopefully with slightly fewer people.
If you can only go on a weekend, don't let the crowds put you off. Just expect it to be busy and treat it as part of the experience.
A Farm That Lives All Year Round
Although Jucker Farm is famous for its pumpkins, the farm is actually a year-round destination. Across its different locations in the Zurich region, the Jucker family produces fruits, vegetables, and berries using sustainable farming methods. Throughout the seasons, the farms host different experiences and harvest celebrations.
In spring and early summer, the fields fill with berries, cherries, and fresh vegetables.
In summer, visitors can enjoy outdoor terraces, farm brunches, and seasonal dishes prepared with ingredients harvested directly from the surrounding fields.
By autumn, pumpkins, apples, and winter vegetables take center stage.
And even in winter, the farm remains a cozy destination where visitors can shop for seasonal produce, enjoy hearty meals in the farm restaurant, or browse the farm shop filled with homemade products like jams, soups, sauces, and baked goods.
The idea is simple but wonderful: bringing people closer to the land and the food they eat.
So, is Jucker Farm worth visiting?
For me, absolutely.
But I think it helps to know what kind of experience you're going for. If you're looking for a quiet, undiscovered Swiss farm in the middle of nowhere, this probably isn't it.
If you want pumpkins, autumn colours, good food, beautiful photos and a fun seasonal experience close to Zurich, however, Jucker Farm is a great choice.
I particularly recommend it if you're looking for unusual pumpkins to decorate your home, because the selection is genuinely impressive, or if you're travelling with children.
And even though I've already been twice, I would happily go back.
Because apparently I haven't yet bought enough pumpkins.
Ciao ciao, e al prossimo viaggio!
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