Ciao and welcome to the Swiss way of celebrating Fall!
Zurich's Herbstzauber: A Palette of Colors and Delights
Fall in Switzerland is a time when nature's brush paints the landscape with vivid hues of gold, red, and orange. It's a season that casts a spell over the heart of this stunning country, weaving a tapestry of enchantment and warmth.
As summer's warmth fades, Zurich transforms into a cozy haven where the air carries a crisp, invigorating quality. The city's bustling streets, usually brimming with activity, take on a more leisurely pace as residents and visitors alike embrace the gentle arrival of autumn.
The parks and gardens of Zurich become a canvas of autumnal splendor. The city's renowned parks, such as the picturesque Zurich Botanical Garden and the serene Lindenhof district, provide a front-row seat to the changing colors of the season. Strolling along the Lake Zurich promenade, you'll find a breathtaking panorama of the lake framed by trees dressed in shades of amber and burgundy.
Fall is also a time for cultural enrichment in Zurich. The city's museums, theaters, and galleries come alive with new exhibitions and performances. It's an ideal season to explore Zurich's vibrant arts scene, from contemporary art at the Kunsthaus Zurich to classical music concerts at the Tonhalle Orchester.
Zurich's culinary scene embraces the harvest season with open arms. Local farmers' markets, like the famous Bürkliplatz market, overflow with fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and freshly baked bread. It's the perfect time to savor Swiss specialties, such as raclette and fondue, in cozy restaurants while sipping on a glass of warming mulled wine.
Venturing beyond Zurich, the surrounding countryside offers an idyllic fall experience. The nearby Swiss Alps don their autumn attire, creating a spectacular backdrop for hiking and nature exploration. The picturesque villages of the region, such as Appenzell and Lucerne, come to life with traditional fall festivals and parades.
In Zurich, fall is a season that beckons with open arms, inviting you to savor the enchanting colors, the cultural vibrancy, and the culinary delights. It's a time when the city and its surroundings slow down just enough to allow you to immerse yourself in the poetic beauty of the season, making it an exquisite time to experience Zurich's autumnal embrace.
Jucker Farm's Pumpkin Wonderland
Nothing says Autumn like the vibrant orange of pumkins! At the Jucker Farm, close to Rapperswill, Switzerland, pumpkins take center stage in a spectacular celebration of all things fun and fall! The farm becomes a pumpkin wonderland during autumn, where pumpkins of every shape, size, and hue come to life.
Imagine wandering through fields bursting with pumpkins, from minis to giants. Gigantic pumpkin sculptures, creatively carved and decorated, amuse visitors of all ages. There's even a pumpkin regatta on the farm's lake, where pumpkins set sail in a quirky race!
But it's not just visual delights; it's a pumpkin food extravaganza. You can savor pumpkin soups, pies, and pumpkin-spiced everything, plus enjoy creative pumpkin-themed treats.
The Jucker Farm is not just a farm; it's a fall fiesta, an autumn adventure where pumpkin mania reigns supreme. Come join the pumpkin party, where orange is the color of fun! 🎃🍁
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!
"Did I miss my chance to visit?"
Absolutely not!
The pumpkin festivities at Jucker Farm takes place every year. It has become an eagerly awaited annual tradition, with the farm's fields transforming into a pumpkin wonderland during the autumn season.
Visitors from near and far flock to the farm to partake in the pumpkin-related activities, enjoy the pumpkin displays, and savor the culinary delights centered around this beloved autumn gourd.
So, if you're looking to experience the pumpkin magic at Jucker Farm, you can plan to visit during the fall season each year when the festivities are in full swing.
Getting to Jucker Farm
Jucker Farm Bächlihof is located in Jona, a village in the Zurich region of Switzerland. To get to Jucker Farm, you can follow these directions:
By train and bus: If you are starting in Zurich, you can take the S15 direction Rapperswill train to Jona station. From Jona station, you can use the local bus 991 to the Grünfeld stop and walk about 10 minutes to reach Jucker Farm.
By Car: From Zurich, take the highway towards rapperswill. I'd suggest using a GPS and follow directions to Bächlihof, Jucker Farm AG, Blaubrunnenstrasse 70, 8645 Jona SG.
It's a good idea to check the farm's official website for the most current information on directions and transportation options, as well as any seasonal events or changes in opening hours. Jucker Farm is a popular destination, especially during the pumpkin season, so planning your visit in advance can be helpful.
My favourites Pumpkin recipe
Autumn Bliss Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of pumpkin, peeled and diced
- 1 cup of sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup of carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4/5 cups of vegetable broth (can always be added)
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream (optional)
- Baked chickpeas for garnish (and crunch)
Pat the canned chickpeas dry and put them in the oven at 200 degrees for about 20-30 minutes - move them around every 10 minutes for extra crispiness (fee free to lather them in paprika and other spices)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook it for a few minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Stir in the diced pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and carrots. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, allowing them to develop some flavor.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth, and add the spices, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
6. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it's smooth.
7. If desired, stir in the heavy cream to make the soup creamier. Heat the soup gently, but do not let it boil once the cream is added.
This hearty and flavorful soup is perfect for warming up on a crisp fall day. Enjoy!
The Swiss way of fall
In the heart of Switzerland, fall weaves its enchanting tapestry, transforming the Swiss landscape into a vivid symphony of colors. As the leaves turn to gold and crimson, Zurich becomes a haven of leisurely strolls, cultural exploration, and culinary delights.
But it's not just the landscape that's ablaze with color; it's the local traditions and festivities that add a touch of folklore to the season. The pumpkin, celebrated for its humble versatility, reigns supreme during this time.
The Jucker Farm's annual pumpkin exhibition is a magical experience where gourds of all shapes and sizes transform into works of art.
In Switzerland, as in many parts of Europe, pumpkins have been part of fall traditions for centuries. From the carving of intricate pumpkin lanterns to the preparation of hearty pumpkin soups, this humble vegetable symbolizes warmth, abundance, and a deep connection to the land.
So, let the leaves crunch underfoot and the aroma of roasted chestnuts and pumpkin soup fill the air, as the Zurich region welcomes you to experience fall in all its magical splendor!
Ciao ciao, e al prossimo viaggio!
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