With the weather getting colder and the trees turning those pretty shades of yellow and brown, you know it’s time for October in Switzerland! It is not just the leaves changing though: from new tobacco rules to health insurance hikes and meteor showers, here are 10 important things you need to know:

1. Nationwide recycling system launches in Switzerland

At the beginning of October, a brand new nationwide recycling system will launch in Switzerland. Called RecyPac, the bag system will allow residents to recycle items like milk and shampoo bottles and Tetra Pak for the first time.

It will ultimately be up to each individual Swiss council to sign up for the scheme, with the first bags set to be available from October 1. Like traditional waste bags, the RecyPac will be sold at local supermarkets and municipalities.

2. Switzerland enforces new rules for e-cigarettes

Also from October 1, smokers and vapers will be subject to stricter rules in Switzerland, thanks to the enforcement of the Tobacco Products Act and Ordinance on Tobacco Products and E-Cigarettes. Passed following a successful referendum in 2022, the sale and advertisment of cigarettes will be restricted.

These measures will include a nationwide ban on cigarette and e-cigarette sales to those under 18, and far stricter rules regarding the advertising of nicotine products where children are present, such as on public transport, in cinemas, airports and at sports venues.

In addition, in any location where smoking tobacco is prohibited (schools, for example), the ban will be extended to include e- and heated cigarettes. More vivid warnings will also be applied to cigarette packaging.

3. Swiss health insurers to publish premiums for 2025

On September 26, the Swiss government confirmed that the average cost of basic health insurance will rise by an average of 6 percent when premiums are renewed for 2025. This amounts to the third successive year that insurance costs have increased.

Swiss insurance providers have until October 31 to inform their policyholders of their (likely increased) premium, which will come into force in January 2025. Those who want to switch their provider have until November 30 to do so. You can find out how to do this in our guide to health insurance in Switzerland.

4. SWISS and SBB expand Air Rail special offer

Jetting to and from the major ski resorts in Switzerland will get a whole lot easier from October 3, when four new destinations are added to the Air Rail scheme offered by SWISS and Swiss Federal Railways (SBB). Under the scheme, travellers can combine their boarding pass with a public transport ticket, allowing people to fly to Zurich or Geneva and travel to their destination all on one ticket - along with the same delay and rebooking compensation as a flight.

From early October, Chur, Klosters, Davos and St. Moritz will be added to the over 20 Swiss destinations included in the Air Rail system.

5. Switzerland relaxes rules on second homes

Since 2016, the construction of second homes in Switzerland has been prohibited in areas where the proportion of second homes exceeds 20 percent of the total housing stock. However, from October 1, this rule will no longer apply to second homes built before the referendum calling for the law was passed, on March 11, 2012.

This means that owners of these older second homes will be able to demolish, rebuild, renovate, sell and rent them out freely, so long as no cantonal legislation enforces stricter rules.

6. COVID and flu vaccination drive begins

From mid-October, Switzerland will begin its annual COVID and flu vaccination campaign. Those who are recommended the jabs will have their costs covered by basic health insurance.

For more information, check out our guide to COVID and flu vaccinations in Switzerland.

7. Greater access to security for organisations in Switzerland

In response to heightened global tensions, from October 1 public organisations and minority groups will be able to apply to the Swiss government for protection at any time. Up until this point, religious, political and minority organisations could apply for greater protection from the police if they feared a terrorist or violent attack, but could only do so between January and July every year.

With the change, groups can now apply for protection year-round. Speaking to Watson, a spokesperson for the Federal Council explained that the older practice was outdated, given how quickly and spontaneously threats against minority groups can develop. 

8. Swiss schools break for autumn holidays

The summer holidays may only feel like a few days ago, but soon children across the country will be able to enjoy the autumn school holidays. Though this varies by canton, all students will be given time off between late September and late October. 

9. Daylight Saving Time comes to an end

On October 27, Daylight Saving Time will come to an end in Switzerland and across the world. While this will give people a sumptuous extra hour of sleep on the day, the change also hails the start of ever-darker working days.

10. Draconids and Orionids to peak over Switzerland

Finally, Switzerland will be treated to two spectacular meteor showers in October: the Draconids and the Orionids. These autumn-time treats will peak in the night sky on October 8 to 9 (Draconids) and October 20 to 21 (Orionids) and should be visible to the naked eye. Let’s hope the weather in Switzerland plays ball!

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