Golden October in Engadin – Capturing the Magic of Autumn Light

Every October, I pack my camera gear and head back to the Engadin valley - not just to take photos, but to reconnect with a place that continues to inspire me year after year. When the larch trees turn from green to gold, the entire valley transforms into a living painting. It’s the moment the locals call “Golden October”, and for landscape photographers, it’s one of the most beautiful times of the year in Switzerland and a "must place" to go.

The Beauty of the Engadin in Autumn

The Engadin, with its crystal-clear lakes and majestic alpine peaks, becomes a symphony of color in October. The golden larch forests stand in stunning contrast to the deep blue skies and snow-dusted mountains. Early mornings bring fog and frost, softening the light into delicate pastels, while the late afternoon sun ignites the valley in warm amber tones.

It’s not just the colors that make this season special, it’s the atmosphere. The air is crisp, the valley is quiet, and the rhythm of nature slows down. Photographing here feels almost meditative. Each frame becomes a dialogue between light, form, and silence.

Why Photographing Golden October Is So Special

Unlike summer, when the light can be harsh and busy, October in Engadin offers clarity and depth. The sun sits lower, casting long shadows and creating a gentle, golden light that reveals texture and detail.

But the beauty is fleeting. The golden period often lasts only a few days, maybe two weeks. A single night of frost or an early snowfall can mark the end of it. That’s what makes photographing the Golden October so rewarding: it teaches patience, timing, and attentiveness.

I often spend hours in one location, watching how the light changes across the mountains or how the wind ripples through the larches. For me, landscape photography here is not about chasing the shot, it’s about allowing the image to emerge naturally.

My Annual Engadin Golden October Workshop

Every year, I share this experience in a small-group workshop: my Engadin Golden October Photography Retreat. Over a weekend, we photograph at sunrise and sunset, hike through forests glowing in gold, and explore my favorite photo spots across the valley.

But it’s not just about technique. It’s about learning to see: to feel the landscape before you photograph it. We discuss composition, light, and timing, but also intuition and storytelling. Each participant develops their own visual language, capturing the Engadin’s autumn magic in their own way.

It’s always inspiring to watch how differently each photographer experiences the same moment. Some focus on vast mountain panoramas, others on quiet reflections or the delicate geometry of a single larch. And the street photographers amongst us are still hunting for people to capture in a decisive moment. The diversity of perspectives reminds me that good photos are not coincidences - they are the result of connection, patience, and passion.

Join Me in the Engadin

The next Golden October Workshop takes place next weekend (October 17–19, 2025) - and there’s one spot still available.

If you’ve ever dreamed of photographing the Engadin in its full golden splendor, this is your opportunity to learn, explore, and create unforgettable images for your portfolio.

📅 Engadin Golden October Photography Workshop

📍 Upper Engadin, Switzerland

🗓 October 17–19, 2025

🎟 One spot remaining

👉 Learn more and register here

Come photograph with me where light and silence meet - and where good photos are no coincidence.