UBC October 2026 - Pumpkin Market in Olten’s Old Town 🎃

A pumpkin market? In late summer? You know I'm going.

I have to admit, though, I expected something a little bigger. Instead, the entire event took place along a stretch of street of only about 130 metres in the Old Town's pedestrian zone.

But then I had to give them credit: they delivered exactly what they had promised. A small and charming pumpkin market.

And small it was, but they had all the essentials. Pumpkins of all shapes and sizes, fresh vegetables, baked goods, homemade pumpkin soup, and Scouts helping children carve their pumpkins.

One of each, basically. 😉

The soup came courtesy of a gastronomy company, which has a rather brilliant seasonal concept. 

In summer, it's Kalte Lust (“Cold Craving”), a gelateria with benefits. Come autumn, it transforms into Heisse Lust (“Hot Craving”), serving homemade soups.

Yes, from autumn through winter, the ice-cream shop becomes a soup kitchen, serving two or three different homemade soups at lunchtime, Monday to Friday. 

And I love the idea of a business that simply changes with the seasons instead of pretending it's summer all year round.

There are six locations in the Swiss Mittelland, so if you happen to come across a Heisse Lust on a cold day, you know what to do!

So I really enjoyed this unexpected highlight. And all of it in beautiful late-summer weather.

No huge crowds, no endless rows of stalls, no elaborate entertainment. Just a little local event that was exactly what it said on the tin.

What's not to love? 

And then, to my surprise, the pumpkin market wasn't even the only highlight of the day.

On my way back, I stumbled upon another little event: a Koffermarkt, a market where vendors display their handmade wares out of suitcases.

But that's a story for tomorrow. 

And finally, a little shout-out to Olten.

Olten doesn't exactly have the best image in Switzerland. Yes, it's a major transportation hub, and it's also a center of Swiss literature and culture, has a lovely historic old town along the Aare, and has long been an important centre for education and conferences.

It also has a reputation for... let's call it less wholesome activities, think people openly using. And some influencers regularly put Olten on their “top five Swiss cities where you absolutely wouldn't want to live” lists.

Well, take that, big mouths.

You missed the two most charming little events of the year. 🎃🍂

Video: Pumpkin Market