Enjoy reds, golds and browns as the weather changes.
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It’s almost that time of year again, with longer nights, cooler temperatures, and the smell of pumpkin spice lattes. Autumn not only (hopefully) provides relief from the extreme heatwaves of summer, it also delights us with stunning fall colors.
Why not throw on your favorite sweater and take a romantic trip to Europe to see autumn’s best bronze foliage?
Here are our top 7 fall destinations for crunchy leaves.
7. Lake Bled, Slovenia
With some of Slovenia’s most spectacular views, Lake Bled is home to the country’s only natural island. It takes about an hour and a half to walk around the lake, giving you plenty of time to admire the stunning bronze and gold foliage.
During the autumn months, the water is too cold to swim, but you can rent a rowboat and glide to Bled Island. Don’t forget to charge your phone. The photos here are Instagram gold.
6. Lake District (England)
Visit the Lake District and you’ll see why the region’s breathtaking scenery inspired many Romantic poets, from Coleridge to Wordsworth. This protected area in northern England has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2017.
Head to Buttermere early in the morning on a calm, sunny day to enjoy the mirror-like lake reflecting the autumn leaves. In the afternoon, head to Coniston Water, which has a mix of evergreen and deciduous trees.
5. Perthshire, Scotland
Nowhere is autumn more beautiful than in Scotland. The county of Perthshire offers spectacular views. With one foot in the highlands and one foot in the lowlands, Perthshire is home to Meiklure Beech Hedge, which holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s tallest hedge.
A stunning National Trust-owned woodland, the Hermitage turns deep gold and maroon in autumn, and is also home to romantic ruins and waterfalls.
If nature’s dazzling visuals aren’t enough for you, book a ticket to the Enchanted Forest in Pitlochry. From late September to October, a spectacle of light and sound brings even more magic to Perthshire’s autumn forests.
4. Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany
If you search for “real-life fairy tale castles” you’ll likely find Neuschwanstein Castle. The turreted castle, which looks like something straight out of a Disney movie, is surrounded by steep hills covered in autumn trees, giving it a dramatic feel.
Located in the Bavarian Alps, this palace was built for King Ludwig II in the late 19th century and can only be visited on guided tours.
Are you coming by car? Take a five-hour drive to Germany’s stunning Black Forest, where oak, elm and beech trees contrast with evergreen pines.
3. Romania, Transylvania
Transylvania may still be associated with vampires and gothic architecture, but it’s also one of the best places in Europe to see spectacular fall foliage. The Mosial Forest is Romania’s oldest forest, occupying an area of 1,400 acres in Transylvania, perfect for a stroll on a crisp autumn day.
Another way to enjoy the autumn scenery is via Romania’s many highland roads. The 90 km long Transfagarasan road connecting Transylvania and Wallachia reaches an altitude of 2,042 meters and is his second highest road in Romania.
2. Loire Valley, France
The Loire Valley, world-famous for its wine production, shines in autumn. When you’re not tasting wine, you can watch the vines turn deep reds and purples at some of the local chateaux.
Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire is especially popular in autumn. The grounds are decorated with pumpkins and cucurbits, adding a touch of autumn to the already luxurious setting.
1. Lapland, Finland
Although Lapland is traditionally associated with winter rather than autumn, it is in autumn that Lapland truly comes to life. Not only is the Northern Lights actually the strongest at this time of year, Lapland’s capital Rovaniemi is also home to many beautiful trees.
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Although there is no snow, temperatures can still drop to -2°C, so don’t forget to dress warmly.
