14 amazing places to see the autumn leaves in Europe
As the weather decreases and summer fades into fall, there’s always one reward that makes everything worthwhile: autumn leaves. Green trees turn burnt orange, lemon yellow, and crimson red, transforming views into spectacular bursts of rainbow colour.
When you think of autumn leaves, New England in the United States is probably the first place that comes to mind; in fact, watching the colors change is such a popular fall activity in America that it even has its own name: leaf-peeping.
However, you may be surprised to learn that some of the most gorgeous spots to enjoy autumn foliage are hundreds of kilometres from America, in Europe. From German alpine villages to Portuguese wine areas, here are 14 incredible spots in Europe to see autumn leaves – and when to see them at their best.We are taking you to 14 amazing places to see the autumn leaves in Europe.
Canton Berne, Switzerland
The ideal way to see Swiss fall colors is to rent a car in Bern and drive around all of the gorgeous villages and towns, such as Lauterbrunnen, located in the heart of the Swiss Alps. Visit the Canton of Bern between the end of September and the end of October for the most beautiful colors.
When to visit: Early to mid-October.
Pardubice Region, Czech Republic
Pardubice, part of the country’s ‘Gold Ribbon’, is known for its vast floral meadows, attractive chateaux, and breathtaking autumn colors. Nearly 30% of the land is covered in forest, making it ideal for finding those vibrant red, orange, and yellow leaves that we all love.
The Králický Sněžník mountain on the border with Poland provides the best views.These summits are skiable in the winter, but they are ideal for leaf-peeping in the fall.
When to visit: October
Szeged, Hungary
The third largest city in Hungary, located just under two hours by vehicle from Budapest, boasts some of the most beautiful autumn foliage. Szeged is renowned as the ‘City of Sunshine,’ due to the great number of sunny days it receives each year, and even in September and October, the weather is nice.
Szeged’s stunning art deco buildings and broad avenues gives town a Parisian feel, while the prominent University of Szeged ensures a packed calendar of events all year.
Szeged is located on the banks of the beautiful Tisza River, which was once home to major shipbuilding enterprises. Nowadays, river boats can take you along the water, providing a distinct perspective on the beautifully colored leaves all around. Alternatively, visit Liget Park (pictured) on the east side of town and wander along the tree-lined walks.
P.S. The capital city is another beautiful and somewhat more convenient location to enjoy the autumn leaves. Take advantage of the best photo opportunities by crossing the Danube River to the green Margaret Island.
When to visit: End of October
Kirchzarten, Germany (Black Forest)
Kirchzarten, a little hamlet in southwestern Germany, lies well off the usual road. It is located 20 minutes outside the university city of Freiburg and is flanked on all sides by the thickly wooded Black Forest mountain range, which is well-known for its association with the Brothers Grimm.
That should give you a sense of the atmosphere here: wonderful and slightly eerie, like something out of a fairytale.
Cycling along Kirchzarten’s bike routes through the woods while listening to the crunching sound of leaves under your tires is a terrific way to appreciate the fall colors. This area is also known for its ancient spas and thermal bathhouses, which are ideal for relaxing and warming up after a day of outdoor activities.
When to visit: Late September
Zurich, Switzerland
The beauty of this autumn trip is its ease of access (and, because it is the off-peak season, low cost). Simply fly into Zurich, get a car, and take a road tour around the Zurich canton, admiring the many lovely lakes, hills, and forests.
You’ll be astounded by the stunning colors on display, from the warm orange leaves of the forests to the bright reddish blueberry bushes above tree line.
For a particularly spectacular fall foliage display, visit the UNESCO-listed Klöntalersee, a crystal blue Alpine lake approximately an hour and a half south of the city. The stunning waterfalls and amazing trekking trails are an extra bonus.
When to visit: October
Kraków, Poland
Vibrant fall leaves are so common in Poland that they have their own term: Golden Autumn (which pretty much says it all). The easiest way to see all of the most colorful oaks and sycamores is to arrange a vacation to Krakow and explore its surroundings.
Just north of the city, in the little Ojcówski National Park, is the ultimate Golden Autumn spectacle. It may be little, but this park packs a powerful punch when it comes to breathtaking scenery and vibrant fall foliage colors.
When to visit: Early October
Perthshire, Scotland
Perthshire, Scotland, deserves to be called the king of natural beauty. The ancient county is also known as Big Tree Country, which should give you a sense of its spectacular autumn beauty. It is home to limitless sections of emerald woodland, which are accompanied with lovely moors, falling waterfalls, and soaring peaks.
Scotland seems to only do things in extremes, in our opinion.
The Hermitage, a forest on the banks of the River Braan that is maintained by the National Trust for Scotland, is one really great spot. Once a haven for British aristocrats, the Hermitage is today one of the most visited places to witness the fall foliage change.
Keep a watch out for beavers and red squirrels as you explore this fascinating woodland.
When to visit: End of October to early November
Lake District, England
The Lake District in northwest England is particularly beautiful in the fall, but it is breathtakingly beautiful all year round. The rolling hills and lush woodlands are coated in a variety of purples, reds, and oranges, providing plenty of photo options. Furthermore, the numerous walking routes make it easy to explore the area.
For the ideal Lake District fall experience, take a walk in Tarn Hows or Buttermere before heading to a secure pub with a crackling fire. Divine!
When to visit: Mid to late October
Douro Valley, Portugal
The lovely Douro Valley is the place to go if you want to go leaf-peeping while also sipping juice and drinking port.
However, as autumn approaches, the landscapes change dramatically, with warm orange and yellow leaves standing out against the bright blue sky.
In addition to being the ideal off-peak time to travel to Portugal, late October to early November also marks the height of the fall foliage season.
Whether you’re planning a Portugal road trip or a quick city break in Porto (the gateway to the Douro Valley), this breathtaking location should definitely be on your itinerary.
When to visit: Late November
Transylvania, Romania
If you’re hesitant to visit vampire land, consider this: Transylvania does not want to suck your blood. Yes, it is home to the historic Bran Castle, which is frequently connected with Bram Stoker’s Dracula, but that’s about as dark as it gets.
This hilly and highly wooded region of Romania is lovely at any time of year, but it truly shines in the autumn. Trees after trees burst into brilliant colors, seemingly setting the entire landscape on fire. The Transfagarasan mountain road,
which runs across the southern region of the Carpathian Mountains, is one of the greatest places to see Romanian leaves.
When to visit: Mid October
Lapland, Finland
Finland is well-known for having 24 hours of sunlight in the summer and utter darkness in winter. What is less widely known is what happens in the fall season, or “ruska”, as the locals call it, when Lapland’s woodlands explode with color.
To enjoy the whole experience, choose a hotel or a cabin on one of Finland’s thousands of lakes. The lake’s reflection of the trees makes for a doubly lovely scene.
When to visit: Late September
Madrid, Spain
If you want to pair your fall foliage seeing with a city trip, Madrid is an excellent choice. The Jardin Botanico and the famed El Retiro park, both located in the city centre, are excellent places to see the changing colors while enjoying an outdoor lunch. Furthermore, the weather in Madrid remains rather moderate throughout October and November, which is more than we can say for Lapland!
If you’re driving around Spain, the (very) neighbouring Castile and Leon region contains even more stunning displays of autumn foliage. For the greatest views, visit La Laguna Negra Nature Park or Faedo de Ciñera Forest.
When to visit: Late October to Early November
Lake Bled, Slovenia
If you needed another incentive to visit this breathtakingly beautiful location, you’ve got it. In the summer, the gorgeous Lake Bled in Slovenia is crowded with tourists, but things calm down in September and October, which is also when peak fall foliage begins.
The bright crimson foliage stands out against the crystal blue lake and gloomy fog that rolls in each morning. Bled is a leaf-peeper’s paradise, with its clean alpine air and breathtaking surroundings.
When to visit: September to October
Hallstatt, Austria
Autumn in Austria provides lively harvest festivities and even more vibrant colors that revitalise the trees. Upper Austria becomes a kaleidoscope of red, yellow, and orange, especially the region around Hallstatt and Salzburg.
Add in the charming mountain towns, beautiful hiking paths, and sparkling lakes, and you’ve got yourself a postcard-perfect spot to watch the leaves change.
When to visit: Mid October
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