Europe as a continent offers a lot to the traveler. On a relatively small piece of land (compared to the other continents) you can find many cultures, regions, climates and cities. From the cold north to the warm south, Europe really does offer a lot to the fellow traveler and It can be daunting to choose where to travel to. I wanted to share with you this quick list and offer up my own thoughts on 10 Places I think you should visit in Europe this Fall. Overall traveling in the fall season is enjoyable and for me personally easier then in the summer months.
10 Places to Visit in Europe in Fall
1. Bavaria, Germany
In Southern Germany you’ll find more of Europe’s most spectacular scenery with endless Alpine forests popping with color against mountains dusted with snow. This is the season for plenty of wine festivals as well as Oktoberfest as well as outdoor activities like hiking in the Alps, taking a romantic ride on horse-drawn carriage and sampling the local wines at a Bavarian winery. There are also some 25 historic castles and palaces to discover here, including such greats as Neuschwanstein Castle, Linderhof Palace, Nuremberg Castle and the Burghausen Castle.
2. Bruges, Belgium
The medieval city of Bruges becomes one of Europe’s most beautiful cities in the fall with crimson and golden vines covering historic buildings with rich autumn hues. The colors reflected in the canals create an especially romantic scene as well as picture-perfect photo ops. Be sure to experience some of the city’s open-air markets that are typically open through November.
3. Prague, Czech Republic
If I had to pick one part of the city that impressed me the most, then it is the Prague Castle and the Gardens. You will find hundreds of things worth noticing here and discovering. The history of the city begins with the Castle which was founded in the 9th Century. The buildings enclosed by the Castle walls include a palace, three churches and a monastery. The gardens are beautifully maintained and you will find some great lookout spots onto Prague.
4. Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Am I bias here? Yes. Am I ashamed of it? No. Citing my home town comes with a big reason. Summer has its charm, but the temperatures go way up (a 45 degrees Celsius / 113 degrees Fahrenheit in Mostar is a regular in July), so much in fact, that they limit your ability to truly enjoy walking around the country and exploring everything. But when the temperatures drop around September and October, I personally love going out more. Even if you are just hanging out in one city, it will be much more enjoyable.
5. Piedmont, Italy
Autumn, and particularly October, is peak season for food and wine in Italy. Truffles and mushrooms, chestnuts and chocolate all enjoy their own festivals during this time – and, it’s also vineyard harvest time. Piedmont is home to amazing fall scenery as well as a fantastic food and wine culture with the northwest region hemmed in by the Alps, so there are hundreds of roads and trails to explore the surrounding peaks set ablaze with color.
6. Bridge of Orchy, Scotland
I love Scotland and the north of the United Kingdom offers truly great fall scenery. Deep in the Scottish Highlands, the Bridge of Orchy is a village set among especially incredible scenery. Located in the heart of Scotland it offers towering mountains, whisky distilleries and castles that seem to magically appear out of the mist – and vanish just as quickly. At Loch Tulla, a small isle filled with larches are transformed into a brilliant array of colors, reflected in the tranquil waters. The West Highland Way, popular for walkers, linking Milngavie, just outside Glasgow, to Fort William in the Highlands, passing through the Bridge of Orchy making it ideal for a stroll on a beautiful autumn day.
7. Loire Valley, France
In the Loire Valley of France, you’ll find some 185,000 acres of grapevines that stretch far and wide across hillsides and valleys. When the pageant of colors peaks in late October, it’s truly a sight to behold. Vineyards are ablaze in gold, vivid orange and fiery red, with autumn’s kiss also illuminating the surrounding forests and fairytale chateaus. Some have compared this region to New England in the fall, noting it as one of Europe’s best destinations for colorful autumn displays along with plenty of fine wines.
8. Budapest, Hungary
I visited Budapest in the fall season and it was magical, during day and night. If there is one thing you have to do while visiting Budapest, then it's definitely exploring the city by night. Budapest transforms at night. Not one single corner is not attractive in the elaborate light set up. The warm glow of the lights, really sets you in a calm mood, while the view of the Danube from the Fisherman's Bastion at night is breathtaking.
9. Oslo, Norway
The seasonal change in Northern Europe is particularly striking. As the leaves begin to transform, woodland areas take on new life, making Oslo an ideal place for evening walks or foraging expeditions while there is still quite a bit of daylight. The city is home to many picturesque parks that become even more stunning this time of year. Akershus Fortress and the Vigeland Sculpture Park make for a particularly colorful backdrop on a sunny fall day, or wander just outside the city to Oslomarka Forest where you’ll see some of the nation’s most vibrant autumn foliage.
10. Transylvania, Romania
Transylvania has long been a place steeped in legend and magnificent imagery of medieval castles and misty moonlight. Take the 56-mile drive through the Fagaras Mountains, the highest mountains of the Southern Carpathians with over 20 peaks rising more than 8,000 feet, famous for its hairpin curves and breathtaking vistas of stunning autumn foliage.
I hope you enjoyed this selection of Places to Visit in Europe in Fall. Have you got any suggestions? List them in the comments below, I'm always on the lookout for new destinations!
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