It’s that time of year again when the nights get longer and the smell of pumpkin spice lattes fills the air. The arrival of autumn brings relief from the summer heatwaves, and it also provides us with beautiful fall colors to enjoy.
If you’re planning on traveling to Europe this autumn, then why not treat yourself to a romantic trip and see some of the best autumn foliage that the continent has to offer? Here are some of the top places in Europe to visit if you are looking to stomp through some beautiful, crunchy leaves.
- Lake Bled in Slovenia
Lake Bled is located in Slovenia and is home to the country’s only natural island. It takes around 1.5 hours to walk around the lake to get a good view of the magnificent leaves. Although it’s too cold to swim in the lake during the autumn season, you can still take a boat trip to the island of Lake Bled. Just make sure to charge your phone as the photos here are Instagram gold.
- The Lake District in England
The Lake District is a beautiful region that’s located in northern England, and it’s known for its beautiful views. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area was the inspiration for many Romantic poets, such as Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth.
Early in the morning, enjoy clear weather and a beautiful lake with a mirror-like appearance as you head to the town of Buttermere. Follow the A66 to Coniston Water and see the combination of deciduous and evergreen trees.
- Perthshire in Scotland
In Scotland, the county of Perthshire has some of the best views. One of these is the Meikleour Beech Hedge, which is located in the Highlands. This natural feature has a Guinness World Record for being the tallest hedge in the world.
The National Trust’s Hermitage is a beautiful stretch of forest that features deep gold and russet in the autumn. It also has a waterfall and romantic ruins. If you’re not satisfied with nature’s beauty, then book a ticket to the enchanted forest in Pitlochry, which is located in Scotland. During the autumn season, the forest’s magnificent lights and sound can captivate you.
- Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany
If you’re looking for a real-life version of a fairy tale castle, then look no further than the Neuschwanstein Castle. This castle, which is located in Bavaria, Germany, is straight out of a Disney film. Its rugged hills and the fall leaves add to the atmosphere.
The palace that was built for King Ludwig II can only be visited by guided tours. It was constructed during the late 19th century. Germany’s Black Forest is a beautiful region that’s five hours away from Munich. It’s full of beech, oak, and elm trees, and it’s a stark contrast to the evergreens.
- Transylvania in Romania
Although Transylvania is often associated with gothic architecture and vampire stories, it’s also a beautiful region that’s known for its beautiful autumn colors. The Mociar Forest is the oldest woodland in Romania and is perfect for exploring during the autumn season.
One of the best ways to enjoy the autumn foliage in Romania is through the country’s high-altitude roads. One of these is the Transfagarasan road, which connects Transylvania with the town of Craiova.
- Loire Valley in France
While mostly known for its wine, the Loire Valley in France is also known for its vibrant autumn colors. When you’re not sampling the vino, you can catch a glimpse of the grapevines turning deep purple and red. One of the most popular places to visit during the autumn season is the Chateau de Chaumont-sur-Loire. This property is known for its beautiful grounds, which are adorned with pumpkins and other related objects.
- Lapland in Finland
Although it’s typically associated with winter, the beautiful region of Lapland is known for its vibrant autumn colors. Not only is Rovaniemi the capital of this region, but it also has plenty of beautiful trees. Even though it may not snow, the area still drops down to a cold -2°C, so keep in mind to dress warmly.
