Autumn in Europe is one of the best times to travel across the continent: the summer crowds thin, prices drop, and landscapes burst into fiery shades of red, orange, and gold.
Europe in Autumn
Whether you’re seeking tranquil countryside escapes, bustling city breaks, or scenic wine regions, autumn in Europe is perfect.
Naturally, there are plenty of places that are great to visit at this time of the year, but these Autumn destinations in Europe are some perfect ones, and for different reasons, to give you an idea of where you may want to go.
1. Bavaria, Germany
Autumn in Bavaria is nothing short of magical. Rolling hills and alpine meadows explode with vibrant fall foliage, while fairytale castles like Neuschwanstein rise above misty valleys.
This is also the season of Oktoberfest in Munich, the world’s largest beer festival, where travelers can enjoy traditional Bavarian brews, hearty sausages, and folk music. Beyond Munich, smaller towns such as Füssen and Garmisch-Partenkirchen offer incredible hiking opportunities framed by autumn colors.
- Best time to visit: Late September to mid-October for festivals and foliage
- Don’t miss: Driving the Romantic Road for charming medieval towns
2. Transylvania, Romania
Famous for its Dracula legends, Transylvania is particularly atmospheric in autumn. The Carpathian Mountains glow with coppery leaves, and medieval castles like Bran Castle and Corvin Castle seem even more haunting in the autumn mist.
The region also celebrates harvest season, making it an excellent time to sample local wines and hearty stews.
- Best time to visit: October for Halloween-inspired tours
- Don’t miss: Exploring the medieval town of Sighișoara
3. Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany is world-renowned for its wine and rolling countryside, but in autumn it truly shines. Vineyards in Chianti and Montalcino turn golden, and harvest season brings grape-picking festivals, olive oil tastings, and seasonal truffle dishes.
Siena and Florence provide rich cultural experiences without the summer tourist crowds, making autumn the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration.
- Best time to visit: September to November for harvest festivities
- Don’t miss: Truffle hunting tours in San Miniato
Related: Best Things To Do In Florence, Tuscany
4. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague’s gothic architecture looks even more enchanting when framed by autumn leaves. Strolling across Charles Bridge in the morning mist or exploring the historic Prague Castle feels cinematic this time of year.
The Vltava River reflects the golden hues of the trees lining its banks, making autumn an ideal season for photography.
- Best time to visit: October for fewer crowds
- Don’t miss: Climbing Petřín Hill for panoramic autumn views
5. The Scottish Highlands, Scotland
The Highlands of Scotland are rugged and wild, and autumn brings a dramatic palette of orange, yellow, and red to its sweeping landscapes.
The lochs mirror fiery hillsides, and misty mornings make castles like Eilean Donan feel ethereal. Autumn is also deer rutting season, offering wildlife enthusiasts an unforgettable spectacle.
- Best time to visit: September to early November
- Don’t miss: Driving the North Coast 500 for breathtaking autumn scenery
Related: Best Castles in The Scottish Highlands To Visit
6. Vienna, Austria
Vienna in autumn is a blend of culture, elegance, and golden parks. Schönbrunn Palace gardens and the Stadtpark are carpeted with crisp leaves, while cozy coffee houses provide a warm refuge for visitors.
Autumn is also opera season, giving culture lovers the chance to enjoy world-class performances in historic venues.
- Best time to visit: October for culture and foliage
- Don’t miss: Visiting the vineyards on Vienna’s outskirts during harvest
7. Loire Valley, France
The Loire Valley, often called the “Garden of France,” is particularly stunning in autumn. Vineyards glow with seasonal colors, castles such as Chambord and Chenonceau look striking against golden backdrops, and wine harvest festivals fill the countryside with energy.
The weather remains pleasant for cycling between vineyards and châteaux.
- Best time to visit: September and October for grape harvest
- Don’t miss: Sampling wines directly from local vineyards
8. Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is a medieval city that feels straight out of a fairy tale. Its cobblestone streets, canals, and historic buildings become even more charming under the golden hues of autumn. Cozy cafés serve Belgian waffles and hot chocolate, making it the perfect autumn city break.
The quiet canals reflect the changing leaves, creating postcard-perfect scenes.
- Best time to visit: October for fewer tourists
- Don’t miss: Canal boat rides during sunset
9. Lake Bled, Slovenia
Lake Bled is beautiful year-round, but autumn adds a unique layer of magic. The iconic church on Bled Island is framed by golden forests, and Bled Castle overlooks a colorful landscape that feels almost unreal.
Crisp mountain air, nearby hiking trails, and seasonal Slovenian cuisine make this destination a must in autumn.
- Best time to visit: Mid-October for peak colors
- Don’t miss: Hiking to Ojstrica viewpoint for the best lake views
10. Andalusia, Spain
Autumn in Andalusia offers mild weather, perfect for exploring historic cities like Seville, Granada, and Córdoba without the scorching summer heat.
The Alhambra in Granada is especially atmospheric in the softer autumn light, while Seville’s orange trees start to bear fruit. This is also the season of cultural festivals, flamenco shows, and traditional cuisine.
- Best time to visit: September to November
- Don’t miss: Visiting Córdoba’s Mezquita in the golden evening light
11. The Black Forest, Germany
Germany’s Black Forest is one of Europe’s most enchanting autumn destinations. Dense forests blaze with autumn colors, while charming villages serve Black Forest cake and local schnapps.
Hiking trails like the Feldberg offer sweeping views of the golden landscape, and cozy guesthouses make for perfect autumn retreats.
- Best time to visit: Late September through October
- Don’t miss: Exploring Triberg, home to Germany’s tallest waterfalls
12. Kraków, Poland
Kraków’s medieval Old Town glows warmly in the autumn sun. Cafés around the Main Market Square serve seasonal treats, while Wawel Castle overlooks the golden trees along the Vistula River.
Autumn is also the start of the cultural season, with film and music festivals drawing international crowds.
- Best time to visit: October
- Don’t miss: Walking through Planty Park for a canopy of golden leaves
13. Cinque Terre, Italy
The five cliffside villages of Cinque Terre are less crowded in autumn, offering travelers the chance to enjoy coastal hikes in cooler weather.
Vineyards and lemon groves dot the terraced hillsides, and the Mediterranean glimmers under softer light. This is also harvest time, making it ideal for sampling fresh wines and seafood.
- Best time to visit: September and October
- Don’t miss: Hiking the Sentiero Azzurro trail between villages
14. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest becomes especially photogenic in autumn, with Buda Castle Hill and Margaret Island glowing in shades of red and gold.
The city’s famous thermal baths feel even more inviting in the crisp autumn air, making it a perfect mix of relaxation and sightseeing. Seasonal food markets add to the city’s cozy atmosphere.
- Best time to visit: October for peak foliage
- Don’t miss: A sunset cruise along the Danube
15. Lake District, England
The Lake District in northern England is breathtaking in autumn. Rolling hills, serene lakes, and quaint villages are framed by fiery woodlands, making it a paradise for hikers and photographers.
The weather is cooler, but the scenery more than compensates, and pubs with roaring fires offer cozy refuge after long walks.
- Best time to visit: Late September to November
- Don’t miss: Hiking around Lake Windermere
16. Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn’s medieval Old Town, with its cobbled streets and spires, feels even more magical in autumn. The crisp Baltic air and autumn leaves add a romantic atmosphere, while cozy cafés serve traditional pastries and mulled wine.
With fewer crowds than summer, it’s the perfect time for leisurely exploration.
- Best time to visit: October
- Don’t miss: Climbing Toompea Hill for panoramic city views
17. Provence, France
Autumn in Provence means wine harvests, truffle markets, and lavender fields fading into golden landscapes. The countryside is calmer than in summer, and the villages feel more authentic without the tourist rush.
Vineyards in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas are at their most inviting, offering tastings of some of France’s best wines.
- Best time to visit: September and October
- Don’t miss: Sampling black truffles at local markets
18. Hallstatt, Austria
Hallstatt, perched on a lake and surrounded by mountains, looks straight out of a storybook in autumn. The colorful leaves reflect off the water, and the alpine backdrop becomes even more dramatic with seasonal mist.
It’s one of Europe’s most photographed villages, and autumn offers quieter, more serene visits compared to summer.
- Best time to visit: Mid-October for peak beauty
- Don’t miss: Taking the funicular up to the Skywalk for panoramic views
19. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Autumn is the ideal time to explore Dubrovnik’s medieval walls and historic Old Town without the overwhelming summer crowds.
The Adriatic Sea remains warm enough for swimming well into October, and the surrounding hills turn golden as autumn sets in. The city feels more authentic, with locals reclaiming the streets.
- Best time to visit: September and October
- Don’t miss: Walking the city walls at sunset
20. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen’s hygge culture makes autumn especially inviting. The city’s canals are lined with colorful houses and golden trees, while cozy cafés glow with candles in the evenings.
Tivoli Gardens transforms into an autumn wonderland with seasonal decorations, making it a highlight for families and couples alike.
- Best time to visit: October and November
- Don’t miss: Experiencing hygge in a traditional Danish café
Autumn Destinations in Europe
Autumn in Europe isn’t just a season—it’s a feeling. It’s sipping wine in a cozy café while the streets glow with golden leaves, it’s getting lost in cobblestoned alleys that feel like they’ve been plucked from a storybook, and it’s chasing sunsets that look even more magical against crisp autumn skies.
No matter where you wander, Autumn has a way of slowing things down and making every moment feel special. It’ one of my favourite times of the year 🙂
For more on Europe, have a look at my travel guides to Europe.
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