October is not a gloomy time at all; it's the perfect season to admire the vibrant colors of nature. For those who love to travel in the midst of autumn, here's our selection of suitable places in Europe.
It's that time of year when nights grow longer, the air gets cooler, and the scent of freshly cooked pumpkin soup fills the air.
Autumn, we hope, will bring relief to everyone after the exhausting summer heat and delight us with picturesque landscapes.
It's time to put on your favorite sweater and embark on a romantic journey through autumnal Europe. Here are seven of the best places to enjoy the bright colors of this season and take a leisurely walk through the rustling fallen leaves.
- Lake Bled, Slovenia Lake Bled, which offers one of the most impressive views of the mountains, is home to the only natural island in the country. A walk around the lake takes about 1.5 hours, giving you plenty of time to breathe in the fresh autumn air.
While the water is too cold for swimming in the autumn months, you can rent a boat to paddle across the lake. Just remember to charge your phone – photos here are Instagram-worthy.
- Lake District, England Visiting the Lake District, you'll understand why this place has inspired many romantic poets, from Samuel Taylor Coleridge to William Wordsworth, with its breathtaking views. This corner of northern England has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2017.
Head to Buttermere on a clear morning and admire the mirror-like lake reflecting the autumn leaves. In the afternoon, visit Coniston Water, where you can see a blend of evergreen and deciduous trees.
- Perthshire, Scotland Perhaps nowhere else in the world experiences autumn quite like Scotland. In Perthshire, also known as Perth, where the highlands meet the lowlands, you'll find the Meikleour Beech Hedge, recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world's tallest living hedge.
The Hermitage, a local forest owned by the National Trust, transforms into shades of golden and russet in the autumn. Here, you'll also find historic woodland cottages and a waterfall.
If you're still not satisfied with these sights, continue your journey to the Enchanted Forest in Pitlochry. It earned its name for a reason: during this season, you can witness the magic of nature in action.
- Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany Search for "fairytale castles in real life," and one of the first results you're likely to find is Neuschwanstein. It looks like it's straight out of a Disney movie, with its soaring turrets surrounded by hills covered in autumnal trees, adding to its charm.
Located in the Bavarian Alps, the palace was built for King Ludwig II in the late 19th century and can only be visited with a guided tour.
For those traveling by car, consider taking a five-hour drive to the Black Forest, where oak, ash, and beech trees contrast with evergreen pines.
- Transylvania, Romania Transylvania might still evoke images of vampires and gothic architecture for many, but it's one of the best places in Europe to witness the delights of autumn. The Mociar Forest, the oldest forest in Romania, covers an impressive 1,400 acres and is perfect for an autumn stroll.
Another way to enjoy the autumn landscapes is by driving through the highlands. There are countless scenic routes to explore. The Transfagarasan Highway, a 90-kilometer road connecting Transylvania to Wallachia, reaches heights of up to 2,042 meters.
- Loire Valley, France World-famous for its wines, the Loire Valley is especially delightful in autumn when the vineyards turn dark red and purple. The historic châteaux in this region look even more picturesque against this backdrop.
The Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire, located right on the banks of the Loire River, is adorned with pumpkins, cucumbers, and other vegetables during this season. This is due to the International Garden Festival held here, adding to the autumn charm.
- Lapland, Finland Despite Lapland's traditional association with winter, it truly comes to life in autumn. This season features the dazzling Northern Lights, and the forests around Rovaniemi, the region's main city, are simply stunning.
While there's no snow yet, temperatures can drop to -2°C (28°F), so don't forget to dress warmly.
