12 Best Places to Enjoy Spectacular Fall Foliage in Europe
Fall in Europe is truly magical, with vibrant colors transforming the landscapes into jaw-dropping scenery. From golden forests to rolling vineyards, Europe’s autumn season is a feast for the eyes.
Whether you’re strolling through charming villages or hiking through mountains, discover the 12 spots that offer some of the best fall foliage in Europe.
Let’s go! 🍂
1. Lake Bled, Slovenia
Lake Bled is a perfect spot to enjoy fall foliage in Europe, with its colorful trees reflecting on the lake’s crystal-clear waters and wonderful mountain backdrop.
Located just 45 minutes from Ljubljana, it’s an easy day trip to enjoy not only the views but also the local wine scene. The nearby Goriška Brda region is known for some of Slovenia’s best wines, making it a great place to explore during your visit.
🎡 Best Experience: Take a traditional pletna boat to Bled Island and enjoy a wine tasting at a local vineyard.
💡 Tip: Stay at a lakeside hotel for easy access to the best views, and rent a bike to ride around the lake for a full fall foliage experience.
2. Jura, France
Jura is an underrated gem for fall foliage lovers and wine enthusiasts in East France. Its rolling hills, dense forests, and vineyards come alive with autumn colors, and the hiking trails in Jura offer the perfect way to explore this picturesque region.
Famous for its vin jaune and Comté cheese, this area provides a peaceful, authentic experience just 1.5 hours from Geneva and 2 hours from Lyon.
🎡 Best Experience: Hike through the Jura Mountains and visit local vineyards such as Domaine Jean Macle for a vin jaune tasting.
💡 Tip: Don’t miss Château-Chalon, one of the prettiest wine villages in the Jura, known for its panoramic views and rustic charm.
🔍 Read more: Best Things to Do in Jura
3. Lake District, UK
Lake District National Park in Cumbria is one of the must-sees in England and a fantastic spot to catch vibrant fall colors.
Just 2 hours from Manchester, the rolling hills and peaceful lakes are breathtaking in autumn. It’s also home to some local vineyards where you can enjoy a glass of wine while taking in the stunning views of the changing leaves.
🎡 Best Experience: Drive around Lake Windermere and stop at High Cup Winery for a tasting.
💡 Tip: Stay in a cozy lakeside cottage and explore the quieter Ullswater area for fewer crowds and even better views.
4. Bavarian Alps, Germany
Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
The Bavarian Alps in southern Germany turn into an autumn paradise with stunning fall colors and mountain views. About an hour from Munich, the region is famous for its charming alpine villages like Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Autumn here brings not only vibrant landscapes but also the perfect weather for a wine tasting in one of the local vineyards.
🎡 Best Experience: Ride the cable car up to Zugspitze and enjoy the stunning autumn landscape.
💡 Tip: Visit Neuschwanstein Castle early in the morning to avoid the crowds and catch the best views surrounded by fall colors.
5. Transylvania, Romania
Transylvania, in central Romania, is a popular fall destination not only for its vibrant autumn foliage but also as a top destination for Halloween.
Known for its spooky atmosphere and medieval castles like Bran Castle (often linked to Dracula), it draws visitors looking for both natural beauty and Halloween thrills. Located about 3 hours from Bucharest, the region’s rich history and eerie charm make it an ideal fall getaway.
🎡 Best Experience: Drive the famous Transfagarasan Highway for spectacular fall scenery.
💡 Tip: Visit Bran Castle for a spooky autumn vibe, then head to the medieval town of Sighișoara to enjoy stunning fall foliage and fewer crowds.
6. Obersee, Switzerland
Obersee Lake in Näfels, Switzerland
One of the most beautiful places in Switzerland, Obersee near the town of Lucerne is a tranquil alpine lake surrounded by forests that explode with color in the fall.
Just an hour from Lucerne, it’s an ideal spot for a peaceful autumn escape. Autumn hikes around the lake offer breathtaking views of the changing landscape, with crystal-clear water reflecting the vibrant trees. The local vineyards nearby make it a great destination for wine lovers as well.
🎡 Best Experience: Hike around the lake and stop at the nearby Aescher Cliff restaurant for stunning views and a cozy mountain atmosphere.
💡 Tip: Arrive early in the morning to enjoy the lake’s calm and take advantage of the quiet trails before they get busier.
7. Hallstatt, Austria
Hallstatt, nestled in the Austrian Alps, is a small lakeside town that feels like something out of a fairy tale, especially in the fall.
Just an hour from Salzburg, the town’s beautiful fall foliage and surrounding vineyards make it a dream destination for wine and nature lovers alike.
🎡 Best Experience: Take a boat ride on Lake Hallstatt to fully appreciate the autumn colors.
💡 Tip: Visit the Hallstatt Skywalk for panoramic views of the town and the incredible autumn landscape.
8. Loire Valley, France
One of the most iconic places in France, the Loire Valley in central France is not only famous for its magnificent châteaux but also for its scenic beauty in the fall. The region’s golden vineyards and colorful forests create a stunning backdrop to some of France’s most iconic castles.
Just a 2-hour drive from Paris, this area is perfect for autumn bike rides or leisurely walks through historic towns, giving you a chance to take in the region’s charm at a slower pace.
🎡 Best Experience: Visit Château de Chambord and cycle through the colorful vineyards for an unforgettable experience.
💡 Tip: Don’t miss Château de Chenonceau, one of the most picturesque châteaux, especially in autumn.
9. Plitvice Lake, Croatia
Located in central Croatia, about 2 hours from Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes National Park is famous for its cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear lakes. It becomes a true natural wonder in autumn when the vibrant fall colors transform its 16 interconnected lakes into a breathtaking spectacle.
About 2 hours from Zagreb, it’s definitely one of the most picturesque places in Europe to visit during this time.
🎡 Best Experience: Walk the wooden pathways that wind through the park, taking in the waterfalls and autumn foliage.
💡 Tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds and bring waterproof gear as the mist from the waterfalls can get strong.
10. Scottish Highlands, UK
Lock Muick, Scotland
The Scottish Highlands, located in northern Scotland, are breathtaking in the fall, with dramatic landscapes of golden forests and rugged mountains.
About 3 hours from Edinburgh, this region is perfect for a scenic autumn road trip with plenty of cozy whisky distilleries along the way.
🎡 Best Experience: Take a drive through Glencoe for some of the best autumn views in the Highlands.
💡 Tip: Visit in late October for the most vibrant foliage, and bring layers as the weather can be unpredictable.
11. Black Forest, Germany
The Black Forest in southwestern Germany is a magical place in autumn, with its deep forests and charming villages.
Just an hour from Stuttgart, it’s an ideal spot for fall hikes and wine tastings in the region’s famous vineyards.
🎡 Best Experience: Hike the scenic Schwarzwaldhochstrasse and enjoy panoramic views of the autumn landscape.
💡 Tip: Visit the town of Triberg to see its famous waterfalls surrounded by fall foliage, and don’t miss the local Black Forest cake!
12. French and Spain Pyrenees
Gavarnie, French Pyrenees
The Pyrenees Mountains, straddling the border between France and Spain, are a breathtaking autumn destination with their rugged peaks and vibrant forests.
About 2 hours from Toulouse in France or Barcelona in Spain, it’s a great spot for both hiking and wine tasting as the nearby vineyards produce some fantastic wines.
🎡 Best Experience: Hike the Cirque de Gavarnie for epic views of the mountains and fall colors.
💡 Tip: Visit in early autumn for the best foliage, and don’t forget to dress in layers as temperatures can change quickly in the mountains.
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That’s a wrap! Of course, there are many more beautiful places to enjoy in the autumn in Europe, but I had to draw the line somewhere.
Before you go, save this post using the buttons below, and check out my fall packing list to make sure you’ve got everything you need for your trip to Europe.
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