Fall is one of the most beautiful and fun times to visit Europe. The weather is perfect, not too hot and not too cool. The harvests are finished and locals everywhere are celebrating with all kinds of festivals. As we have with our Europe in Spring, Summer, and Winter articles, we’ve asked fellow travelers to let us know where they think is the best place to go during the autumn season. Some places are obvious, like chasing the fall foliage in the Alps; other locations might just be a surprise!
Check out all the Great Places to Head to during Fall in Europe
Santorini, Greece by Tasha Amy of Backpackers Wanderlust
When you think about Santorini, you don’t really think much about it having sun kissed beaches. The islands tourism is primarily built around its volcano, eruption and subsequent forming of its spectacular caldera. Put that together with all its picturesque white houses built on the side of the cliffs and you have an island that is one of the best places to visit in Europe during fall.
One main activity you should definitely do is the 10km hike from Fira to Oia. During the heat of a summer’s day this can be challenging, but it is much more bearable in the cooler winter months. The views are just as amazing and you have the added bonus of having less tourists to share the popular “insta” spots with, along the way.
This brings me on to the other main point, the crowds. In the summer the small island is overcrowded with people, to the point that if you want that perfect sunset spot, make sure you take your seat at least 3 hours prior. In winter, the crowds are a lot smaller making the whole experience more bearable. Oftentimes the busy village of Oia is overcrowded with people, ruining its picturesque charm. Luckily this is less of an issue during fall meaning you will have the ultimate holiday; making Santorini one of the best places to travel to in Europe during fall.
Amsterdam, Netherlands by Paula from ContentedTraveller
I have been seriously in love with Amsterdam since our first visit in the fall of 2013. Despite having a broken leg from some awesome skiing in Australia, and despite having to negotiate the cobblestoned streets on crutches, and by the way, every toilet in Amsterdam is up a tiny flight of stairs, I fell for the city.
Five visits later, and nothing has changed. It is the canals, the crooked houses, the leaves blowing from the trees in fall, the food, and the people, which make Amsterdam an amazing destination. Yes, the brown cafes, and the red light districts in De Wallen are fun to visit, but it is the laid back attitude, the history, the art, and the very attractive environment that makes Amsterdam the place to visit in any season, but probably more significantly in the fall, or autumn as we Australians call it. On our first visit, we stayed on a houseboat on the Prinsengracht canal, and on subsequent visits, we always stay on the canals, which are the lifeblood of the free-spirited city. I guess you can tell, that we love Amsterdam.
Tuscany, Italy by Liz of Peanuts or Pretzels
While Tuscany, Italy is on the list of many travelers, the region is particularly full of charm during the Fall season. It’s not just the array of colors which paint the rolling hillsides, ranging from green to red and orange to brown.The warm days are enjoyable without being hot, and the cool nights are perfect for a cozy get together with friends.
What is especially lovely about Tuscany in the Fall are the harvest festivals, which take place the last part of September through early October. Part of the fun of visiting Tuscany any time of the year is driving around the countryside visiting all the little villages that dot the hillsides, sampling food and drink. But during the harvest season, many of these towns will have a variety of festivities to enjoy. If you are lucky, you may even be able to participate in some of the harvesting at local farms or stomp some grapes at a winery!
The Fall season is really a special time in Tuscany, and being able to actually experience some of the cultural traditions of the harvest makes for some of the best travel memories. Plus, it’s a great time to pick up some fresh items to bring back home!
Montenegro by Natalie of Unbridled
When recommending a place to visit in Europe for fall, everyone talks about Spain, Italy, and Greece. I, however, will always scream “Montenegro”! In fall, you can enjoy Montenegro even more than in summer because it is the off-season. It means fewer tourists while still benefitting from summer temperatures. While it seems to be touristy in high season, many people still don’t even know where it is located as it is one of the youngest countries in Europe.
Montenegro is barely as large as Northern Ireland, but you can enjoy a huge diversity of nature and sights. From divine beaches and gorgeous mountains to medieval fortresses – Montenegro has it all. You will be thrilled by the narrow streets of Old Towns in Budva and Kotor, as well as fortress ruins in Bar. Hike the mountains in the Durmitor National Park or do some rafting in one of Europe’s deepest canyons – you will definitely get a kick out of Montenegro. It is THE place to go for fall if you are an adventure seeker and like to enjoy less crowded destinations.
Krakow, Poland by Viktor of Traveling Lifestyle
Krakow during the fall is absolutely amazing. It’s rich in history, beautiful in architecture and simply charming with its vibe. It has the oldest and the biggest medieval square in Europe, and in my personal opinion also the most beautiful one. St. Mary’s Basilica will leave you awestruck and breathless while you explore the different corners of the square.
In the middle, there is also the oldest shopping mall in the world, where nowadays you can buy souvenirs that will remind you of this magical trip and other goodies you can bring home to your loved ones. But the best part of the city, in my opinion, must be the Jewish quarter, it just gives off this chill and bohemian vibe, but it wasn’t always like that as from Krakow you can also take a day trip to Auschwitz. Although it won’t leave you in a happy mood, it will give you an appreciation for the city and its rich history. All in all, Krakow during the fall is a must!
Perugia, Italy by Brenda of Traveleira
Perugia is one of the most underrated destinations in Italy. Its location makes it an easy place to access from Italy’s major destinations such as Rome or Florence. Just a two-hour bus ride from Rome will take you right to the center of Perugia.
Fall is a great season to visit Perugia mainly because it is a University city. Students from all over the world start their terms in Fall and there is always something going on when it comes to nightlife. This detail also makes it a cosmopolitan city on which almost any language could be heard.
Another reason why Perugia should be visited during Fall is because in October, the Eurochocolate festival takes place in the center of the city. The Eurochocolate is one of the biggest chocolate festivals on the continent. Chocolate brands from all over the world gather in a 10-day event where you can enjoy tastings, cooking lessons and different activities that has chocolate as the star of the event. Perugia is the house of the Perugina Chocolate Museum. This is one of the must do while visiting the city, it doesn’t matter if you visit during Fall or any other season.
With chocolate, beautiful mountain views, and cosmopolitan night life, what else can be asked of for a Fall destination?
Ring of Kerry, Ireland by Talek of Travels with Talek
Ireland is everything you imagine it to be. You will find stunning beauty throughout this amazing island, but the Ring of Kerry is something special. The Ring of Kerry is one of the peninsulas lying on the southwest part of the island in County Kerry, about 4 hours west of Dublin, the capital city.
The area remains green through the year but Fall is especially beautiful. At this time of the year the weather has a slight chill in the air but is still warm enough to feel the sun light. Also, the large tour groups are mostly reduced to a much smaller trickle of tourists.
The list of activities is endless. Most visitors enjoy the many walking trails that frequently take you to an historic castle, a bucolic sheep herd, or the windswept cliffs plunging into the north Atlantic. The ring circumnavigates the peninsula taking you through charming towns, pre-historic stone formations and picturesque, moss-grown cemeteries.
Lake Bled, Slovenia by Shandos of Travelnuity
While summer may be peak season to visit Lake Bled in Slovenia, I’d argue that this destination is best visited during the fall. When I visited in late September, all the trees were brightly coloured with the yellows and reds of the changing leaves. Combined with the beautiful blues and greens of the lakes and rivers, it was a kaleidoscope of mesmerising colour!
While the lake is now too cold for all but the bravest for swimming, it’s now the perfect time of year to head out hiking, whether it’s the short trail through the Vintgar Gorge (pictured) or longer routes through the surrounding national park. The region is also a lot more peaceful when it isn’t packed with tourists, with accommodation both easier to find and cheaper.
Lonely Planet has just named the Julian Alps region that Lake Bled lies in as one of the best destinations to visit in 2018, so follow their advice and head there next year – but in fall!
Gijon, Spain by Inma at A World of Travel
Finding out the weather forecast for your upcoming destination looks grey and rainy should never be an issue. Here in the Northern part of Spain, we are used to always trying to make the most out of our gorgeous land. That’s why we’d love to encourage everyone to visit this region no matter the climate.
Gijon, a city by the Cantabric Sea in the green and beautiful Asturias, is a perfect Fall destination. In fact, if you happen to visit it in the shoulder season, you will face no big crowds, extreme temperatures or expensive prices. And all its usual goodness will be still there. From San Lorenzo beach, where people take baths and surf all year round to La Providencia viewpoint where I was lucky to experience paragliding; there is a myriad of things to do in Gijon. Enjoy!
Barcelona, Spain by Jen of Jen on a Jet Plane
Barcelona is one of the world’s most visited cities, averaging 8 million tourists per year. Fall is the perfect time to visit — the summer crowds will have dispersed and the weather will cool down enough to make walking bearable again, but not so much that you’ll miss out on the nearby beach attractions.
Those looking to experience whimsy should seek out all things Gaudí. From Sagrada Familia to Parc Guell, his architectural feats both indoors and outdoors are a pleasant introduction to the city. If you want to experience the local culture, go to a flamenco show or the Picasso Museum. In any case, advanced tickets are recommended.
Sports fans should stop at Camp Nou, the largest stadium in Europe and home to the FC Barcelona team. You can catch a game for a reasonable price. During the fall the team will be fresh off its summer vacation, ready to kick off a new season. For a quick day trip, head to Montserrat, where you can watch the famous Boys’ Choir sing before they go on winter break.
Finally, don’t miss out on Barcelona’s fall events, like Festes de La Merce, a wine and cava festival in October, and the annual international film festival in Sitges.
Kiev, Ukraine by Kami of My Wanderlust
Kiev, Ukraine is one of the most underrated capitals in Europe. It’s fascinating, beautiful, diverse and – on top of all – a great value for money! If you’d like to see beautiful golden dome churches and spectacular Soviet architecture, amazing street art scene and hipster spots, or a real Eastern European bazaar, Kiev is a place for you.
Autumn, and especially late September/early October, is a great time for a trip to Kiev – the city isn’t that crowded, you still can enjoy outdoor activities or just spend the time in one of the many parks and watch the life go by. The air might be crisp but the colorful trees would take your breath away. Kiev is a rather green city and once the autumn comes be sure to visit one of the many parks: Mariinskiy, Schevchenko or Hidropark.
You will get the best autumn pictures from Volodymyrska Hill or Landscape Alley. If the weather is not on your side Kiev has lots of amazing cafes and restaurants with really affordable prices so rain or shine I bet you will have a wonderful time visiting the city. Despite the popular opinion Kiev is a safe place; so don’t be afraid and plan your trip to Ukraine soon!
Copenhagen, Denmark by Sierra of Passport Voyager
If you’re looking for a fantastic city to visit in Europe this fall, be sure you put Copenhagen, Denmark in the running! This beautiful, welcoming capital city of Denmark is a joy to visit any time of year, but it is especially magical during the fall season. Strolling around the city, all bundled up, popping in and out of warm, cozy cafes is the perfect way to enjoy a visit here.
Copenhagen is notoriously easy to get around, between the accessibility of public transportation, the availability of bicycles, and how pleasant it is to walk through. Take advantage of that and bike around the city, taking time to explore gorgeous sights like the canals (Nyhavn really is worth a visit!), the Copenhagen Botanical Gardens (the Palm House is always nice and warm and will transport you the tropics!), and perhaps a free walking tour.
Don’t forget the food! Copenhagen’s culinary scene has truly blossomed in recent years, making it the perfect place to try lots of different cuisines and styles of food. Mirabelle is a beautifully designed bakery and restaurant offering delicious baked goods and coffee for a middle-of-the-day pick me up, and Condesa has some to-die-for fish tacos that you can eat bundled up outside on the plaza by the canal to round out the day.
While Copenhagen is delightful to visit in any season, it is exceptionally lovely in the fall – be sure you add it to your list!
Porto, Portugal by Jodie of A La Jode
Given how relatively unknown the city of Porto is, I would say any time is a good time to visit. But if you want to see northern Portugal at its best, visit in the fall. The weather is milder and the crowds are fewer, but it’s still dry enough to explore. You’ll also be able to fit more in as the summer queues at museums and other tourist attractions are next to non-existent. Plus, if you’re travelling from another European city, it’s a great way to extend your summer and continue enjoying some sunny weather.
Even though most first-time visitors to Portugal head straight to the capital city of Lisbon, Porto is a beautiful city for a fall city break. There’s enough to discover in the city itself, but I highly recommend getting out to see the surrounding area too. Driving from Porto to Guimaraes and Braga (and back again) is one of my favourite road trips I’ve ever taken. The distances are short in Portugal, so you can fit lots in, and you’ll be surrounded by fall colours the entire time. Northern Portugal is full of natural beauty and it only becomes more beautiful in the fall months.
Vienna, Austria by Lauren of Far Am A Gan
Vienna in fall is like a scene from a fairy tale. On one side of the Danube you can admire miles of vibrant street art – on the other, the calm water reflects pink fluffy snow clouds. Fall is Vienna’s downtime – the outdoor concerts of summer are over and the streets quieten before the Christmas market madness. It’s the perfect time to admire Stephansplatz (the city centre) without the crowds. Climb to the top of St Stephen’s Cathedral for the best view of Vienna in all it’s Autumnal glory.
The gardens of Schönbrunn Palace cannot be missed as a blanket of Autumn leaves provide the perfect backdrop for an insta-snap or two. Within the palace grounds you can also explore the orangery or get lost in the palace maze. Then head to The Belvedere (home to Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss) to warm up whilst admiring the stunning ceilings, artwork and interiors before heading back out to dance in the leaves of The Belvedere Palace gardens.
End your day with the famous Wiener schnitzel and local Austrian beer in a cosy, traditional tavern. Or by throwing on the glad rags and attending one of the city’s iconic venues to watch the world renowned opera. A city not to be missed during fall!
Lavaux Vineyards, Switzerland By Rashmi and Chalukya of GOBeyondBounds
The Lavaux Vineyards are one of the most beautiful places in Switzerland and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The vineyards are beautiful to behold every season be it summer or snow but they are spectacular in fall when the leaves are colored in hues of orange and golden.
The famous wine region of Switzerland is set along the shores of Lake Geneva from the city of Montreux to Lausanne. The vineyard terraces have around 30 km of hiking trails which offer stunning views of the lake, the Alps and small towns along the shores of the lake.
There are several wine cellars amidst the vineyard terraces which you can visit for wine tasting. Some cellars also offer a tour of the cellar. The vineyard terraces can be explored on foot through the various hiking trails or you can join one of the guided tours and learn more about the wines and the vineyards. Or you can also hop onto one of the two tourist trains that chug through the terraces and couple of towns along the shores.
Also not to miss during your visit to Lavaux in fall is the ‘Grape Harvest Festival’ which is usually held during the month of September. The festival is full of fun activities and lots of wine tasting.
Rome, Italy by Kirralee of Escape with Kids
As the stifling heat of summer passes, the blue skies and sunshine of fall in Rome makes this the perfect time to visit. The average day time temperature of 22°c is ideal for sightseeing, but keep in mind temperatures can vary from around 27°c at the start of fall down to 17°c just before winter.
Rome, like many European cities, needs to be walked to be fully experienced. By choosing to visit in fall you can comfortably explore the winding laneways, take a guided tour of the Colosseum, or climb the stairs to the dome of St Peter’s Basilica. If you’re feeling energetic take yourself on a walking tour from the Colosseum to St Peter’s as we did. Stop off at the Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and Castel Sant’Angelo. Delve deeper into the maze of narrow streets to have lunch at an adorable restaurant like Cantina e Cucina. And don’t forget to enjoy a refreshing gelato along the way.
Rome in fall is a delight. The crowds are lighter than the summer peak, although, let’s be honest, there are always crowds at every sight in Rome. Get out early and throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain without jostling for position. Buy a skip the line ticket and audioguide to gaze in wonder at the masterpieces in the Vatican Museum. Or have your morning coffee in Piazza della Rotonda in full view of the hulking ancient beauty of the Pantheon.
St. Moritz, Switzerland by Edit of Edit Around the World
Switzerland’s postcard perfect beauty is recognized worldwide and it’s confirmed by the big number of tourists that make their way to the posh mountain resort of Saint Moritz. Opposite of winter, in fall the little town is rather quiet and modest, but it stands out due to the amazing colors of the trees and the falling leaves. A true soul-touching experience, strolling by the lake and observe the mesmerizing reflections, St Moritz will steal your heart in an instant. It’s clean and simply beautiful.
In St. Moritz, You will find yourself surrounded with absolutely wonderful nature, high mountains, crystal clear water, falling leaves of all colors and if that may not be enough, a little but very compact town center where from expensive brand names to typical homemade specialities you will find everything you wish for. Chalets, restaurants, boutiques and much more, the home of delicious Swiss chocolate and famous cheese, will definitely offer unforgettable fall photography opportunities.
The outdoors lover’s paradise, St Moritz is a great hiking area, with well defined trails and the possibility of hopping on a chair lift in case you’d like to admire the view without making much effort. If you would like to experience getting lost in the world of beautiful colors and perfect nature, a visit to St Moritz, Switzerland in fall will surely not disappoint.
Cyprus by Natasha of the World Pursuit
The small country of Cyprus is one of the best places to visit in Europe in the Fall especially if you’re hoping to extend your chance of sunshine and beaches. That’s what we were after when it suddenly started snowing on us in Poland in the middle of October. We had enough of the cold weather and decided to book tickets to Cyprus. Many people think that Cyrpus is part of Greece, but it is actually its own island country south of Turkey. Cyprus is a nice blend of Greek and Turkish culture.
During September and October, the website Holiday Weather puts the probability of sunshine at 80% and a 61% in November. Considering Cyprus enjoys warm Mediterranean climate the sunshine is not too surprising. If you yourself travel during the fall months you will likely experience sunny skies and warm ocean temperatures around the country. We spent almost every day at the beach and in the water enjoying our suntans and not missing the European dreary weather.
Besides the sunshine, I also love Cyprus for the amazing Greek and Turkish food, and the Cypriot people are among some of the friendliest people we have met. Ryan Air runs cheap flights to Cyprus from most European hubs and once you get there the country is very affordable!
The Scottish HIghlands by Nicole of Nicole LaBarge
Scotland is full of natural breath taking scenery and my favourite time to explore is in the Autumn when the leaves are changing and you can see all of the fall foliage.
The Highlands of Scotland is one of the best places to see the change in colour of the trees and its also the off season to visit so you won’t have to deal with the crowds. In the peak of summer, travelling around Scotland involves following a caravan of at least 10 cars so if you travel off peak you will be able to visit places without the crowds.
Scotland’s beauty lies in its landscape and for me that means the lochs of Scotland. A loch is a body of water that lies inland. You can visit the famous Loch Ness and search for Nessie just south of Inverness. It is a long, narrow loch and you can visit Urquart Castle on the shores of the loch.
Eilean Donan Castle is possibly Scotland’s most famous castle on the shores of Loch Duich in Dornie. The scenery here is stunning and if you visit after hours you will have great views of the castle without the crowds.
Just remember, no matter what season it is sure to rain in Scotland when you visit!
London, England by Suzanne of PhilaTravelGirl
London has been one of my favorite cities in Europe to visit all year long but I’m partial to visiting in the Fall/Autumn.In September and October, the summer crowds have subsided and the city is brought back to life as locals return from holiday and the pulse of daily life returns to the neighborhoods and city center.
For a city that is prone to complain about the weather all year long, autumn tends to be one of the few times we can all agree that it’s nice to see the sun and enjoy the night chill that is starting to arrive after the summer of oppressive heat. As the weather transitions, you can still enjoy the seasonal rooftop bars, al fresco dining, open boat rides and rooftop cinema events. Enjoy the walks in St. James’s Park to see the ducks, changing leaves as fall colors emerge and watch the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace – all of the touristy things to do without worry of crowds, a winter coat or hiding from the heat.
As the sun sets earlier, the lights of the city sparkle and dazzle as you walk along the Thames or enjoy the views from above at Sky Garden, The Shard or London Eye. For the ultimate fall adventure, travel to Hampstead Heath to enjoy the skyline views of London and take in the natural beauty of the heath before finding the local pub to enjoy a pint (or two) in front of the fireplace or out in the garden before the winter chill of festive season arrives in London.
Dubrovnik, Croatia by Shweta of Zest in a Tote
The medieval town of Dubrovnik in Croatia is one of the best preserved towns I have been to. We visited Dubrovnik at the end of our two week trip to Croatia and Slovenia. Game of Thrones locations aside, I can’t think of another place with more panoramic views of the orange coloured roofs and jewel-toned blue waters of the Adriatic Sea. But with the fame comes the crowds, and Dubrovnik is to be avoided in the months of July and August when it is packed with tourists from cruises that stop for a day.
It is best to visit the city in fall, once the massive summer crowds have left but the Adriatic Sea is still warm for a dip. Even walking the old town walls, one of the best experiences to be had here, is wonderful with less heat during the day. You see some interesting landmarks while walking the walls such as St. Lawrence Fortress, Revelin fortress and Lokrum island in the distance.
Take a cable car up the Srd hill for more panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas, enjoy the food and drinks at the lively cafes in the old town, take a Game of Thrones tour, visit the palaces and cathedrals to peek into the history, visit the island of Lokrum via a ferry – there are so many memorable experiences to be had in Dubrovnik.
Plitvice National Park, Croatia by Noel of Travel Photo Discovery
If your looking for an amazing experience during the fall season, then head out to Plitvice National Park in Croatia this autumn. The park is truly stunning with entire mountains of bursting colors amid gorgeous waterfalls that make Plitvice a very memorable experience. Along the route, you also get to cruise through a wonderful lake to many spots to drop by and explore the surrounding landscape.
If you have more time, stay overnight in the park and you’ll have the evening and early mornings to yourself to explore without the crowds. Fall time is also nice because the crowds are mostly gone from visiting the peak season cycle in Plitvice park.
Edinburgh, Scotland by Vicky of Buddy The Traveling Monkey
Edinburgh is a magical city that you could visit at any time of the year, but it’s especially pretty during the fall season. Leaves are changing colors and the air is crisp but still not too cold. There are a lot of fun things to do in Edinburgh. One of the things we loved most about Edinburgh is how walkable it is, so it’s easy to get from one place to another. And during the fall, the weather is perfect for walks around the city. You could walk around the iconic Edinburgh Castle and take in breathtaking views of the city or you could take a stroll through the Princess Street Gardens.
It’s hard to miss the gardens, especially with the Scott Monument towering over it. When we visited Edinburgh during the fall, we were also able to see a poppy display commemorating the Soldiers who lost their lives in World War I. If you’re able, we also recommend taking a day trip north to the Scottish Highlands. They’re only a few hours from Edinburgh and the landscape is gorgeous, especially during the fall.
Santiago de Compostela, Spain by Alya of Stingy Nomads
Santiago de Compostela in Galicia is a very special place for many people who come here from all over the world – it’s the end of the famous pilgrimage way – Camino de Santiago. Hundreds of pilgrims arrive here every day after weeks of walking through the different areas of Spain, Portugal and France. We happened to be here and came all the way from Lisbon walking the Portuguese Camino de Santiago.
Fall is a great time to visit Santiago; the weather is still warm and sunny, there are less tourists than in Summer and the forest, surrounding the city, looks stunning in autumn colors. There are several beautiful parks in Santiago where you can enjoy colorful fall scenery while walking and taking photos. After a walk it’s great to stop at one of the street cafes and sit with a cup of hot chocolate and famous local dessert ‘tarta de Santiago’ watching pilgrims approaching the main square – Plaza del Obradoiro, from different sides.
Be sure not to miss the sunset from one of the best city view points – park Paseo da Ferradura when the setting sun paints the cathedral into golden color which makes a perfect match with surrounding orange-scarlet colored trees. For classical music lovers visiting Santiago de Compostela in September offers a perfect opportunity to attend some of the many concerts that take place that month. There are many interesting museums and galleries in the city where tourists can hide from occasional rainfalls that happen in fall.
Innsbruck, Austria by Nisha of Lemonicks
Fall is beautiful and so one should go to a place which welcomes you in every way. Located in the broad valley between high mountains, Innsbruck fits the bill. The mountains, flushed with fall colors, look beautiful. The temperatures are attractive enough for sightseeing, not very cold, not too hot. Also, fall is the cheapest time to visit Innsbruck and you get a very good deal.
Tirol’s capital, Innsbruck, has a beautiful medieval Old Town, stunning contemporary architecture, and is surrounded by vistas of the majestic Alps.
Innsbruck has its share of culture and heritage. To understand a new city you visit, it is always a good thing to start with a walking tour which starts at the old town. You get a feel of the place and a bit of history as well before you explore further. Later, we even took a round trip on its trams to understand it better! But Innsbruck is a compact city, and most of the attractions and restaurants can be covered on foot. We happily strolled around Old Town and enjoyed the ambiance with extended hours at the best attractions. From Goldenes Dachl, Imperial Palace Hofburg, St. James Cathedral, to City Tower and Helbling House .. all are within walking distance.
Innsbruck is a sports destination too. A good range of activities, cultural highlights and sports can be experienced all year round in Innsbruck and the surrounding area.
One of the places that we recommend is Swarovski Crystal World which is quite popular with adults and children both.
Whatever is the season, a visit to Bergisel Ski Jump is never a dull moment. Both the Olympic Games and the World Championships have been held here and it is an impressive site.
All in all, a visit to Innsbruck will relax and rejuvenate you.
Hallstatt, Austria from Linda at Travel Tyrol
The UNESCO World Heritage town of Hallstatt in Austria is picture-perfect at any time of the year but there are various advantages to visiting in the fall. For one, the fall foliage provides a beautiful backdrop for some of the best travel pictures you will ever take. Nature and history are what makes Hallstatt unique. Magic happens when the colourful old buildings are framed by fall foliage and the images are duplicated by their reflection in Lake Hallstatt.
Another good reason to visit Hallstatt in the fall months of September and October is to avoid the summer crowds. Most of the close to one million day visitors per year visit between June and August. The town is so loved by the Chinese that they built a replica of it in China!
The Hallstatt-Dachstein cultural landscape is significant because of its natural beauty as well as its archaeological heritage that goes back more than 2,000 years. Taking the Salzberg funicular to enjoy the world heritage view from the Hallstatt Skywalk is a must when visiting. And don’t forget to visit the parish church and cemetery in its beautiful setting high above the lake. While you’re there, you simply must peek into the adjacent Gothic chapel containing the exhumed bones of over one thousand people, including hundreds of painted skulls. They were dug up to make room for the new dead when the graveyard became full.
If you’re pressed for time, a day trip to Hallstatt from Salzburg is a good alternative to staying in the village.
The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland by Kristin of Be My Travel Muse
The Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland is a road that wraps around the island and is the longest coastal drive in the world. While it’s always been there, it’s only lately that it’s had this name and become popular, and the little towns along the way are still quaint and small, and some of the roads still small and winding. I love visiting in the fall because the crowds are much smaller, plus the fall foliage and cooling mist just make everything that much dreamier.
Start your journey from Galway, a charming coastal town. The old architecture and brooks running through the city make it so quaint and lovely. Next, drive along the coast to get to Clifden, and spend a night at Quay House, a funky and quirky place. Continue your journey along the Sky Road, which offers some gorgeous views. There’s then Westport, a wonderful foodie spot, as well as Mullaghmore, a must in my opinion, and finally, the stunning Slieve League.
These are just some of the best stops along the Wild Atlantic Way in one of the friendliest and greenest countries in the world. I suggest taking your time on this drive, watching out for the Wild Atlantic Way signs and pulling off whenever something looks like it could have potential.
Stockholm, Sweden by Alex of Swedish Nomad
Stockholm is one of the most beautiful cities in Northern Europe in fall. The shifting colors, the mild, yet comfortable weather is perfect for sightseeing. You might not be able to have a picnic in the park every day, but there are plenty of things to do in Stockholm.
For example, the island of Djurgården is particularly beautiful with the lush nature, water and the majestic mansions. Or why not go for a fika at one of the many cafes around the city. There are plenty to choose from. And of course, you shouldn’t miss the Old Town, which is more enjoyable during autumn since the summer crowds has gone back home.
Another nice place to visit is the UNESCO World heritage – Skogskyrkogården, which is very beautiful during fall before the leaves fall off the trees.
It will also be easier to find accommodation and the prices will be lower. The temperature will be around 15-25 degrees celsius, depending if the sun comes out or not. From Stockholm it’s also easy to take a train to other places in Sweden.
The city is connected internationally via Stockholm Arlanda Airport and Skavsta Airport. From both airports, you can take the airport bus, which departs frequently. The price is 99 SEK if you buy online. If you’re from the Baltics, or come here on a cruise, there are also many boats arriving and departing from the capital of Sweden.
Tallinn, Estonia by Stefan of Nomadic Boys
One of our favourite places we’ve been to in Europe for Fall is Tallinn – the capital of Estonia. Estonia is one of the 3 Baltic countries – Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, which share a border with Russia on the East. We know and love Estonia from the Eurovision Song Contest, especially in 2003 when it won with the Olsen Brothers’ song “Fly on the wings of love”.
Tallinn is the highlight of Estonia, with a super cute fairy tale-like old town, which was declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in 1997. The UNESCO accolade was awarded to Tallinn because unlike any other capital city in Europe, it has managed to wholly preserve its medieval structure, which has earned it the nickname “the medieval pearl of Europe”.
We loved the old town of Tallinn because it is so picturesque. The cobblestone streets are all original, dating back hundreds of years. There are also beautiful medieval churches, grandiose merchant houses and warehouses, which all date back to the 11th century. Some of our favourite sightseeing highlights include the “Kiek in de Kök” (a 15th-century defensive tower), the “Gothic Town Hall”, built in the 13th century, and the 210 foot high tower in the main square.
Fall is a particularly unique time of year to visit Tallinn because it’s not too cold, and the Autumn colors make the city more picturesque than it normally is. What we love to do is hang out in one of the many quaint little cafes in the old town and watch the world go by, or have coffee/beer over a game of cards. The atmosphere in each of these little gems is cosy, usually with a fireplace nearby to warm you up from the cold outside.
Check out their website at Nomadic Boys.
Paris, France by Victoria of Follow Me Away
Paris is a magical place to visit in the fall and should totally be on your bucket list. While Paris is lovely any time of year, the fall is a great time because it is shoulder season so prices begin to fall and there are less crowds than the summer. Since many places don’t have AC, the fall is finally when the weather gets more enjoyable.
The best part about fall in Paris are the leaves changing and falling to the ground. The crisp air combined with the beautiful colors and leaves on the ground make it one of the best cities to visit in the fall! Make sure to visit a cafe and sip a hot beverage outdoors like the local Parisians do!
What is your favorite European fall destination?
Author Bio: Corinne Vail is a travel photographer, food lover, and a perpetual traveler who has been travel writing for over 14 years. For many years she lived overseas in Germany, Japan, Turkey, South Korea, and the Netherlands teaching the children of the US. military. She’s visited over 90 countries, and she’s not stopping anytime soon.
Gary Francis
Monday 5th of August 2019
Definitely agree with Tuscany in autumn. The colours are fantastic. It's great to visit in spring as well so you can see the extremes, but at both times you miss the heat of summer and icy cold of the winter. Nice article. Thanks for sharing.
Anne Godfrey
Sunday 2nd of September 2018
I love that Ireland and Scotland are mentioned. Also glad to see the Balkans featuring so prominently. I've been to so many of these places, but see that I sadly lacking in experiencing the Iberian Peninsula. Need to spend more time in Spain and Portugal, for sure. This is a great post.
Corinne Vail
Sunday 2nd of September 2018
Thanks Anne! It's always interesting to me to see what people recommend. I agree with them all!