Coming from Texas, autumn is not a season that I am used to experiencing (temperatures are still around 80°F /26°C!). When I moved to Europe for a few years, I was sooo excited to finally see the leaves change, feel the fall breeze and wrap myself up in a cozy sweater. Can you believe that I saw the leaves change colors for one of the first-ever times when I was living in Paris? You can only imagine how excited this girl got! I made it my mission to go leaf-hunting around Europe and find my favorite spots to spend fall. These four countries not only have beautiful leaves, but also a cozy autumn atmosphere, local traditions and yummy seasonal dishes!
GERMANY
Germany is one of those countries that is beautiful to visit any time of year, but it is especially magical during the autumn. The Germans really do fall right: they host Oktoberfest, have the world’s largest pumpkin patch and have wine festivals to celebrate the harvest. This is why Germany is one of my favorite places to visit during autumn- you really get to experience the seasonal spirit! Let me show you some of my favorite fall destinations here:
BAVARIA
Bavaria is a German state on the southeastern border and is home to Munich, where Oktoberfest is hosted annually from late September to the first Sunday of October. If you haven’t been to Oktoberfest, GO! It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience to partake in the world’s largest folk festival and of course, to drink down a liter of German beer in one of the iconic beer tents.
Bavaria is also home to gorgeous countryside filled with rolling hills, charming towns and storybook castles. Visiting the Neuschwanstein Castle is an absolute MUST here. This 19th century castle was built by King Ludwig II in a very grand Romanesque Revival-style and it is rumored to have been the inspiration behind the famous Disney Castle.
Travel Tip: The castle is best seen from above. From the castle, follow the trail to Marienbrüke, which is a pedestrian bridge that has amazing views of Neuschwanstein. If you’re feeling adventurous climb a bit further up once you cross the bridge to an epic viewpoint on the hilltop.
BURG ELTZ
Another German favorite! Burg Eltz is a castle located in the Moselle River valley in western Germany between Koblenz and Trier. This 12th century castle has become one of the most instagrammable places in Germany, let alone Europe! It is even more beautiful when the leaves change colors, trust me.
Other things not to miss in Germany during fall:
- Eat Kürbissuppe (seasonal pumpkin soup) or Käsespätzle (German mac and cheese, but sooooo much better!)
- Visit the world’s largest pumpkin festival in Ludwigsburg
- Snap a photo at the very-instagrammable pumpkin tower at Erlebnisbauernhof Gertrudenhof
- Go to the Golden Wine Autumn Festivals and cruise along the Rhine with a glass of wine while watching the fireworks
SWITZERLAND
The land of cheese, mountains and beautiful fall leaves! I love Switzerland in the autumn: it’s not too cold, it’s far less crowded and cheese fondue really does the trick to make you feel nice and cozy. The scenery here is truly breath-taking this time of year, with hues of orange and gold covering the mountainside. Check out some of my favorite fall destinations in Switzerland:
ADELBODEN
Adelboden is a small village located in the Bernese Oberland. The main reason why I chose to come here was to stay at The Cambrian Adelboden. The Cambrian is a sophisticated mountain lodge nestled in the Swiss Alps with an awesome spa that has an epic infinity pool view! This is a great wellness destination if you are looking for a place to relax, enjoy a few spa treatments and eat seasonally-harvested food.
Adelboden is a ski-resort during the winter time, so you can also take the lift up if you choose to come during late autumn (late November – December). There are also great hiking trails and Engstligen Falls nearby, which is a waterfall only 15-20 walking distance from the car park.
INTERLAKEN
Interlaken is a resort town located in the Bernese Oberland between two adjacent lakes: Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Interlaken is most popular for summer sports, but the town truly transforms into something special in the fall. The quaint town set against the emerald lakes and the golden mountain backdrop is like stepping into a real-life painting.
LAUTERBRUNNEN
Just outside of Interlaken is a small village called Lauterbrunnen. This village is set in a valley between massive cliffs and a giant waterfall – 300m to be exact. As you drive up on the village, it looks like a scene from fairytale! Go hiking through the valley, admire the fall foliage and visit one of the many other waterfalls here.
Other things not to miss in Switzerland during fall:
- Visit a stunning lake surrounded by autumn trees like the mirror lake at Lägh da Cavloc or the small turquoise lake at Blausee
- Take a panoramic train ride through the mountains
- Tour vineyards in the Swiss wine country
- Go mountain biking or hiking. Pretty much anywhere here is beautiful!
LUXEMBOURG
Luxembourg is the most underrated fall destination in Europe. As such a small country, it doesn’t get much credit as one of the most beautiful places during autumn. Luxembourg City is great for quick trip, with a picture-perfect town positioned on an upper and lower level surrounding the river and all of the autumn trees. Check out my 24 Hour Guide to Luxembourg to discover how to spend the best day here during fall.
FRANCE
I lived in France for several years, so of course I’m going to include it on the list! Autumn is not as celebrated in France as it is in other countries, but don’t let that stop you from coming here. There is nothing like seeing Paris in the fall or visiting a champagne vineyard during harvest. I’ve gathered some of my favorite spots in France for you below. Also be sure to checkout 12 Photos to Inspire You to Visit France During Fall.
PARIS
Paris gets flooded with a sea of gold during the fall. All of the trees change to glorious hues of orange and yellow, making for a magnificent contrast against the city. Fall is low season, so you will have less crowds, cheaper rooms, and shorter lines for all of the main attractions.
Some of my favorite spots to see the leaves change in Paris are: Jardin des Tuileries, Notre Dame Cathedral, Champs de Mars (Eiffel Tower), Montmartre and Jardin de Luxembourg
CHAMPAGNE REGION
Who doesn’t love a good glass of bubbly? Fall is harvest season in the champagne region, which is less than 100 miles east of Paris and only 45-75 mins by train. Visit a champagne house (or two, or three) and roam around the golden vineyards and charming towns in the region.
Other things not to miss in France during fall:
- Go to the colorful towns full of autumn spirit in the Grand Est: Strasbourg and Colmar
- Visit a pumpkin patch in Metz
- Go to the Alpine Pastures Festival in charming lakeside town, Annecy
- Take a tour through the chateaux in the Loire Valley
I hope that you are now feeling inspired to visit these destinations in Europe during fall! Europe is truly one of the best places in the world to revel in this season.
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