As the crowds dwindle and the summer heat subsides, autumn in Europe is the ideal time to visit. Get inspired for your memorable vacation with the 29 best fall destinations in Europe, as recommended by travel experts!
This article lists:
- 7 Best Fall Foliage in Europe
- 8 Best Wine Holidays in Europe during Harvest Season
- 13 Other Best Places to Visit in Autumn in Europe
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Why should you go to Europe in the Fall?
The weather in Europe during the fall is pleasantly mild. The scorching heat fades away, making it more comfortable for outdoor activities. You can enjoy exploring the charming European towns on foot and go hiking.
The vibrant fall foliage creates stunning scenery in the cities and countryside. Nature transforms the landscapes into a breathtaking tapestry of reds, yellows and oranges, offering a picturesque backdrop for travelers.
Europe comes alive with various cultural festivals in the fall. From Oktoberfest in Munich to the grape harvest festivals in the vineyards of France and Italy, it is the season of celebrating local culture and traditions.
Moreover, fall is considered the shoulder season for popular European destinations. As the summer vacationers leave, you can expect shorter lines at popular attractions and cheaper accommodations. You can enjoy a more relaxed and enjoyable travel experience and expect a more budget-friendly vacation.
Europe Travel Resources
📲 SIM card: Orange is France’s No.1 telecom company with the best coverage. I used this Orange Holiday Europe Prepaid SIM (or eSim), which worked well throughout Europe without hiccups. If you have any trouble using it or need to recharge, you can walk into any Orange store for help.
🛏 Hotels: I use this booking site for competitive rates, a generous free cancellation policy and member perks. Always read reviews before booking.
✈️ Flights: I often use Google Flights to search for the best deals. Then, I directly book flights with the airline.
🚅 Trains: I love using Trainline to search for train schedules and book tickets. The platform is super helpful when there are any delays, disruptions, or rail strikes, which are all too common in Europe.
🚘 Rental Cars: Outside the major cities, you may not be able to rely solely on public transportation. For a road trip, book rental cars from Auto Europe.
🎫 Tours: My first choice for booking tours and activities in Europe is Get Your Guide. The platform is easy to book or cancel. It often runs promotions.
🚑 Travel Insurance: You should always travel with insurance. (Credit card insurance often covers travel disruptions but not medical bills.) Check with your health insurance policy; if it doesn’t cover international travel, compare travel insurance here before purchasing.
🧳 Storage: I love carrying my luggage, says no one! Find storage in the city to safely lock it and enjoy exploring the city without weighing your shoulders. Best €5 you will spend!
Best Fall Foliage in Europe
Paris, France
Weather: Temperature ranges from 13℃-22℃ (-℉) in September to 6-11℃ (℉) in November, with moderate precipitation.
National Holidays: All Saints’ Day (November 1), Armistice Day (November 11)
Hotels to Stay: Boutique Hôtel Sookie in Le Marais for the overall best experience, or Résidence Charles Floquet, a service apartment with the Eiffel Tower view.
Whether you are a first-time visitor to Paris or a frequent traveler, the City of Light in the fall offers a magical and enchanting experience.
As the fall descends upon Paris, the city turns into a red, orange and gold kaleidoscope. Trees lining the boulevards burst into colorful fall foliage, adorning the stunning cityscape. It is truly a magical moment to witness a breathtaking display of colors in the city’s parks and gardens, such as the Jardin des Tuileries and the Jardin de Luxembourg.
When the chilly breeze sets in, there is nothing like sipping a cup of silky, rich hot chocolate with delectable French desserts at a terrace cafe while watching the world pass by. The charming Parisian cafes set out the chairs on the sidewalk, making it extra cozy to take a break on a brisk fall day.
In the fall, stylish Parisians hit the streets donning trench coats, scarves and trendy walking shoes. It is the season to showcase your French chic outfit. But be mindful of the transitional weather when you pack for fall in Europe.
You can also expect some rain in the fall. While a rainy Paris is still romantic, you may want to find shelter in the charming Parisian covered passages for a unique shopping experience in the stunning 19th-century architecture. Or, you may visit small museums in Paris with no crowds.
Contributed by Chloe of Chloe’s Travelogue
Where to Stay in Paris?
Paris has 20 arrondissements with distinctive pockets of neighborhoods. While Paris is gorgeous, some areas are better than others for tourists to stay. Here’s your guide to 10 Best Areas in Paris for all travel styles and budgets.
Black Forest, Germany
Weather: Temperature ranges from a high of 9-21℃ (48-70℉) in September to a low of 9-21℃ (48-70℉) in November, with moderate precipitation.
National Holidays: Unity Day (October 3)
Hotels to Stay: Black Forest Hostel
Freiburg im Breisgau is located in southwestern Germany, on the edge of the massive Black Forest. It is a popular base for exploring the forest, which is often imagined to be a dense, dark place. Many people mistake it as the location of many Brothers Grimm fairy tales, like the spooky forest where a witch abandoned and tormented Hansel and Gretel.
This isn’t the case at all. The Black Forest is bright and beautiful, especially in fall when the leaves turn yellow and orange. The weather is cooler and drier than summer, making it a better time to hike.
There are many hiking trails near Freiburg im Breisgau. You can take transit to the beautiful Wasserfallsteig hike at Feldberg. This easy 12-kilometer (5-mile) route takes hikers past several waterfalls, including Fahl and Todtnauer, the latter of which is almost 100 meters tall.
There is also a walking loop around Schlossberg Hill on the east side of the city. If you’re not interested in hiking but still want to enjoy the view, the Schlossbergbahn funicular can take you straight to the top.
Freiburg im Breisgau is a beautiful city. Its old town center has colorful and elaborately decorated buildings. There are several landmarks worthy of visiting, such as Martinstor (Martin’s Gate), Kaufhaus (historical merchant’s hall), and the münster (cathedral).
Also, visit a large outdoor market at Münsterplatz (open every day except Sunday). Fall is an excellent time to get hearty fruits and vegetables, like pumpkins and apples, as well as seasonal treats, like chestnuts.
Contributed by Melanie of Postcards & Places
Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Weather: The temperatures are still mild, with averages of 12°C (50°F) and highs of about 18°C (64°F). September and October are also two of the driest months, with only about five days of monthly rainfall.
National Holidays: Coloman Feast (every 2nd Sunday of October)
Hotels to Stay: Hotel Müller, Hotel Villa Ludwig
If you have dreamed about visiting a castle, it probably resembles Germany’s Neuschwanstein Castle. The fall season is the ideal time to cross it off your bucket list!
Neuschwanstein Castle in Schwangau, Germany served as inspiration for Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. It is the 13th most visited castle in the world. During fall, The Bavarian Alps display a spectacular array of colors, providing a magical setting for this charming castle.
The hills surrounding the castle transformed into a magnificent red, orange, and gold display, making every photo a masterpiece. Don’t miss the chance to explore the luxurious interior and enjoy the stunning countryside views from the upper floors. With fewer visitors, you can take time and soak up the experience.
Put on your hiking boots and venture out on the trails to Marienbrücke Bridge and the surrounding areas for even more breathtaking scenery. And finish your adventure with a satisfying meal in Füssen or Hohenschwangau village.
To get to Neuschwanstein Castle, the best option is to take a train from Munich to Füssen. Then, hop on bus 73 or 78 to Hohenschwangau, where the castle is. It takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes (fare: about €28).
Neuschwanstein in the fall is a magical and unforgettable fairytale experience that you’ll cherish forever.
Contributed by Gladis of Happiness on the Way