Best time to visit: Early to mid October

Lake Bled is one of those picture perfect destinations to visit around Autumn. This stunning lake has waters of emerald green, a pretty town on its banks that shares its name and a beautiful little church that perches on a tiny islet in the middle of the water. 100 metres above the water, on rocky crags, stands an impressive medieval castle with ramparts, towers, moat and spectacular views. Surrounding the lake are some of the highest peaks in the Slovenian Alps. 

There are traditional gondola style boats called pletnas that take you out to the church which is located in the middle of the lake on the island. Although lake bled is a year-round destination the best time to visit is during Autumn. The whole village and the lake are enveloped by vibrant autumn leaves. Be sure to try Slovenia’s famous ‘Kremna Rezina’ (cream cake) from the original Park Hotel in Bled.

Where To Stay in Lake Bled: 10 Luxury Hotels in Lake Bled To Make Your Stay Extra Memorable 

Related Read :

• 11 Things To Do In Lake Bled
• Destinations to visit around Slovenia

Reasons to visit Tuscany during the Autumn months are endless. It is one of the best autumn destinations in Europe, as the temperature begins to drop this leafy region of Italy that is built upon rolling hills turns into nature’s Autumn palette. Tuscany is lined with olive groves and vineyard, the harvest season is in full swing during the Autumn months making it the perfect time to visit. The early months of Autumn are devoted to grape harvest (for making wine) and the later Autumn months are all about the olive harvest, for Tuscany’s well known olive oil. We highly recommend a winemaking tour. 

There is plenty to do in the Tuscan region to get in the Autumnal spirit. Visit one of the charming Tuscan villages, art filled churches, eat your way through the food markets, visit of the many food festivals or stroll the medieval cobblestone alleys of the charming Tuscan town. If you are a nature lover explore the landscape with a hike through the rolling hills, relax in one of the many natural hot springs, rent a bike or classic with Vespa or by FIAT 500. There’s even horseback riding through the stunning landscape of Tuscany.

Where To Stay in Tuscany: 11 Best Luxury Hotels in Tuscany 

Related Reads: 6 Reasons To Visit Tuscany In Autumn 

Best time to visit: Mid to Late October

One of the most underrated autumn destinations in Europe, the Lake District is beautiful throughout the year however it will take your breath away as Autumn arrives. With beautiful hilltops, lake views and fewer visitors, autumn is arguably one of the best times to visit the Lake District. As the valleys transform, experience a palette of golds, browns, bronzes and reds at England’s largest national park.

The second largest lake in the Lake District, Ullswater is the perfect place to celebrate the arrival of autumn. Take a stroll, jump on the lake cruise or enjoy some watersports, this lake has it all. One of the most photographed buildings in the whole of Lake District, The Duke of Portland Boathouse is also located in Ullswater. This unique boathouse gives you a chance to view the magical lakeside surroundings from the comfort of your own balcony.

Our recommendation: For the best views over the lake make sure you get up early in the morning for the mist over the water and the golden leaves in the background.

Where To Stay In Lake District: 14 Hotels With Private Outdoor Hot Tubs In Lake District

Amsterdam is one of the most romantic Autumn destinations in Europe. There are over 400,000 trees that line the famous canal banks and parks of Amsterdam. So, when Autumn comes the city is covered in red and orange trees. Walk the cobbled streets as you crunch through the fallen leaves, witness the dazzling autumn colours and breathe in the fresh Autumnal air.

Autumn season in Amsterdam is also a fantastic time to enjoy cultural activities. Head to a exhibition or a museum, visit one of the many rooftop bars, stroll the streets that are lined with books shops and charming little clothing stores or curl up at a cafe or bar and tempt your taste buds with some delicious winter dutch food.

Where To Stay in Amsterdam: Best Luxury Hotel In Amsterdam 

Krka National Park can be visited at any time of the year. It is most visited in summer, however during the autumn / fall months it truly comes to life. The Krka National Park is especially beautiful during Autumn when the landscape that surrounds the cascading waterfalls is transformed into a multicoloured sea of leaves. 

As the summer crowds thin out, you can enjoy the waterfall, river and the magical landscapes in peaceful tranquility. Visiting Krka National Park in autumn also brings increased water flow to Krka’s famous waterfalls, like Skradinski Buk and Roški Slap, making them even more impressive. 

Other destination worth visiting in Croatia during Autumn: Plitvice Lakes National Park

Related Read : Guide to visiting Krka waterfall

Best time to visit: Mid to Late October

London is one of the most captivating cities, especially in the autumn months. The iconic Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, Hampstead and Richmond Park, all tranform into shades of ambers, reds, and yellows. There is nothing like the crunch of leaves on the ground, crisp morning air, paired with the thriving café culture, no wonder London is one of the best Autumn Destinations in Europe. 

Beautiful Mews streets are one of London’s hidden gems. As the colours of these vines changes for Autumn, the whole street looks like a dream. During the autumn months, many existing events take place all over London, from Bonfire Night fireworks to the London Film Festival and seasonal markets, there’s always something happening.

Related Read: Best Places To See Autumn In London

Best time to visit: Early to mid October

Located in northern Italy, Autumn/fall is a breathtaking time to visit the Dolomites. Vibrant shades of red, gold, and orange everywhere creates a magical contrast against the rugged peaks and crystal-clear lakes. The crisp autumnal air adds a special charm to this UNESCO World Heritage site. 

As one of the best autumn destinations in Europe, Dolomites has plenty to offer, from adventure to tranquility. The region’s endless hiking trails offering some of the most jaw dropping panoramic views. The famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Seceda mountains are picture perfect in the autumn months, whilst the picturesque alpine villages, such as Cortina d’Ampezzo and Ortisei offer a unique charm without the summer crowds. There are also food festivals, harvest festivals taking place all over the region. 

The region is also home to some of the most beautiful hotels, like the Forestis Dolomites, COMO Alpina Dolomites, Miramonti Boutique Hotel and more. 

Best time to visit: Mid October

The quaint Austrian village of Hallstatt is definitely a must visit, the beautiful lake Hallstätter See (Lake Hallstatt) is one of Austria’s most famous lakes. The autumn colours make this postcard perfect town even more alluring and perfect Autumn destination in Europe. This charming alpine village which only resides around 1000 people also offers the Waldbachstrub Waterfall, and a funicular railway leading up to an old salt mine and a trail leading to Echern Valley glacier garden from where you can spot various glacial potholes. 

Hallstatt is also home to the World Heritage site ‘Welterbeblick Skywalk’. Hanging 350 meters over the Hallstätter See or Lake Hallstatt – we cannot recommend visiting this viewpoint enough! The unique panoramic views on offer overlook the magical lake, dramatic alpine mountains and surrounding village. Located just over an hour away from Salzburg, Hallstatt can also be visited as a day trip. 

Best time to visit: Early to mid October

Germany is no short of fairytale like castles but Burg Eltz certainly is a stand out location to visit during the Autumn season. This magical castle is nestled in the beautiful wooded Moselle Valley along the Elzbach river. It is not just the castle that make this place so enticing during the Autumn months but its surrounding area. The forest surrounding the castle is perfectly preserved, walk along the road through the forest that has transformed into a kaleidoscope of rich oranges and reds. The 900 year old castle sits on top of a cliff and offers view of the Elzbach Valley which is bursting with autumnal colours and River Eltz.  There are plenty of hikes in the surrounding areas. We highly recommend: the Eltz Burg Panorama trail ( Eltzer Burgpanorama ).

Other destination worth visiting in Germany during Autumn: Black Forest, Berchtesgaden National Park, especially Lake Königsee and Klausbachtal Valley, Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavarian Alps

Related Reads: Top Things to do in Hallstatt Austria

Best time to visit: Early to mid October

Budapest is bursting with parks and gardens, so when Autumn arrives this timeless city transforms into shades of gold, amber and red. There is something so magical about taking a stroll through the parks in fresh Autumnal air. Autumn colours is not the only reason to visit Budapest during this season. The Hungarian capital is famous for its hot springs, in fact, it is home to Europe’s largest thermal bath – Széchenyi thermal bath, the cool Autumn weather makes hot springs the perfect activity.

Feast on seasonal and traditional delights and keep warm with the traditional Pálinka (which is a Hungarian fruit brandy) at one of the many food festivals that take place in the city during this season in the city. Some of the most popular festivals are the ‘Wine and Cheese Festival’ and ‘Palinka and Sausage’. 

A small town called Lillafüred, located just 2 hours from Budapest is also a great Autumn destination in Hungary. Perfect for a day trip from Budapest. 

Where To Stay in Budapest: Best Hotels in Budapest

Best time to visit: Early to mid October

The Loire Valley is a UNESCO-listed valley which spans around 280 kilometres (170 miles). Often known as the ‘Garden of France’ witness the leaves changing colour with stunning Chateaux in the background. In fact, there are around 300 Chateaux in this infamous valley. With so many stunning chateaux to choose from, 3 chateaux we recommend that are worth a visit in Autumn are:

Château de Chambord – one of the largest Chateaux in the world, surrounded by forests where spotting deer and wild boar is very common.

Château of Sully-sur-Loire – hosts an annual international garden festival that continues into the Autumn season making them well worth a visit in Autumn.

Château de Villandry – a lovely 16th-century property that sits on the banks of the River Loire and overlooks three terraces of world-famous geometric patterned gardens. It also have a cute vegetable garden which is covered with pumpkins during the Autumn season.

The Loire Valley is also lined with botanical gardens, lakes and inland beaches. The valley has countless vineyards offering tours of the vineyards and wine tastings.

Iceland offers striking landscapes on its own but with the autumn hues, it makes them that extra bit special.  The Hraunfossar waterfalls are one of the unique waterfalls in Iceland, “Hraunfossar” actually meaning “Lava Falls.” They are a series of small waterfalls formed by water stream out of the solidified lava into Hvítá river. It is an unusual natural phenomenon and along with the eye watching Autumn colours, it truly is a spectacular sight. The viewpoint is located in the parking area which gives you a great panoramic view of both, the Hraunfossar waterfalls and the Hvítá river.

Where To Stay In Reykjavik Iceland: Best Luxury Reykjavik Hotels

Related Reads: Top 10 Places To Visit in Iceland 

Lake Garda is one of the most magical charming lakeside towns all year round however, during the Autumnal months, the nearby hills, vineyards and olive groves transform into vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold making it one of the most beautiful autumn destinations in Europe. The region is lively with local harvest festivals, the culinary scene is particularly vibrant in the autumn months. Indulge in seasonal delicacies such as truffles, chestnuts, and regional wines.

Autumn is also a great time to also visit vineyard tours, particularly the region of Bardolino and Valpolicella. Additionally, the mild autumn weather and fewer crowd makes Lake Grada a great choice to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and boating. 

Best time to visit: Early to mid October

St. Moritz, nestled in the breathtaking Engadine valley of the Swiss Alps, stands as a symbol of opulence and Alpine grandeur. During the autumn/ fall months St. Moritz transforms into into a patchwork of gold, orange, and red, making it a perfect time for nature lovers and luxury seekers as St. Moritz is renowened for its status as the home to some of the finest luxury hotels, this iconic town has long been a magnet for the world’s elite.

The famous Lake St. Moritz mirrors the autumnal hues of the surrounding mountains, offering spectacular views, especially at sunrise and sunset. A trip to St. Moritz in autumn would not be complete without experiencing one of Switzerland’s most famous train journeys: The Bernina Express. This scenic railway connects St. Moritz to Tirano, Italy, passing through some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Alps. Another noteworthy train experience is the Glacier Express, which connects St. Moritz to Zermatt.

Other Regions to visit in Switzerland : Bernese Oberland, home to ithe conic Interlaken and the Jungfrau region, offers dramatic alpine views, crystal-clear lakes. Lake Geneva, particularly the terraced vineyards of Lavaux, becomes a must-visit in the fall, with many local festivities taking place, its the perfect opportunity to sample local wines and other  delicacies.

Where To Stay: Best Hotels in St. Moritz