Scenic Regions in Europe to Visit This Autumn

Keep in mind, the foliage season (shoulder season) is a preferred travel period...

• To head to one of the top thermal baths in Europe.
• To eat and drink your way through the harvest season.
• To go hiking in the mountains.
• To plan a city weekend trip.
• To immerse yourself in the cultures, festivals, and fairs.

Bavaria (Germany)

Everybody heads to Bavaria in September and October to celebrate the Oktoberfest and local harvest feasts with the locals.

The best beer in the world, Bavarian street food, and fun rides make this the ultimate experience for folk festival fans.

If this isn't your thing, you'll want to explore Munich instead, consider a road trip along the Romantic Road or look at one of the fantastic towns to visit in Bavaria.

Alsace (France)

The Alsace region is nothing like the rest of France, thanks to its tumultuous past and historical connections to neighboring Germany.

Most people know the charming, fairytale towns in Alsace, and yes, they are definitely a prime reason why you should visit this place.

But the area especially comes to life in autumn!

Aim to indulge in comforting Alsatian foods paired with the Grand Crus wines of the region. Hop on a canal cruise, cycle along the vineyards, and take in the change of colors and season.

Vienna and the Wine Regions (Austria)

The best season to explore Vienna and the adjoining wine regions in Austria is most certainly autumn.

Vienna has plenty of attractions with museums, theme parks, etc., but what not many know is that Viennese people are laid-back, and their favorite pastime is a trip to a Heuriger.

A Heuriger is also known as a Buschenschank in other wine regions in Austria. These special establishments are run by vineyards, and they offer their home-produced wines and local foods. It's an exceptional experience in fall!

Tip: Read up about Austrian wine before your trip.

Dolomites, South Tyrol-Trentino (Italy)

The Dolomites are every mountain and hiking enthusiast's dream location, and that's for a good reason.

Raw, steep grey mountains tower over small, almost forgotten scenic villages. And autumn only accentuates it all with its golden red hues.

This is also the period when the natives traditionally celebrate the end of a successful season.

Especially the German-speaking South Tyrol region is known for its autumn celebrations, including the homecoming of the cows in September, the Speck (bacon) festival, and the wine festival in the town of Meran.

Bohemia (Czechia)

Bohemia is a region in the Czech Republic, and the capital of the country, Prague, is located here.

Prague is a must-see if you haven't visited yet! Gothic architecture is brought into focus thanks to the changing fall colors. Just picture yourself at the banks of the Vltava River with the falling foliage and old-world cityscape view.

Our other top recommendations in Bohemia, include the legendary beer towns, Pilsen and Budweis. Some of the best beers in the world are brewed here, but the towns are equally charming.

At the top of your bucket list is certainly Český Krumlov. This town is worth seeing! It transported us into another time and age, and you'll understand what I mean on a visit there.

Transylvania (Romania)

Transylvania is a real place, and it's located in what is today Romania. We traveled there last year, and it became one of our favorite places in Eastern Europe.

Several historical towns in Transylvania are worth visiting because they are timeless medieval towns with an authentic feel to them.

If castles are your thing, then Transylvania should be at the top of your list. The famed Bran (Dracula) Castle is located here, among other fascinating Romanian castles.

Transylvania perfectly embodies the moody atmosphere that you might be looking for when you think of foggy fall landscapes.