By Helena Sula | Posted to Heleneinbetween.com
Traveling Europe in the fall often means less tourists, shorter queues, and plenty of beautiful autumn colors. Europe is full of crisp, cool temperature, orange, yellow, and red trees, and lots of pumpkins. There’s an abundance of fall foliage, “Neu Wine” (a sweeter wine just before it becomes actual wine!) and plenty of festivals. There are fewer crowds as the summer season has ended and school starts up again and the best part: you can snag a great deal on travel.
I’ve put together a list of 10 places to visit in Europe in the fall and some just might surprise you!
1. Hallstatt, Austria
One of the prettiest cities in the world is just outside of Salzburg (home of the Sound of Music), in Austria. Hallstatt sits on the edge of a pristine lake and is set with 16th century alpine homes complete with flower boxes in the windows. The church steeple makes a grand portrait along with a gorgeous town square. Typically, tourists often flood this pretty town. But you’ll find quieter streets in the fall months.
2. Ludwigsburg, Germany
Ludwigsburg is the king of all things pumpkin as they host the largest pumpkin festival in the world! You’ll also find gorgeous castles, beautiful fall foliage, and plenty of pumpkin flavored everything. Here’s my full guide to the festival and Ludwigsburg.
3. Sorrento / Amalfi Coast, Italy
Right before it turns to winter, head to the Amalfi coast for considerably less crowded streets and beautiful views. Yes, it’s a bit chillier so you might not swim, but there is so much to see and do in this incredible area. From the historic town of Sorrento, the picturesque town of Capri, a boat ride through Amalfi, and the hillside village of Positano, you really can’t go wrong.
Bird’s eye view in Capri:
Hillside homes in Positano:
I booked my trip with Monograms and found it seamless to make sure I could see everything in this beautiful southern Italian landscape. There are a lot of options when visiting the coast so I highly suggest working with Monograms to ensure you see all the towns, taste the Limoncello, and relax in a boat ride to take in the epic view.
Check out my full review of Monograms here as well as how to plan a stress free trip to Europe.
4. Munich, Germany
Of course, you can head to Oktoberfest for the largest and best beer festival in the entire world! Munich is truly one of the loveliest cities in Germany and there’s plenty to see and do. You can also make a day trip to the incredible Neuschwanstein castle.
Find the full guide to Munich and here’s the full guide to Neuschwanstein castle.
5. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen can be wet and cold, but if you come in the fall you’ll get some milder temperatures and an authentic experience of “hygge” or, coziness. Snuggle up to the fire, see the leaves change, and avoid the crowds.
Here’s a full guide to Copenhagen, Denmark.
6. Ibiza, Spain
Ibiza is known as a party and beach destination for the hot summer months, but right before the season ends is one of the best times to go. Warm, lazy days and cool evenings provide the perfect respite in Europe.
7. Bucharest, Romania
Fall reminds me of one thing: Halloween! Head to Romania to get a taste of Dracula’s history and stay in a city that has a world renown culture. You’ll find plenty to eat, see, and do in Bucharest, Romania. The Old Fortress of Bucharest was one of the former residences of Vlad the Impaler, the Romanian ruler who sparked the Dracula legends, and can be seen in the heart of the city. You’re also not far from Transylvania and if you’re in the mood for Halloween, Bucharest is the perfect place to go.
8. Heidelberg, Germany
I have to include Heidelberg, Germany on the list because it truly is one of my favorite times of the year here. I live in Heidelberg and find it more beautiful with each season. Being from Dallas, Texas, I never got to experience a true fall season until I moved to Germany. Fall in Heidelberg means festivals, fall foliage, and plenty of wine.
Check out my full guide to Heidelberg here.
9. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Croatia has become one of the hottest tourist destinations in Europe. In the summer months this means crazy amounts of crowds and lines. To avoid this, head to Dubrovnik, Croatia in the fall for crisp temperatures and easy going travel.
10. Zillertal, Austria
Austria is known for wonderful winter and summer sports. But you can easily accomplish all of those things in Zillertal. Year round skiing is found at the Hintertux glacier, plus the weather is still warm enough for hiking and biking. You’ll find the best festival in the world (in my opinion), Almabtrieb Cow Festival, which honors the cows coming down the hill. Yes, it’s as amazing as it sounds!
Here’s a full guide to Zillertal, Austria.
