I’ll say it right off the bat: Autumn is the best season to travel to Europe. The weather is perfect, the crowds are sparse, and the scenery is the perfect combination of excitement and romance. Energy touches them all, and Europe’s great cities thrive with the changing seasons. Chasing fall foliage in Europe is one of the most exhilarating travel experiences on earth.
Best autumn foliage spots in Europe
It’s easy to look good in summer when the sun is shining. The touchstone of a truly beautiful city is how it sparkles during this transitional period, when color gives way to heat and eyes turn to the coming winter. Luckily for travelers, Europe’s combination of history, romance, and flavor makes it the perfect fall destination.
1. Vienna, Austria
![Autumn in Europe: 12 places to see spectacular autumn leaves 3 Schonbrunn Palace Vienna, Austria](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_9521.jpeg)
Vienna is one of the best cities in the world, a city of parks, museums, history, and perhaps the best cafe scene in Europe. These attributes come together beautifully in the fall, giving city parks a fresh hue before the long winter. With temperatures dropping into more manageable territory, a stroll through Schönbrunn Palace in autumn is one of Europe’s great romantic experiences. Throw in some of the continent’s best hot chocolate and you’ve got yourself a great fall experience.
2. Ljubljana, Slovenia
![Autumn in Europe: 12 places to see spectacular autumn leaves 4 ljubljana, slovenia](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_9522.jpeg)
Like a mini-Vienna, Ljubljana is a luxurious city in its own right. Slovenia’s capital is a great base for exploring Europe’s most underrated country, whether soaking up the sun by the sea in Piran or soaking up the romance of Lake Bled. Ljubljana itself is at its best in autumn, when the tree-shaded streets of the city center sparkle gracefully. Grab a coffee and admire the views at Nebotičnik.
3. Prague, Czech Republic
![Autumn in Europe: 12 places to see spectacular autumn leaves 5 prague, czech](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_9523.jpeg)
Prague, a romantic capital in the heart of Europe, is also at its best in autumn. The Czech capital can be crowded during the summer months, but as the road to winter begins, the crowds thin out, making for a more enjoyable experience. The best way to experience Prague is to venture away from the center and into the districts. Drinking beer in Karlin, Smichov or Holesovice is an autumn must-do.
4. Seville, Spain
![Autumn in Europe: 12 places to see spectacular fall foliage 6 seville, spain](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_9524.jpeg)
They don’t call Seville the “Frying Pan of Europe” without good reason. Flamenco City is scorching hot throughout the summer, but the weather becomes bearable in the fall. Autumn in Europe, Seville gives you the opportunity to take a deep breath and relax. The Flamenco Biennale is a major highlight every other September. Of course, this is the Andalusian version of relaxing, so you can expect a lot of excitement on the streets of Seville in autumn.
5. Iceland
![Autumn in Europe: 12 places to see spectacular fall foliage 7 Iceland](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_9525-e1695793376936.jpeg)
In a slightly different direction, Iceland offers something different in the fall. It can be said that Iceland offers something completely different. Iceland’s vast valleys and meadows glow in a variety of stunning colors in autumn, as their lush greenery turns red, yellow, amber and orange.of aurora You can also see it in the fall, but there’s nothing more on your bucket list.
6. Wye Valley, UK
![Autumn in Europe: 12 places to see spectacular autumn leaves 8 Wye Valley, UK](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_9526-e1695793697455.jpeg)
If you’re looking for fall foliage in Europe this year, head to stunning Wales and England’s enigmatic Wye Valley. More than 20 million trees grow between the Rivers Severn and Wye, making this magical area a pilgrimage site for autumn lovers. This is a land of gorgeous walks and cozy pubs, and walking from country tavern to country tavern is a gentle journey through Britain at its brightest. The valley is dotted with as much industrial heritage as it is cultural and natural, making it a great show spot.
7. Umbria, Italy
![Autumn in Europe: 12 places to see spectacular fall foliage 9 Umbria, Italy](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_9527-e1695793896258.jpeg)
Close your eyes and imagine your perfect Italian escape. There’s no shortage of places perfect for such an escape, but nothing beats the overwhelming grandeur. Umbria It’s something completely different. Bordering Tuscany, a visit to Umbria offers traditional cuisine and a spectacular drive through some of Italy’s most refined nature. Autumn in Umbria, known as Italy’s best wine region, is Italy’s most delicious season.
8. Amsterdam, Netherlands
![Autumn in Europe: 12 places to see spectacular fall foliage 10 amsterdam, netherlands](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_9528.jpeg)
There’s no wrong time to visit Amsterdam, but there’s nothing like seeing the Dutch capital in autumn. While the city’s charming architecture is at its most appealing, the summer crowds (slightly) dwindle, leaving these famous streets with some breathing room. The city’s old cobblestone streets are lined with golden trees and its iconic canal boat tours assert Amsterdam’s claim as Europe’s most self-assured and self-assured city. Amsterdam’s cultural calendar is active in autumn. This is another reason to plan your trip during this time.
9. Black Forest, Germany
![Autumn in Europe: 12 places to see spectacular autumn leaves 11 black forest, germany](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_9529.jpeg)
Don’t take the name literally. One look at the pictures of Germany’s Black Forest in autumn and you’ll want to visit. What could be more majestic than panoramic reds, yellows, and oranges? Whether you’re looking for long hikes, jaw-dropping waterfalls, quaint villages, or the perfect Black Forest cake for your stomach, fall is here! You can find it at
10. Stockholm, Sweden
![Autumn in Europe: 12 places to see spectacular autumn leaves 12 stockholm sweden](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_9531.jpeg)
As temperatures across Europe become a little more bearable in the fall, Stockholm’s weather approaches downright cold. It’s not too much of a hassle to wander through Sweden’s capital’s countless parks, gardens and mansions, finding inspiration in every nook and cranny. Plus, if the weather is a little too cold, you can always enjoy the most refreshing Swedish tradition: the sauna. The autumn market here is also something special.
11. Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
![Autumn in Europe: 12 places to see spectacular autumn leaves 13 lauterbrunnen, switzerland](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_9533.jpeg)
Lauterbrunnen is Switzerland at its most Swiss, with mountains and grasslands stretching as far as the eye can see. There are more than 70 waterfalls in the Lauterbrunnen valley. Hiking to these magical spots is a true fall pleasure. The 297 meter Staubbach Falls are the main event, and the waterfall trek is as impressive as the water itself. Lauterbrunnen also hosts a wonderful autumn market, and the funicular journey from Stechelberg to the Schilthorn mountain is truly life-affirming.
12. Perast, Montenegro
![Autumn in Europe: 12 places to see spectacular fall foliage 14 perast, montenegro](https://wealthofgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_9534.jpeg)
Marvelous Montenegro is not the hidden gem that many claim. The bustle of Kotor in the summer is proof of its popularity. Everything calms down in the fall, and spots like Perast are perfect for the fall. This small village on the Bay of Kotor was famous for its shipbuilding during the 16th and his 17th centuries, and today it stands out as the jewel in the crown of Montenegro’s coast. Take a day trip to the charming islets of this town where real romance flows.