From the Loire Valley to Lapland: the best places in Europe to capture colorful autumn leaves

It’s almost that time of year again, when the nights get longer, the temperature drops and the smell of Pumpkin Spiced Lattes is in the air. Not only will fall (hopefully) bring relief from the extremes of summer heat waves it will also give us splendid autumn colors.

So why not pack your favorite sweater and take a romantic trip to Europe to see some of the best bronze leaves that autumn has to offer?

Here are our seven best fall destinations for stomping through crunchy leaves.

7. Lake Bled, Slovenia

Offering some of the most spectacular views in Slovenia, Lake Bled it is home to the only natural one in the country island. A walk around the lake takes about an hour and a half, plenty of time to admire the glorious bronze and gold leaves on sale.

While the water is too cold for swim in during the autumn months it is still possible to rent a boating boat and glide to the island of Bled. Just remember to charge your phone – here are the photos Instagram gold.

6. The Lake District, England

When you visit the Lake District, you’ll understand why the area has inspired so many people Romantic poets, from Samuel Taylor Coleridge to Wordsworth, with its breathtaking views. This protected slice of northern England has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2017.

Head to Buttermere early in the morning for calm, clear weather and enjoy the mirrored lake reflecting the autumn foliage. Continue your journey to Coniston Water in the afternoon for its mix of evergreens and deciduous trees trees.

5. Perthshire, Scotland

Autumn is not liked anywhere Scotland, and the county of Perthshire offers spectacular views. With one foot in the Highlands and the other in the Lowlands, Perthshire is home to the Meikleour Beech Hedge, which boasts a Guinness World Record as the the highest hedge in the world.

The Hermitage, a beautiful stretch of National Trust-owned forest, turns deep gold and rust in autumn and is home to romantic ruins and a waterfall mashed potato.

If dazzling images of nature aren’t enough for you, book tickets to the Enchanted Forest in Pitlochry. From late September to October, the light and sound show adds magic to Perthshire’s autumn woodlands.

4. Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany

Look for real life fairytale castles‘ and you will probably find Neuschwanstein. Straight out of a Disney film, the turreted castle is surrounded by rugged hills covered in autumn trees adding to the atmospheric drama.

Located in the Bavarian Alps, the building it was built for King Ludwig II in the late 19th century and can only be visited via guided tour.

Visit of car? Make the five-hour drive to Germanyit is glorious Black Forestrich in oaks, elms and beeches, in stark contrast to the evergreen pines.

3. Transylvania, Romania

Transylvania may still be associated with vampires and Gothic architecture, but it’s also one of the best places in Europe to see gorgeous autumn colours. The Mociar Forest is the oldest forest in Romania and extends over 1,400 acres Transylvaniaperfect to explore on a crisp autumn day.

Another way to enjoy the autumn scenery is through Romania’s many high-altitude mountains streets. The 90 km long Transfagarasan road connects Transylvania with Wallachia and reaches an altitude of 2,042 meters, making it the second highest road in Romania.

2. Loire Valley, France

Famous throughout the world for its wineTHE Loire Valley shines in autumn. When you’re not sampling the wineyou can observe the vines turning deep red and purple in some locales castles.

The castle of Chaumont-sur-Loire is particularly loved in autumn because it decorates its park with pumpkins and cucurbits, adding an autumnal touch to an already beautiful setting.

1. Lapland, Finland

Although traditionally associated more with winter than autumn, Lapland really comes to life in autumn. Not only are they the northern Lights actually to theirs harder at this time of year, but Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, is also full of beautiful trees.

Even though it may not snow, the temperature is still drops freezing temperatures down to -2°C, so remember to wrap up warm.