Hello there! If you are planning to spend an unforgettable autumn in Europe and are still deciding, where to start, this is the perfect place to start! In this posting, I will show you my favorite places to see the seasons change in Europe! Although I included as many European countries as possible in this list, many of the places described below are located in Germany, which is where I live and therefore my base when traveling. However, it is also true that Germany is a lovely place during autumn since the vibrant foliage and pumpkin obsession are everywhere! It also doesn’t hurt that we have all these beautiful castles around, turning normal forests into fairytale sceneries! Castles and romantic architecture are also what led me to add a few cities in Europe that I consider the perfect autumn destinations for various great reasons! So I hope, I put together the ideal list of autumn places for you to enjoy!
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Lake Jasna & Zelenci Nature Reserve in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia
The first place on this list is also the first place that comes to my mind when thinking about autumn in Europe. Kranjska Gora is one of the highlights of Slovenia and a place I could always travel back to. This little city just has the most magnificent mountain scenery there is and during autumn, the scenery turns even more spectacular. The Zelenci Nature Reserve is incredibly peaceful and serene and once covered in autumn colors feels even more cozy. Another highlight in the area is Lake Jasna which is spectacular all year round but most gorgeous during fall.
Where to Stay in Kranjska Gora: If you want to explore the area, a place I love to stay at is the Alpine Rose Guesthouse, which is an incredibly cozy, wooden house. If you are looking for a more affordable option, the Nika Youth Hostel.
Schloss Neuschwanstein, Bavaria, Germany
During the autumn time in Germany, the places that are already incredibly romantic and breathtaking get even more romantic and stunning if you ask me. Schloss Neuschwanstein already looks like it sprung from the pages of a fairytale book directly into reality. But during autumn time, this magnificent castle shines even brighter with its surroundings lighting up in the gorgeous hues of orange and yellow!
Helpful Tips for Visiting Neuschwanstein
- There are many hotels close to Neuschwanstein and most of them are incredibly beautiful. Some of them even offe rooms with a view of the castle, however, this does come with a rather heftier price tag. An alternative is to stay at the My Hostel Füssen and drive to Neuschwanstein early in the morning!
- Another important thing to keep in mind is to book your ticket to the inside of the castle in advance. The tickets sell out very fast and you might not get one if you don’t come prepared.
Plitvicer Lakes in Croatia
There are so many incredible natural wonders in Europe and some of the most impressive of them are the Plitvice Lakes in Croatia. Like a staircase, the Plitvice Lakes spread through the landscape, framed by mountains, forests, and waterfalls. The turquoise waters of the lakes are incredibly clear and there is nothing better than visiting this wonderful place and spending the day hiking from the lowest to the highest lake. On the way, you may have to cross one of the lakes with the local ferry. From there you can get some of the best views of the bright and vibrant autumn foliage. You will come across waterfalls, cross the water on wooden paths, and be stunned by every single view unfolding upon the next corner.
Where to Stay at the Plitvice Lakes
- Make sure to book your tickets for your time at the lakes in advance via
- Check out the Apartment and Rooms Ivancica! We stayed there for the two nights of our stay in the area. It was amazing because of its cozy vibes and remote location.
Gertrudenhof Cologne
There is no autumn without pumpkins! And during autumn in Düsseldorf, there is only one place to see the most pumpkins. Each year, the Gertrudenhof in Cologne turns into a massive pumpkin exhibit. There you can see all the different types of pumpkins, buy seasonal decor, and eat everything pumpkin flavored. They also add more and more activities each year like a merry-go-round and an inflatable jumping castle for kids. All in all, the Gertrudenhof goes above and beyond each year to provide the best fall experience for its visitors and it is one place I keep coming back to!
Helpful Tips for visiting the Gertrudenhof in Cologne
- If you want to visit the Gertrudenhof in Cologne, make sure to book your ticket in advance via their official website.
- Be there as early in the morning as you can! The place gets very crowded and you will enjoy it even more when you are there with fewer people.
Edinburgh, Scotland
I think when talking about autumn in Europe, Edinburgh is the place that should be mentioned over and over again. It might be the capital of autumn in Europe. Its autumn vibes are so immaculate, that you even get them all year round. As Scottish weather is unpredictable, you can be almost certain that even in summer, Edinburgh will surprise you with rain and heavy dark clouds. That’s why it is also incredibly cozy. Especially as it is garnished with the most perfect assortment of cafés for you to escape the rain. And even if you take it outside of the city, a highland tour will be also filled with moody and gloomy places!
Burg Eltz, Germany
Burg Eltz is one of the castles in Germany that always remained in the hands of one family, making it one of the most intact places with most of its mediveal interior still there. And while it looks wonderful any time of the year, the time where it really looks like a fairytale castle is during autumn. Burg Eltz is one of the dreamiest places of Germany, especially when the valley it stands in turns into a golden frame for the castle.
Budapest, Hungary
One of the things that I love about fall is the gloomy and cozy atmosphere you get to experience. The ideal place to experience these two things is Budapest, a magnificent city that does not only combine breathtaking monuments and architecture with an amazing variety of cute cafés and stunning hotels to snuggle up in. Make sure to bring your favorite book too, have the chocolate cake at the New York Café, and if you get too cold, warm up in the Gellert Bath and go for a massage afterwards. And if you get in the mood for a fancy experience, book a Danube River cruise with complimentary Prosecco!
Tips for Autumn in Budapest
- Make sure to pack enough layers, so that you do not get cold. Autumn in Budapest tends to be rainy (that’s how you get the moody atmosphere).
- If you want to enjoy time in the thermal baths of Budapest, book your time slots in advance. Most baths have special days for women/men only, and you don’t want that to ruin your spa time!
- One of the coziest places to stay in Budapest are the Ozone Private Rooms. They are also quite affordable and make for the perfect base of your stay in Budapest!
Eibsee, Bavaria, Germany
When standing at the foot of Germany’s tallest mountain it is very easy to be swept off your feet. However, at Eibsee, the thing that blows you away isn’t the Alps but the sheer beauty of this particular mountain lake. The clear and turquoise water is so serene and beautiful. However, what makes it even more special is the crystal-clear reflection of the trees covering the mountains behind it. And of course, during autumn, these reflections are more and more colorful. It is the perfect place to experience autumn in Europe!
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