Best Places to Go in Europe in the Fall

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Let’s face it: there may be a few weeks left of summer, but for the most part, summer is over. School is back in session, and now it’s time to look forward to the fall. One of my favorite places to go in Autumn is Europe. The weather is crisp, a lot is happening, it’s more affordable, and it isn’t as crowded as the summer. For years, I took my annual trip to England for this very reason. It was cheaper, and the ambiance of the country was idyllic. The only reason I stopped was because I had two kids, but I hope to start it up again once they are both in school full-time. I cannot recommend going to Europe in the fall enough. There are many great places to visit in Europe in October, November, and December. 

Swiss Alps

Best For: Foliage Peeping and Hiking

If your Instagram feed is anything like mine, it’s inundated with stunning photos of the Swiss Alps in the fall, displaying a stunning color burst of fall foliage, it’s absolutely beautiful. The weather is pleasant, there are fewer crowds, and several festivals/special events occur.  

Switzerland is bursting with festivals this time of year. One of the most unique festivals is Alpabzug when farmers bring their herds of livestock return to the village after spending the summer in the Alps. They occur throughout September, with several villages celebrating with parades followed by canteens featuring Swiss food. Christmas markets begin in December (and most of December is still autumn!) – and you cannot miss a Swiss Christmas market! Find unique gifts for everyone on your list. 

The Swiss Alps are bursting with hiking trails, and the fall is the perfect time to explore them, thanks to the glorious foliage, pleasant weather, and fewer crowds.  Experienced hikers will love the Lake Oeschinen Loop, a 5.4-mile loop around the UNESCO World Heritage Site Lake Oeschinen. Less experienced hikers can try the easier Panorama Trail, Mannlichen—Kleine Scheidegg. You’ll get stunning 360-degree views of the Alps and enjoy the serenity of the surrounding meadows. Zermatt, famous for the Matterhorn mountain, offers a variety of hiking trails, including the Gornergrat and the Riffelhorn.

Hotel Recommendation: The Chedi Andermatt

The Chedi Andermatt is a luxurious 5-star hotel nestled amidst the Swiss Alps. This architectural gem blends Asian-inspired elements with classic European comfort, creating a unique and unforgettable experience. The hotel offers elegant rooms and suites, award-winning restaurants, a spa, and access to year-round outdoor activities in the surrounding mountains.

Black Forest, Germany

Best For: Foliage Peeping, Hiking, Christmas Markets, and Charming Villages

The Black Forest region of Germany is fantastic in the fall, with striking fall foliage, loads of hiking trails, charming villages, and home to the world’s biggest cuckoo clock. 

The villages of Triberg, Gengenbach, and Todtnau are quintessential German towns, offering quaint landscapes, museums, and historic buildings to explore. Triberg is home to the world’s largest cuckoo clock, as well as Germany’s highest waterfalls. Gengenbach, located on the western edge of the black forest, features traditional, half-timbered houses, giving it a fairytale feel. Highlights include the Gengenbach Abbey from the 8th century, medieval fortifications with original towers, and the start of many trails in the Black Forest. The Gengenbach Christmas Market starts late in November.  In Todtnau, you can visit the Todtnau waterfall, discover the beautiful Todtnau valley, or visit the Todtnau Museum. 

Hiking in the Black Forest is plentiful. Choose from easy strolls like the Baumwipfelpfad Black Forest (which features a stunning treetop walk) or Mummelsee, or challenge yourself with climbs to peaks like Kandel, Feldburg, the highest mountain in the Black Forest, or Belchen, the third-highest mountain in the Black Forest. Enjoy scenic hikes around lakes like Schluchsee or Schauenburg.

Hotel Recommendation:  Best Western Plus Hotel Schwarzwald

The Best Western Plus Hotel Schwarzwald Residenz offers comfortable rooms, amenities like a pool and sauna, and convenient access to hiking, cycling, skiing, and day trips. From your room’s balcony, you can enjoy beautiful views of Triberg.

Tuscany, Italy

Best For: Foliage Peeping, Festivals

Gorgeous weather, stunning foliage, and smaller crowds in Tuscany will make you wonder why anyone would visit any other time of the year. Not to mention, it’s harvest season, so you can witness grape harvesting firsthand. 

Festivals are abundant in Tuscany this time of year, and most are food-themed.  In October, head to Marradi, where you can sample chestnut tortelli, jams, and bruciati (roasted chestnuts). In Late October/Early November, Piancastagnaio hosts the oldest Chestnut festival in the Amiata region within the walls of the Aldobrandesca Fortress. Caprese Michelangelo, the birthplace of, you guessed it, Michelangelo, hosts their own chestnut festival the last two weeks of October. You’ll also find Truffle festivals in late October and November in Upper Val di Cecina, San Miniato, and San Giovanni d’Asso. There are many christmas markets throughout Tuscany in November and December. 

Fall is the grape harvest time, so winery visits are a must. You can even participate in a grape stomping and do your part to make a bottle of wine! Wineries are abundant in the area. Try the Brunello di Montalcino at Castello Banfi, or take it another step and book your accommodations there – yes, the Castello Banfi is also a hotel!  Take a tour of Tenuta dell’Ornellaia, or visit the historic Antinori Winery, which offers guided tours, tastings, and a wine museum. 

Hotel Recommendation: Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco

Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco is a luxurious resort nestled in the Tuscan countryside. Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, the resort offers elegant accommodations, award-winning dining, a relaxing spa, and various outdoor activities. Guests can also enjoy the resort’s high-quality wines produced on the estate. With its stunning location and luxurious amenities, Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco provides an unforgettable experience in the heart of Tuscany.

Paris, France

Best For: Ambiance, Festivals/Events

Imagine sitting outside at a cafe in Paris, a cup of coffee and a croissant on the table in front of you leaves blowing under your feet, a slight breeze, and crisp air—it doesn’t get much more idyllic than that. And that is why you should visit Paris in the fall—the atmosphere alone is enough to make you fall in love with the city. Fresh off of its Olympic high, Paris is the place to visit these days. 

There are festivals and events aplenty in Paris in the fall. Since 1930, the Fête de l’Humanité has brought concerts, screenings, and shows “around the values ​​of solidarity, open-mindedness, sharing and peace.” You can also enjoy theatre, music, dance, film, and visual arts throughout the autumn at the Festival D’autome a Paris. Fashion Week takes place in the fall, bringing fashion designers and models to the city. Christmas Markets open at the end of November and beginning of December. 

Of course, you can always stroll the streets and museum hop- a perfect fall activity. Top attractions include the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre,  and Versailles. 

Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Raphaël

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Hotel Raphaël is a luxurious hotel in the city’s heart, steps away from Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe. It offers a variety of accommodations, including rooms and suites, all featuring elegant décor and modern amenities. There is a restaurant and spa on site, as well as a fitness center. 

Canary Islands, Spain

Best For: Beaches, Hiking, Warm Weather
If you’re not quite ready to let go of summer, head to the Canary Islands for an extended beach vacation. It’s warm, the beaches are fantastic, and the scenery is beautiful. 

The Canary Islands offer stunning beaches that are even more enjoyable in the fall. With fewer crowds you can embrace the beauty of the beaches without disruption. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, diving, surfing, or windsurfing without the crowds. Popular beaches include Playa de las Américas on Tenerife or Playa de Caleta de Fuste on Fuerteventura– perfect for anyone wanting to windsurf or scubadive. 

If you are looking for something a bit more adventurous than lazing on the beach, the volcanic landscapes of the islands are perfect for hiking. UNESCO World Heritage site Teide National Park features the highest peak on Spanish soil and provides easy, moderate, and challenging hiking trails. You’ll feel like you’re on another planet as you hike on the volcanic soil of Timanfaya National Park on Lanzarote. 

Hotel Recommendation: Dreams Jardin Tropical 

Dreams Jardín Tropical Resort & Spa is a luxurious all-inclusive resort located in Costa Adeje, Tenerife. The resort offers stunning ocean views, fine dining options, a full-service spa, and two outdoor pools. Guests can enjoy spacious rooms with balconies or terraces and subtropical gardens. 

Munich, Germany

Best For: Festivals

Dust off your lederhosen and head to Munich this fall for Oktoberfest. The festival, which takes place from mid/late September through the beginning of October, celebrates Bavarian culture. The city has large beer tents that serve traditional Bavarian food and beer. The festival has parades, live music, and even amusement rides. Check out Oide Wiesn, which gives you a glimpse of what the festival used to be with historic rides, traditional costumes, a museum tent, and more. 

If you need a break from the festivities, Munich still has plenty to do in the fall. You can relax in the English Garden, which will be bursting with fall colors. Explore Munich’s Old Town, which includes Marienplatz, the city’s square, since 1158. The Munich Christmas Market starts at the end of November and dates back to the 14th Century when the city held St. Nicholas markets. 

Munich also has several museums worth visiting, including one of the oldest galleries in the world at Alte Pinakothek. The newest of the Bavarian State Painting Collections Museums, the Museum Brandhorst, is a contemporary art museum with the largest collection of Andy Warhol works in Europe. Art not your thing? Munich is home to one of the largest science and technology museums in the world, the Deutsches Museum. 

Hotel Recommendaiton:  Hotel Torbraeu

The oldest hotel in Munich, Hotel Torbraeu is steps away from old town, and despite opening its doors in 1490, provides guests with modern amenities. Choose from single, double and triple rooms, as well as suites. There is a coffee shop and restaurant on site. 

Edinburgh, Scotland

Best For: Festivals, Foliage, Ghosts

Scotland in the fall is something special – think falling leaves in an ambience-setting fog. Edinburgh is bursting in the fall, with events and festivals taking place within the backdrop of this medieval city. 

While the city’s biggest festival, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, takes place just before fall in August, there are still plenty of festivals happening in the city. The International Storytelling Festival in October brings together storytellers from around the world. You can take a workshop, listen to a lecture, or attend a storytelling event. Another fall event, Doors Open Days, allows visitors into buildings for free, many of which are generally not open to the public. You won’t want to miss Edinburgh Cocktail Week in October, featuring a Cocktail Village and a wristband that gets you 5-pound cocktails at 100 bars throughout the city. Edinburgh also has its share of Christmas Markets and festivities beginning in November. 

Halloween is also particularly spectacular in Edinburgh, which is considered one of the most haunted cities in Europe. Visit some of the haunted sites, take a Halloween tour beneath the city’s streets, or attend the Edinburgh Horror Festival. 

Hotel Recommendation: Fingal

Fingal is a luxury floating hotel permanently berthed on Edinburgh’s waterfront. Offering stunning views and elegant accommodations, Fingal features various cabins, dining options, a spa, fitness center, and concierge services. 

Tips for Planning Your Fall Europe Trip

Weather
The weather in Europe is similar to that of New England for the most part, but of course, it all depends on where you are going. Northern Europe will be cooler, while Southern Europe will have warmer temperatures. Be prepared for rain and colder weather; pack an umbrella and a warmer coat. It would be best to pack layers to be prepared for whatever weather comes your way. 

Crowds
The Autumn is the off-season for travel in Europe, so most attractions will have shorter lines and wait times. 

Accommodation
While fewer people visit than in the summer months, you will still want to book your accommodation in advance, especially if you are going during a festival. 

Packing
As mentioned above, layers are key for your European fall vacation. A basic packing list is as follows: 
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Sweaters,
Jacket
Raincoat
Accessories: hat, gloves, scarf 
Comfortable Pants
Shirts 
Dress/Dress shirt/pants
Swimsuit (if you are heading to a warmer location or your hotel has a pool)
Umbrella
Essentials: passport, travel documents, medications, toiletries

Budget
Europe is generally cheaper in the fall than in summer, especially regarding flights and accommodations.

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