Looking for the best spots for autumn foliage in Europe? You’re not alone! Fall is here, my favorite season. Enjoy cozy evenings, crisp walks, and trees in stunning shades of yellow, orange, and red.
I’ve already visited many of these European places, some I plan to see soon, and others I’ll add to my ever-growing list!
15 Top Spots to Enjoy Autumn Leaves in Europe
1. Burg Eltz – Germany
Burg Eltz is a stunning fairytale castle in Germany, and it’s my personal favorite! I’ve visited three times and can’t wait to go back!
Burg Eltz, nestled in a valley in Wierschem, looks straight out of a Disney movie. Unlike many German castles, it’s not on a hilltop but surrounded by the Eltz forest. Amazingly, it remains in its original state, owned by the same family for 33 generations, and it survived World War II without damage.
Visitors to Burg Eltz will find a spacious parking lot nearby. From there, you can either take a scenic footpath through the woods to the castle or stroll down the winding road past the chapel. The road route also offers a beautiful viewpoint of the castle.
Open from 9am to 5pm, late March to early November.
Entry: €10
The castle is only accessible via guided tours, mostly in German every 15 minutes. English and French tours are less common. Photos aren’t allowed inside.
Best time to visit: Early to mid-October.
2. Hrensko – Czech Republic
Hrensko, a tiny Czech town near the German border, has just 275 residents. This means it’s quiet and often overlooked by tourists.
Picture a peaceful morning walk through what feels like an enchanted forest, with nobody else around for hours. Sounds magical, doesn’t it?
Best time to visit? Early to mid-October.
3. Autumn Foliage in the Dolomites – Italy
I’ve been lucky to visit Europe’s stunning mountain range five times: twice in summer, twice in fall, and once in winter. In early October, the Dolomites’ larches turn vibrant yellow and orange!
The area around Cortina D’Ampezzo is breathtaking in the fall. Don’t miss Lago Federa, Lago Sorapis, Passo Gardena, and Passo Falzarego!
Best time to visit: Mid to late October
4. Müllerthal – Luxembourg
Luxembourg, though small, is stunning for autumn foliage in Europe. Müllerthal, known as Luxembourg’s “Little Switzerland” for its hilly landscape, features the Schiessentümpel waterfall. The full trail offers 112 km of scenic walking fun!
A day trip from Brussels to the Müllerthal region is a fantastic idea!
Ideal time to visit: Early to mid-October.
5. Lake Bled – Slovenia
Lake Bled is one of Europe’s most famous and photographed lakes, and it’s easy to see why! You can hike to stunning viewpoints or rent a rowboat for some fun on the water.
Check out my blog post on the 8 Best Things To Do in Lake Bled for all the info you need!
Lake Bled is just 55 km from Ljubljana and can be easily reached by car!
Ideal time to visit: Early to mid-October.
6. Botassart – Belgium
The Ardennes in Belgium is a perfect weekend getaway for stunning autumn foliage! Check out Le Tombeau du Géant, easy to reach by car. The area also offers plenty of worthwhile hikes.
Best time to visit: early to mid October.
7. Paris – France
Paris is a great destination, but summer crowds can be overwhelming. For a quieter experience, visit in the fall when tourism dips. You’ll enjoy stunning autumn colors, especially around the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, and Les Tuileries.
Best time to visit: early to late October.
8. Lake District – United Kingdom
The Lake District in northern UK, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2017, is stunning for autumn foliage. Don’t miss Buttermere and Tarn Hows!
Great time to visit: Mid to late October
9. Hallstatt – Austria
Hallstatt is a stunning European town, though it’s often crowded. Arrive early to find parking! The town is small, taking just a couple of hours to explore, but the surrounding area is also beautiful and worth seeing.
Hallstatt is a must-visit on a European road trip!
The ideal time to visit is mid-October.
10. Autumn foliage surrounding Schloss Neuschwanstein – Germany
Visiting this fairytale castle in Germany was a dream come true for me last year. It didn’t disappoint!
King Ludwig II began building this dreamy castle in 1869 to retreat from public life. When he died in 1886, construction stopped, and it opened to the public. Walt Disney later drew inspiration from it for the Sleeping Beauty castle in Disneyland.
We’re open from 9 AM to 6 PM.
Entry: €12
You can only visit the castle with a guided tour, and no photos are allowed inside.
Best time to visit: Early to mid-October
11. Lillafüred – Hungary
Lillafüred, a charming resort town near Miskolc, is about a two-hour drive from Budapest. Nestled in a forest, it offers the stunning Palace Hotel, hanging gardens, caves, a waterfall, and a picturesque lake perfect for boating. Lillafüred is truly one of Hungary’s hidden gems.
Lillafüred is a great day trip from Budapest. For more ideas, click here!
Best time to visit? Early to mid-October.
12. Lauterbrunnen – Switzerland
I’ve only seen Lauterbrunnen on a warm summer evening, but I bet it’s stunning in autumn!
Lauterbrunnen is a small town, but you can easily spend a whole day exploring its hiking trails. It’s just a 25-minute drive from Interlaken, with convenient parking at the main train station for €3.50 for three hours.
The train journey from Interlaken is even faster, only 20 minutes, and arrives right in the center.
Click here for more on Lauterbrunnen and its surroundings.
Ideal time to visit: Mid-October
13. Transfagarasan Road- Romania
The Carpathian Mountains boast stunning views, especially in the fall with their vibrant foliage. In Romania, the Transfagarasan and Transalpina roads are must-sees for their incredible scenery.
The Transfagarasan was even featured on Top Gear, dubbed “the best road in the world.”
Visit in early to mid-October for the best experience.
14. The Highlands – Scotland
Many skip Scotland in the fall for summer visits, but those golden autumn leaves are stunning!
Best time to visit: late September to mid-October.
15. Plitvice National Park – Croatia
Plitvice National Park, a renowned Croatian gem, is bustling in Summer but much quieter in Autumn. It has “Upper” and “Lower Lakes” with eight visitor courses.
Want to Explore More?
Ticket prices change seasonally; check for current rates here.
Best time to visit? Late October.
