Autumn colors (also called “foliage”) across Europe fully burst between late September and early November. Depending on the latitude, these are the months to consider if you enjoy this type of nature-focused getaway. While the “Old Continent” offers countless locations with breathtaking autumn scenery, we suggest five spots you absolutely must visit in this season—specifically for their unique autumn colors. Take note and start picturing yourself strolling beneath a canopy of red, gold, and orange leaves—perhaps watching them reflect off the surface of a lake or a river!
What should you pack for a trip amidst the autumn colors?
You will certainly need to pack some sweaters and warm jackets—preferably waterproof ones—because autumn colors often go hand-in-hand with inclement weather. It is not uncommon to encounter rain or cold winds in the locations we recommend. Of course, you should bring a good camera or a high-quality smartphone; autumn colors deserve more than just a casual selfie! And… don’t forget your umbrella! Are you ready to go?
Autumn colors in Lapland
In Finland, autumn transforms the landscape into a palette of extraordinary colors. The most magical period, known as ruska, generally arrives between September and early October, revealing its full beauty—especially in Lapland. The forests, lush and green in summer, slowly change their appearance, offering shades ranging from golden yellow and orange to deep red and brown.
Birch trees are among the most iconic features of the Lapland landscape. Their leaves turn shades of yellow and gold, creating brilliant contrasts against their white trunks. Shrubs and undergrowth plants also contribute to the spectacle: some species turn red or purple, while evergreens—retaining their deep, dark hue—frame the entire scene in the background. Across the hills and lower mountains, this chromatic variety creates vast, colorful expanses that are particularly stunning when you see them from above.
The Ruska is not merely an aesthetic phenomenon; it also marks a significant moment in the region’s natural cycle. Plants prepare for winter—a season that can be long and bitterly cold in Lapland. Walking here during this time means immersing yourself in a silent, almost fairytale-like landscape. Trails wind through golden forests and red-hued hills, while the low-hanging sun intensifies the colors. Ideal destinations include the area around lake Inari, specifically the trails within Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park. To get there, book a flight to Rovaniemi Airport (RVN) and hire one of our chauffeured vehicles.
Lake Bled in Slovenia
Lake Bled is one of Slovenia’s most popular destinations in any season. It boasts some of the country’s most spectacular scenery and is home to the nation’s only natural island. In summer, it is highly popular for its lakeside beaches, hiking opportunities, and the excellent restaurants in the surrounding towns. In autumn, however, it transforms into a magical display of color! You can reach it via Ljubljana Airport (36 km away) or Trieste Airport (TRS) (170 km away).
Since the lake gets very crowded in summer, autumn is the perfect time to visit. October sees the foliage at its most brilliant, in this region; the ideal way to experience it is by renting a rowboat to admire the vividly colored leaves along the lakeshore. If you prefer walking, you can complete the full circuit of the lake in about an hour and a half, naturally stopping to take photos of the magnificent autumn foliage. Alternatively, you can hike up to the viewpoints atop Ojstrica hill or Mala hill and Velika Osojnica so to admire the wonders of the Slovenian autumn from above.
Transylvania in Romania
In autumn, Transylvania becomes a landscape of spectacular colors. Between September and November, the Carpathian forests turn shades of red, orange, yellow, and gold, creating evocative, almost fairytale-like scenery. The mountains—blanketed in beech, oak, and fir forests—offer numerous vantage points from which to admire the changing “foliage”.
Walking along nature trails allows you to soak up a peaceful, enchanting atmosphere, made even more special by the presence of ancient villages, castles, and fortresses. The country roads also become spectacular, especially on sunny days when the autumn light enhances the hues of the leaves.
Transylvania is very popular in autumn because—especially at Halloween time —tourists flock to visit Bran Castle , known as Dracula’s Castle. If you base yourself in Brașov, you can admire the spectacle of these beautiful yet eerie locations bathed in the unique light of the season’s colors. The nearest airport is Transylvania Târgu Mureș (TGM).
Douro Valley in Portugal
Heading south toward the Mediterranean, forests give way to vineyards. Yet autumn colors abound here too, appearing slightly later—usually around the beginning of November. In Portugal, for instance, the famous Douro Valley wine region offers a unique spectacle: immediately after the grape harvest, the vast terraced vineyards turn red, orange, and gold.
To reach the valley, book a chauffeured transfer from Porto Airport (OPO) for a comfortable journey to your destination. In fact, you can also base yourself in Porto and organize various excursions to the surrounding area from there. Alternatively, choose a farmhouse directly in the valley, from where you can also book mini-cruises on the Douro River. Combine the beauty of autumn colors with the grape harvest experience in a single vacation; in these parts of Portugal, the new wine is released right around November!
Autumn colors on Mount Etna
The first two weeks of November usually bring out the vibrant autumn colors in Sicily’s mountains as well. If you land at Catania Airport (CTA), it will take less than an hour drive to reach the northern slopes of the great volcano, Mount Etna. Here, the autumn spectacle sets the birch, beech, and chestnut forests ablaze against a backdrop of black lava rock.
Trails such as Timparossa, Sartorius, and Brunek offer spectacular views of the local “foliage”. Around the Piano Provenzana area, you can also admire dàgale—islands of vegetation surrounded by ancient lava flows—filled with red and yellow trees. On Etna’s southern slopes, you can explore the Piano del Vescovo or Piano Vetore trails to discover spots that turn golden in the autumn. You can base yourself at mountain lodges (such as Sapienza, Brunek, or Ragabo) or in the towns at the foot of the volcano, such as Nicolosi or Linguaglossa. Come and enjoy this particular and unique experience of a “volcano foliage”!
