Here it is… it’s about to begin. And it will bring unforgettable colors to our days. It is “foliage” time, the moment when the leaves on trees turn golden just before falling from the branches. The name of this natural phenomenon, which is especially observed in autumn, comes from the French word “feuillage” and occurs with the arrival of lower temperatures and shorter days. It is now, in autumn, that plants produce less chlorophyll, the pigment that gives leaves their characteristic green color. This allows other pigments to become visible, creating shades of yellow, orange, red, and brown. The autumn colors of foliage transform forests, parks, and mountains into spectacular landscapes and attract many people, who organize excursions and trips to admire them. Among the most popular destinations are Canada, Japan, and some mountainous areas of Northern Europe.
Autumn is not the same everywhere
Autumn is not the same everywhere. It doesn’t always arrive at the same time, and even where the seasons are the same, temperatures don’t drop simultaneously. This is why autumn colors appear in different ways and at different times. In the Northern Hemisphere, autumn lasts from September to December, while on the other side of the globe, the autumn months are March, April, and May. But even though autumn officially begins in September (or March in the Southern Hemisphere), some places will still be warm and will therefore see the leaves turn color later than others. Cold doesn’t arrive at the same time in Italy and Sweden! If you’re a “autumn colors hunter” and if you have the means and time to do so, this event… for you… could last all year! Ready to join us?
The very first autumn colors: where do they appear?
The first leaves to turn red are those of Scandinavian trees. Finland “gets the ball rolling” as early as the beginning of September, with the forests of Lapland starting to turn gold. Norway and Sweden follow closely behind, along with Denmark, Germany, and England. The great, frozen north, close to the Pole, puts the trees to sleep first, and the spectacle of red, orange, yellow, and brown foliage reflected in the vast lakes and fjords is certainly an event not to be missed. To experience it up close, book flights to Helsinki Airport (HEL) or Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL) and decide which Finnish or Norwegian location to stay in: the most renowned for this event are Oulanka National Park and the Norwegian valley of Flåmsdalen. Sweden also offers unforgettable landscapes and panoramas during this magical time of year, such as Stockholm’s Hagaparken.
Iconic destinations around the world
Between October and early November, almost the entire northern hemisphere experiences the marvelous sight of foliage. Among the countries renowned for themed trips to this natural phenomenon, besides Scandinavia, are Canada and Japan.
Canada, rich in forests and parks, offers hundreds of great destinations. And here, the autumn colors last a long time, even for weeks during which you can literally walk immersed in red! Canada doesn’t have any “special areas”, because it’s spectacular everywhere, but if you find yourself in the Laurentides Mountains in Quebec (Québec Airport – YQB), you will truly experience this event at its best. Another very famous autumn colors place is Central Park in New York. A spectacle so unique that it has even inspired films and songs. In general, however, all of New England (the thirteen oldest colonies in the United States) offers breathtaking autumn views.
In Japan, the autumn colors capital is Kyoto (Osaka Kansai Airport – KIX). Here, in particular, the maples of the many temples turn red. In Tokyo, however, Shinjuku Gyoen Garden and Rikugien Park are the ideal destinations, unless you want to immerse yourself in the colorful cold of the island of Hokkaido. In Europe, you can enjoy the colors practically everywhere in Germany, Poland, Romania, and England. Italy also offers enchanting glimpses of autumn colors, especially in the Dolomites and, in late season (late November), even on Mount Etna in Sicily.
The last “foliage” in the southern hemisphere
You have to wait until March to fly to the other side of the planet and witness the foliage in the southern hemisphere as well. In this month, which is springtime for us Europeans, the southern autumn begins below the equator, and here too, the trees change color.
April is the perfect month to admire, in Argentine Patagonia , kilometers of Lenga tree forests turning red and orange all at once! For those who don’t know, the Lenga is a tree typical of the mountainous areas of South America, which can reach large sizes and live for many years. It has green leaves and a distinctive bark, and in autumn it offers unique spectacles. Lenga colors can also be found in the forests of Chile in late April.
Between April and May, the best foliage can be found in Australia and New Zealand. Southern Australia is typically colder than northern Australia, and in fact, in the states of Victoria (Melbourne Airport – MEL) and Tasmania, you can enjoy magnificent autumn colors. Sydney’s public parks also offer wonderful colors during these months, while in Adelaide the most beautiful foliage can be seen at the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens. In New Zealand, on the South Island (Christchurch airport), lies the autumn colors capital of the Southern Hemisphere: the town of Arrowtown, whose streets turn red in May. Also in New Zealand, it’s worth admiring the colors on Lake Wanaka, Lake Tekapo, or in Rotorua.
Treat yourself to this special vacation
Traveling during this time, whether in the Northern or Southern Hemisphere, means escaping the daily grind and immersing yourself in tranquil, relaxing environments, perfect for those seeking peace and quiet but also for art and photography lovers. The autumn colors make every landscape special and create unforgettable memories. Seeking them by treating yourself to a vacation in one of these places means experiencing a slow, evocative journey, in close contact with nature at one of its most evocative moments. Chase the golden hues of autumn, exploring fascinating regions of the world that will captivate you with their poetry.
