The 10 best places to visit in europe in fall

September through November in Europe is a season of vivid colors, festive celebrations, and crisp, cozy adventures. As the summer crowds fade, cities and landscapes transform into serene, golden-hued wonders. Whether you’re dreaming of beer in Bavaria, experiencing Halloween where it all began in Ireland, or exploring ancient ruins in Greece without the scorching heat, fall in Europe is the perfect time to travel.

From world-famous festivals like Oktoberfest and the Amsterdam Dance Event to breathtaking nature escapes and ghostly city tours, here are the best places to visit in Europe in autumn.

Fall in Europe at a glance

Best fall festivals: Oktoberfest in Munich, truffle season in Italy, and Halloween celebrations in Ireland

Top destinations for fall foliage: Bavaria, the Scottish Highlands, and Tuscan hillsides.

Unique autumn experiences: Whale watching in Iceland, chasing the Northern Lights, and vineyard tours in France.

Best warm-weather getaways: The Algarve, Tuscany, and Greek islands.

1. Bavaria, Germany

Why go in fall: Oktoberfest, stunning fall foliage, and fairy-tale castles.

Bavaria is Europe’s ultimate autumn destination. The capital, Munich, comes alive in fall with Oktoberfest, the world’s largest beer festival. Picture steins of beer, traditional Bavarian music, and locals in lederhosen. Book an evening table at the Oktoberfest Big Beer Tent and get ready for the locals to drink you under the table!

Take a scenic drive along the Romantic Road, stopping at Neuschwanstein Castle, which looks even more magical surrounded by golden leaves. For untouched natural beauty, Berchtesgaden National Park offers crisp air, panoramic hikes, and mirror-like lakes reflecting the season’s colors.

Address

Neuschwanstein Castle, Neuschwansteinstraße 20, 87645 Schwangau, Germany

Opening hours

Daily, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM

2. Dublin, Ireland

Why go in fall: The home of Halloween, and breathtaking fall landscapes.

Did you know Ireland is the birthplace of Halloween? The ancient Celtic festival of Samhain inspired the modern holiday. Each October, Dublin embraces its eerie heritage with the Bram Stoker Festival, a spine-chilling celebration of the legendary Dracula author.

For a good fright, Dublin’s Halloween tours introduce the city’s haunted past. Hop on the Dublin Ghost Bus Tour for a bone-chilling ride, or walk the Haunted History Tour to uncover true tales of eerie happenings.

Beyond the spooky fun, an autumnal tour of Glendalough in Wicklow is one of the best things you can do in Europe in fall, when the trees that blanket the beautiful glacial valley turn it red and gold.

Address

Wicklow Mountains, Laragh West, Co. Wicklow, Ireland

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

3. Paris, France

Why go in fall: Autumn romance, eerie history, lighter crowds, and indulgent food tours.

Paris in fall is pure magic, with golden leaves lining the Seine and a crisp chill in the air. Fall is the perfect time to explore its mysterious side, from the ghostly tombs of Père Lachaise Cemetery to the hidden depths of Notre Dame’s Île de la Cité crypt.

Enjoy a warm croissant at a Montmartre café, or visit the Louvre without the summer rush. Warm up with a food and wine tasting tour in the Le Marais district, savoring rich cheeses and bold reds — the ultimate way to experience fall in Paris.

Address

Louvre Museum, 75001 Paris, France

Opening hours

Monday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Wednesday and Friday, 9:00 AM–9:00 PM
Closed on Tuesday

4. Tuscany, Italy

Why go in fall: Wine harvests, truffle hunting, and golden countryside views.

Tuscany in fall is a feast for the senses, as vineyards burst with ripe grapes and the rolling hills glow in shades of gold and amber. Sip world-class wines on a Tuscan wine and vineyard tour, or hunt for prized white truffles in the forests of San Miniato on an authentic truffle-hunting experience.

For breathtaking scenery, take a Val d’Orcia day trip and explore medieval towns, rolling vineyards, and rustic farmhouses bathed in Tuscany’s autumn glow.

Address

San Miniato, 56028 Province of Pisa

Opening Hours

Open 24 hours

5. Edinburgh, Scotland

Why go in fall: Dramatic landscapes, haunted history, and the Samhuinn Fire Festival.

Edinburgh in fall is mystical and moody, with fog rolling over the castle and golden leaves blanketing the cobblestone streets. Halloween lovers will be drawn to the Edinburgh underground tours, where eerie tales unfold in the city’s haunted subterranean chambers, narrated by masterful local storytellers.

Celebrate Samhain — the Celtic origin of Halloween — at the Samhuinn Fire Festival, where fire-dancing and costumed performers bring the city to life. For breathtaking scenery, take a day trip to the Scottish Highlands and see misty lochs, towering mountains, and serene landscapes.

Or closer to home, hike the rugged hillsides just outside the city to Arthur’s Seat, and see Edinburgh’s Gothic rooftops glow like single-malt Scotch in the amber autumn light.

Address

Edinburgh Old Town

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

6. Reykjavík, Iceland

Why go in fall: Northern lights, whale watching, and geothermal hot springs.

As summer fades, Iceland once again becomes Europe’s top destination for spotting the northern lights. Long nights bring spectacular celestial displays and crisp days invite adventure-seekers to explore geysers, glaciers, and volcanoes.

Soak in the Blue Lagoon, where milky-blue geothermal waters swirl around black volcanic rock, enveloping you in a steamy, mineral-rich embrace. Let the silky silica mud soften your skin as plumes of mist rise into the crisp Icelandic air, creating an otherworldly, dreamlike atmosphere.

For jaw-dropping landscapes, embark on a Golden Circle tour and witness thundering waterfalls, bubbling geysers, and ancient rift valleys.

Address

Blue Lagoon, Norðurljósavegur 9, 240 Grindavík, Iceland

Opening Hours

Open daily, 8:00 AM–10:00 PM

7. Transylvania, Romania

Why go in fall: Dracula’s Castle, medieval towns, and eerie Halloween celebrations.

If you’re looking for the ultimate Halloween destination in Europe, Transylvania is it. Step into Bram Stoker’s gothic imagination with a tour of Bran Castle, better known as Dracula’s Castle, where vampire legends and medieval history collide.

Visit Sighișoara, the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, and wander through its beautiful cobbled streets. For breathtaking fall landscapes, take a day trip to the Carpathian Mountains, where mist-covered forests and medieval castles create an atmosphere straight out of a horror novel.

Address

Bran Castle, Strada General Traian Moșoiu 24, Bran 507025, Romania

Opening Hours

Mondays, 12:00 PM–4:00 PM
Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM

8. The Algarve, Portugal

Why go in fall: Warm beaches, fewer crowds, and dramatic coastal scenery.

While much of Europe cools down, the Algarve in Portugal stays warm well past summer, making it one of the best places to visit in Europe in fall for those craving sunshine and seaside escapes. Explore hidden sea caves and turquoise waters on a Benagil Cave boat tour.

Soak up rays on the Algarve’s golden beaches and rugged cliffs on a scenic hiking tour, perfect for catching unforgettable fall sunsets over the Atlantic. Wander through the charming old town of Lagos, where whitewashed buildings, cobbled streets, and historic forts tell tales of Portugal’s seafaring past. Sip local wines at a sun-drenched vineyard, sampling bold reds and crisp whites grown in the Algarve’s unique coastal climate.

Address

Benagil Cave boat tours depart from CM1154, 8400 Lagoa, Portugal

Opening Hours

Tours typically run between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM, with sunset experiences available later.

9. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Why go in fall: World-class festivals, dreamy canals, and scenic countryside escapes.

Amsterdam in fall is a tale of two cities — one part electrifying party scene, one part tranquil autumn retreat. For festival lovers, Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) takes over the city each October. Europe’s largest electronic music festival attracts world-renowned DJs and transforms venues, clubs, and even houseboats into all-night dance floors.

For a slower pace, take a day trip to Zaanse Schans, where windmills, wooden houses, and Dutch cheese-making offer a classic postcard-perfect scene. Or venture to idyllic Giethoorn, the so-called "Dutch Venice," to see impossibly charming canals and quaint thatched-roof cottages.

There’s also nothing quite like an Amsterdam canal tour, especially in fall when the historic canal ring is lined with golden leaves.

Address

Giethoorn, Giethoorn, Kerkweg 35, 8355 BJ Giethoorn, Netherlands

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

10. Athens, Greece

Why go in fall: Mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and island-hopping from Athens.

If you love Greek history but not the sweltering summer heat, fall is the best time to visit Athens and the Greek Islands. Explore the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Ancient Agora in cooler weather, with fewer crowds and golden autumn light over the ruins.

Stroll through Plaka’s bougainvillea-lined alleys, browse flea markets in Monastiraki, or sip Greek wine on a rooftop terrace with breathtaking views of the hilltop Acropolis. For a cultural fix, visit the National Archaeological Museum or unwind at the Stavros Niarchos Center, where modern architecture meets sea views.

For those craving a mix of culture and island charm, take a full-day cruise from Athens to Hydra, and Aegina. You’ll experience stunning beaches, historic temples, and traditional Greek tavernas — all in perfect autumn weather.

Address

Acropolis, Athens 105 58, Greece.

Opening hours

Varies by activity.

Fall in Europe: FAQs

Generated with the help of AI

What are some unique fall festivals to experience in Europe?

Europe is home to a variety of fall festivals that celebrate the season's bounty. In Germany, Oktoberfest in Munich is a world-renowned event featuring beer tents and traditional Bavarian culture. In Spain, the La Mercè festival in Barcelona showcases music, fireworks, and parades. Meanwhile, in Ireland, the Galway International Oyster Festival offers seafood lovers a chance to indulge in fresh oysters and local music. Check out these festivals to discover where to visit in Europe in fall, or at least where to start your trip.

Which European cities offer the best fall foliage views?

The most popular European destinations to visit in fall are known for their stunning foliage and photography opportunities. Head to cities like Prague in the Czech Republic, where the Vltava River and historic architecture are framed by vibrant leaves. In France, Paris' parks, such as the Jardin du Luxembourg, transform into a canvas of autumn colors. Edinburgh in Scotland also offers breathtaking views from Arthur's Seat, with the city and its surroundings bathed in fall colors.

What are some popular activities to do in Europe during the fall?

Fall in Europe is perfect for wine tasting in regions like Bordeaux, France, and Tuscany, Italy, where the grape harvest is in full swing. Hiking is also popular, with trails in the Swiss Alps and the Scottish Highlands offering crisp air and beautiful scenery.

Are there any lesser-known destinations in Europe that are ideal to visit in the fall?

Consider visiting the Azores in Portugal, where the mild fall weather allows for exploring volcanic landscapes and hot springs. In Slovenia, Lake Bled offers tranquility and stunning autumn reflections. The Transylvania region in Romania, with its medieval castles and forests, provides a mysterious yet charming fall getaway.

What is the weather like in Europe during the fall season?

Fall weather in Europe varies widely. Northern Europe, including countries like Sweden and Norway, can be cool with temperatures ranging from 40–60 F (4–15 C). Central Europe, such as Germany and Austria, sees mild weather between 50–70 F (10–21 C). Southern Europe, including Italy and Spain, remains warmer, with temperatures around 60–75 F (15–24 C).