Europe · Series
Autumn in Europe: 8 places at their best in October
October is the month for autumn colour across most of Europe, and the summer crowds have gone. These eight places are at their best then: the Dolomites, Hallstatt, Plitvice Lakes, Lake Bled, Neuschwanstein, the Scottish Highlands, Brașov and Edinburgh. Colour peaks at slightly different times each year, usually between early and late October.
The places in this film
- 1
Dolomites, Italy
Larch forests turn gold under the pale peaks, usually in mid to late October. Some cable cars have closed by then, so check first.
- 2
Hallstatt, Austria
A lakeside village under wooded slopes that change colour around mid-October, with far fewer visitors than in summer.
- 3
Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
Sixteen green lakes framed by beech forest in amber and red. Go on a weekday in October.
- 4
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Still water, a church on an island and hillsides of orange. Walk the loop around the lake in the morning.
- 5
Neuschwanstein, Germany
The castle above the Bavarian forest. Castle tours run by timed ticket, and the footbridge behind it has the classic view.
- 6
Scottish Highlands
Golden birch and red bracken across the glens in October. Weather changes fast, so pack a waterproof.
- 7
Brașov, Romania
A medieval town square ringed by forested hills in Transylvania, with Bran Castle a short drive away.
- 8
Edinburgh, Scotland
A castle on a rock above a city of stone, with the gardens below it in autumn colour.
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Plan it
- Best time
- Early to late October for most of these. High mountain areas turn first, and cities and lowlands follow into early November.
- How long
- Each is two to four days. Pair neighbours: Bled with Plitvice, or Edinburgh with the Highlands.
- Getting around
- Edinburgh, Brașov and Hallstatt are reachable by train. The Dolomites, the Highlands and Plitvice are easier by car.
Good to know
- Days are short in October. Plan the outdoor part of each day for late morning to mid-afternoon.
- In the mountains, some lifts and passes close for the season. Check before you go.
- Book ahead around school half-term weeks, when rooms fill quickly.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to see autumn colour in Europe? +
October, for most of the continent. Mountain areas such as the Alps and the Dolomites usually peak in mid to late October. Lower and more southern places follow into early November. The exact week changes from year to year with the weather.
Is October a good month to travel in Europe? +
Yes. Crowds are much lighter than in summer and the light is softer. The trade-offs are shorter days, cooler and wetter weather, and some mountain lifts and seasonal services closing for the year.
Where are the golden larch trees in the Dolomites? +
Larches grow across the higher valleys. Val di Funes, Alpe di Siusi, Val Gardena and the area around Lago di Braies are well known for them. They turn gold in mid to late October, a little before the needles fall.
