It’s that time again. The nights are getting shorter, the temperatures are dropping, and there is a strong smell of Pumpkin Spiced Latte. Although the colder weather can make us feel a little blue, there are many wonderful things about autumn, including the beautiful fall colours.

Why not pack your favorite sweater and go on a romantic European vacation to enjoy the best autumn foliage?

These are our top seven fall destinations to stomp through the crunchy leaves.

7. Lake Bled, Slovenia

Lake Bled offers some of the best views in Slovenia. It is also home to the country’s sole natural island. It takes approximately 1.5 hours to walk around the lake, which is plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful bronze and golden leaves.

The island is full of trees and Instagram opportunities. However, the water is too cold to swim during the autumn months. You can hire a rowingboat to glide across the island of Bled. Make sure to bring your camera.

6. The Lake District, England

You can see why the Lake District inspired many Romantic poets by visiting it. The Lakes have offered stunning views since centuries, from Wordsworth to Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

Buttermere is a great place to go for clear, still weather. You can also enjoy the mirror-like lake that reflects the fall foliage by heading there early in the morning. Coniston Water is a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees.

5. Perthshire, Scotland

Scotland is the best place to find autumn, and Perthshire offers some stunning views. Perthshire has one foot in the Highlands, and one in Lowlands. The Meikleour Beech Hedge is the highest in the world.

Despite the cancellation of the COVID-19 display this year, Enchanted Forest Pitlochry will return in 2022. The National Trust’s stunning Hermitage forest turns deep golden and russet in autumn. It is also home to romantic ruins, a waterfall, and beautiful forests.

4. Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany

Neuschwanstein is likely to be found if you search for “real life fairytale castles”. The castle’s fall trees are straight out of a Disney movie. The castle is located in the Bavarian Alps and was built in late 19th century for King Ludwig II. It can only be viewed by guided tours.

The castle is located five hours away from Germany’s Black Forest, which is full of oaks, beech trees and elms. This contrasts with the evergreen pines.

3. Transylvania, Romania

Transylvania is still associated with gothic architecture and vampires, but it’s also one of Europe’s best places to witness stunning fall colours. The Mociar Forest, Romania’s oldest forest, covers 570 hectares Transylvania. It is perfect for exploring in the crisp autumn days.

Transfagarasan connects Transylvania to Wallachia at an elevation of 2,042m.

Romania has many high-altitude roads that allow you to take in the beautiful fall scenery. The Transfagarasan road, which runs 90 km, connects Transylvania and Wallachia at an elevation of 2,042m. It is the second-highest road to Romania.

2. Loire Valley, France

The Loire Valley is a world-famous wine. It sparkles in autumn. You can also watch the grapevines change deep reds or purples at the Chateaux nearby, even if you aren’t sampling the wine.

Chateau de Chaumont sur-Loire is a favourite autumn spot. It decorates its grounds in pumpkins and cucurbits which adds an autumnal touch to an already beautiful setting.

1. Finland, Lapland

Lapland is a place that has been more associated with autumn than winter, and it truly comes alive in fall. The Northern Lights are at their strongest during this time of the year. Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, is also filled with beautiful trees.

Although it is not snowing, temperatures drop to a frosty 2 degrees Celsius. So make sure to keep warm.