The 7 most beautiful natural areas in Europe to visit in autumn

1. Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park in Italy

Snow-capped peaks, expansive flower meadows, and crystal-clear mountain lakes. Surrounding the highest mountain on the Italian mainland, Gran Sasso (2912 meters), lies the rugged Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park. From Gran Sasso, you have an enchanting view over forests in a beautiful color palette during autumn. Explore the winding mountain paths on foot, by mountain bike, or on horseback and spot wildlife such as various bird species, deer, chamois, and wild boars along the way. You might even come face to face with the Italian wolf! In addition to diverse nature, the national park also boasts cultural attractions, such as medieval villages with monasteries, churches, and castles.

^{Foto: sterlinglanier Lanier / Unsplash}

2. Swedish Lapland

Those who travel to Swedish Lapland in autumn treat themselves to a true color safari. From the end of August, the forests are painted in many autumn shades. Explore Swedish Lapland during the day from the water and paddle a canoe along a golden oasis of reeds. If you're lucky, another color spectacle takes place at night: the Northern Lights. Between early September and late May, you have the best chance of admiring this unique natural phenomenon. Tip: go on a Northern Lights safari. With a 4x4 and guide, you venture into the wilderness where, due to less light pollution, the chance of seeing the Northern Lights is extra high.

^{Foto: Fredrik Posser / Unsplash}

3. Saxon Switzerland National Park in Germany

With a whopping 1,200 kilometers of hiking trails, hiking enthusiasts will be delighted in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, located in southern Germany. One of the most beautiful hiking routes is the Malerweg. This route takes you through 115 kilometers of winding hiking trails through a picturesque mountain landscape full of endless forests, deep valleys, and narrow gorges. Traveling with children? The national park also offers a choice of numerous beautiful day trips and family-friendly walks.

^{Foto: Melina Kiefer / Unsplash}

4. Gorges du Verdon in France

Azure blue water, bright white limestone cliffs, and forests that turn yellow, red, and orange during the autumn months. For this fairytale landscape, you don't have to travel further than southern France. Just 100 kilometers inland from the Cote d'Azur lies the Gorges du Verdon, an enormous river canyon with cliffs up to 700 meters high and a whopping 25 kilometers of beautiful blue water. The best way to discover this place is indeed by water. Jump into a canoe or pedal boat (motorized vehicles are prohibited), paddle through the turquoise water, and dock at one of the many secluded beaches. Do you love adrenaline? Go rock climbing or jump from the enormous cliffs into the water.

^{Foto: Gontran Isnard / Unsplash}

5. Masuria in Poland

Hundreds of shady patches of forest surrounded by blue lakes: welcome to Masuria, the land of a thousand lakes. In northeastern Poland, you'll find this idyllic landscape that is very popular among fishermen, water sports enthusiasts, and vacationers. Explore the vast waters with a kayak and let yourself be carried along the gently flowing river past picturesque forests in autumn colors. Spot beavers and swans in the water along the way, while herds of mouflons, bisons, and horses roam peacefully along the shores. Culture lovers are also in the right place in Masuria. The city of Olsztyn has a beautiful historic center full of Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings.

^{Foto: Igor Klepacki / Unsplash}

6. Sierra Nevada in Spain

Would you like to cycle in the Spanish sun or hike through the mountains of Andalusia without drought and soaring temperatures? The Spanish mountain range Sierra Nevada National Park is the ideal place to visit in autumn. From mid-September to mid-November, just before the snow transforms this mountain range into a winter sports area, the temperatures here are pleasant and the nature is full of warm colors. The bustling and nearby city of Granada is also best visited during this period. Stroll through the historic streets, admire the Moorish architecture, and enjoy a delightful autumn sun on the terrace.

^{Foto: Gabriele Stravinskaite / Unsplash}

7. Krka National Park in Croatia

Dozens of meters high and wide waterfalls, bright green water, and hundreds of small fish, frogs, and birds: welcome to Krka National Park. The area is rich in seven waterfalls, with the most famous being the 100-meter-wide Skradinski Buk waterfall, where the water flows down over 17 smaller waterfalls. Prefer to discover a hidden gem where you can also swim? Then visit the Manojlovac Waterfall, which is surrounded by beautifully warm-colored trees during the autumn months.

^{Foto: Kévin et Laurianne Langlai / Unsplash}