These destinations offer an amazing balance of nature and culture.
Autumn, along with not always pleasant weather, also brings travelers bright colors that turn a rainy trip into a fairy tale.
The travel portal Travel Off Path has compiled a list of the five best places in Europe to admire the autumn colors.
- Bern, Switzerland. The Swiss capital itself resembles a fairy-tale city from a children’s book cover: cobblestone streets, ornate fountains, a monumental cathedral, and a famous medieval clock tower. Bern is also surrounded by the Alps, a mountain range covered with larch trees that turn bright yellow in autumn. To fully breathe in the fresh Alpine air and enjoy the warm colors, tourists are advised to take the Bern funicular to Gurten, a local mountain that is crossed by comfortable forest trails and offers picturesque views of the Alps.
- Voss, Norway. This small town near Bergen is known primarily as a winter destination due to its impressive slopes and ski resorts, but few people know that it is also a great place for autumn vacations. After all, it is here that some of the most beautiful natural areas of Norway are located. Lake Voss is the most impressive: guests are greeted by mirror-like glacial water, bordered by tall golden birches. And to see the lake from a higher altitude, you can take a gondola from the center of Voss to the Hanguren panorama. There are many trails, and the forest is dotted with birches and pines. It is also worth visiting Twindefossen, a cascading waterfall framed by autumn leaves.
- Janina, Greece. Although most tourists consider Greece to be a summer destination, Janina is a beautifully preserved medieval town on the shore of a lake, surrounded by picturesque mountains. Lake Pamvotis is notable for its small island, which can only be reached by boat. It is an ideal place for a cool walk amidst the autumn colors, with the opportunity to visit a couple of ancient Byzantine monasteries. Meanwhile, in the cobblestone-paved center of the city, it is impossible not to notice the Castle of Ioannina, a historic fortress with winding streets and taverns.
- Bled, Slovenia. Located on the shores of one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in all of Europe, Bled is like something out of a postcard, with its crystal-clear waters, a medieval church on a small island, and an impressive fortress on a hilltop with a stunning view. This city is unforgettable at any time of the year, but September and October are the best times to visit. It’s not too cold for walking along the lake’s shores, the leaves are playing with all shades of amber, and you can still try your hand at kayaking and other outdoor activities. Lake Bled is surrounded by spa hotels where you can spend the day relaxing by the heated pool, pampering yourself in the wellness center, or sipping hot chocolate on the balcony with a view.
- Vendôme, France. For those seeking a city to relax in that combines culture and nature, this tiny French town in the heart of the Loire Valley, known for its medieval architecture and picturesque riverfront, is worth a look. The whole town is nestled at the foot of the ruins of the medieval castle of Vendôme, while downriver is the Ronsard Park, with its changing foliage, footbridge over the winding stream and idyllic atmosphere. Walking around the city, you can see medieval half-timbered houses, the majestic Gothic Abbey of the Holy Trinity, and a variety of bistros to suit every taste.
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