Fall can be breathtakingly beautiful. Even if it's not your favorite season there's no denying the picturesque beauty of the changing colors and the satisfying sound of leaves crunching under your feet. Plus, on most days the sun is still shining and warm, allowing for outdoor activities with near-perfect weather. Can you tell Fall is my favorite? If you love fall foliage as much as I do, you'll want to add these destinations to your list of places to go - just be sure to book your trip before the snow starts to fall.
The Highlands, Scotland
Scotland is known for its impressive landscapes, hills, and mountainside views. Picture the scenes you've seen in movies like Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and imagine those expansive green fields and forestry set ablaze with autumnal colors and falling leaves.
About 20 percent of Scotland is covered in trees, so there are many trails to explore with beautiful scenic views of the countryside. In addition to the rustic views, apples and plums are in peak picking condition and game is easier to catch now that the wildlife is more active.
Now why the Highlands? The Highlands' are filled with mountain ranges, including the highest mountain in the British Isles, Ben Nevis. These rolling fields will give you a remote, off-the-grid feel without actually being in the middle of nowhere.
Bavaria, Germany
Germany's landscape is dotted with charming villages surrounded by some of the prettiest foliage you will see in Europe. Like Scotland, forests make up a significant portion of the countryside in Germany, and if you travel south to Bavaria, the Fall scenery is a real showstopper. Known for Oktoberfest - the German holiday celebrating the 19 th-century marriage of King Ludwig and Princess Therese - it's a destination on many a bucket list for people who love German beer, food, music, and tradition.
Even if you visit after Oktoberfest, the changing leaves and quaint cobblestone paths won't disappoint.
One specific location to visit at this time of year in Bavaria is the Neuschwanstein Castle. This castle was the inspiration for the castle in the Disney movie Sleeping Beauty and is completely surrounded by mountains, where you'll have a gorgeous view of autumn's handiwork.
Lugano, Switzerland
This Swiss city borders Lake Lugano just south of the Alps. The residents here speak Italian, since Lugano is just a stone's throw from the Italian border and about an hour's drive from Milan.
When the heat of the summer is over and the temperature is the perfect amount of mild, it's time to explore the outdoors and all this town has to offer, like the annual Autumn Festival in celebration of the beautiful foliage, ripened grapes that yield amazing wine, and traditional folk music. While boating season is coming to an end, it's the perfect time to stroll around the lake and the surrounding promenade area.
Lugano is encompassed by multiple mountains, which means there are lots of trails to explore during peak fall foliage time.
