Autumn down under isn’t for a while, but most of the rest of the world is gearing up, pulling out jumpers and getting ready for the pumpkin-craze to begin. Autumn means change, falling temperatures and falling leaves, and for many countries around the world, autumn leaf displays are a major attraction. We’ve already focused on the best spots in Japan to find amazing autumn leaves, but if you’re looking for more ideas, plan a trip to one of these other incredible destinations, (or you could simply enjoy the photos.) Happy leafing!
Québec, Canada: St. Anne’s Canyon Québec
Canada’s national symbol is the maple leaf, and Canyon Sainte Anne in Québec is one of the most famous places to look for autumn colours. The canyon is famous throughout the year for its majestic views and waterfalls, but fall, when the canyon fills up with fiery red leaves, is by far the most spectacular time to visit. The canyon is spanned by three suspension bridges, allowing gutsy visitors the ideal viewpoint from which to survey the magnificent views below.
Best viewing period: late September – early October
Moscow, Russia: Kolomenskoye
Moscow was in the limelight this past summer but there’s a lot more than football matches that the Russian capital can offer to tourists. Autumn is a great time to visit, with splendid views on offer as the seasons change. Moscow State University and Sparrow Hills sport photogenic red leaves, but for something truly next-level, visit Kolomenskoye, where you’ll see beautiful autumn leaves in set out in a kaleidoscopic alley of maple trees and green chestnuts. Kolomenskoye, also called the Southern Manor, is a former royal manor, famous for its characteristic Church of the Ascension. In the autumn months the red leaves bring out another dimension of the site’s famous architecture, attracting professional photographers and tourists alike.
Best viewing period: late September – early October
Sichuan, China: Guangwushan
The Guangwushan, literally meaning ‘mountain of light and fog’, has a reputation as China’s best mountain for autumn leaf hunters as well as ‘Asia’s longest natural red carpet’. The mountain holds a ‘Red Leaves Festival’ every year. During the foliage period, Guangwushan is decked out in an array of vibrant shades from, green to yellow, orange and red, as more than 40 varieties of trees, such as Cyclobalanopsis, Maple, Eucalyptus, and Rosaceae fill the mountain’s forests with an incandescent view fit to rival any on Earth.
Best viewing period: mid-October – early November
Munich, Germany: Lake Königssee
Frequent visitors to Europe may already have heard of the picturesque scenery of the Königssee in Bavaria, Germany. Referred to as one of the most transparent and cleanest lakes in the Alps, visitors can feast their eyes upon the red leaves surrounding the lake by taking a boat and climbing up to the red dome of the St. Bartholomew pilgrimage church. The clear waters will reflect back all the vibrant shades of red and green, making the view doubly satisfying.
Best viewing period: early October – early November
Korea: Seoraksan
Seoraksan is Korea’s most famous national park. Designated a biological preservation area by UNESCO in 1982 to protect its rare animals, its leaves and dramatic rocks also help to make it a widely popular tourist attraction amongst locals as well as tourists. Thanks to the Korean government’s help in maintaining the mountainous paths, tourists of all types can view the autumn leaves from a wide range of vantage points, designed for hikers of varying skill-ranges – meaning Seoraksan is equally suitable for a family trip or for experienced trekkers.
Best viewing period: late September – late October
USA: New England
The dramatic New England fall foliage starts in the northern New England states (Maine, New Hampshire) typically in late September and moves down to southern New England (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island) around late October. The views are magnificent, with scarlet, gold, purple and orange blazing across hills and sweeping into valleys, making New England the USA’s go-to place for autumn leaf viewing. The air is crisp and cool — perfect for hiking, cycling, or a classic fly-drive break along back roads, where farm stands are piled high with crunchy apples and orange pumpkins.
Best viewing period: late September – October
Visit official website here.
Romania: Lake Sfânta Ana
Much of Romania is still forested, and one of its best places for colourful leaf viewing is as a backdrop to Lake Sfânta Ana in the rural part of the country. Trek through orange and yellow trees in warm October weather before arriving at the country’s only crater lake, located in a volcanic crater called Puciosul. As a part of a well-protected natural reserve, the orange and yellow coloured woodlands are a pristine, beautiful natural wonderland,. Don’t forget to climb up the belvedere point when you return from Chapel of St Ann for an excellent view of the lake from above.
Best viewing period: October
The Netherlands, Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s canals and parks are transformed by golden leaves, With more than 400,000 trees binding its canal banks together, Amsterdam’s historic canals are lined by vibrant clouds of orange and red trees. Apart from looking at the golden carpet of crunchy leaves that flood the cobbles, don’t forget to join the Amsterdam Dance Event! For five days in October, thousands of DJs and music fans converge on the Dutch capital to celebrate electronic music. It’s a good time to soak up the fun!
Best viewing period: October
Czech Republic: Prague
A mix of gold and green can be witnessed from the observation tower at Prague’s Petřín Hill, which offers the best views of the city. The Kunratice forest is also well worth a visit. Home to a number of ancient heritage trees and numerous wooden shelters, the forest is the perfect place to catch the leaves as they turn from green to red. Normally crowded, Prague in autumn also offers a chance to visit the city largely free from tourist masses.
Best viewing period: September through November
Italy: South Tyrol
The autumn in South Tyrol is a mesmerising play of colours. What’s more, it’s the season of culinary delights! With mountains draped in their finest shades of red and yellow, the panoramas are breathtaking. Scenic hikes will take you through vineyards and forests, while you’ll restore your energy with delicious meat platters and sweet pancakes, paired with a glass of wine or freshly-drawn apple juice. Buon appetito!
Best viewing period: October
*Note: These rates are based on search queries made on nz.kayak.com on 7 September 2018. The prices are quoted in NZD. Flight prices are based on results for a return economy flight search. Hotel prices are for double occupancy and include taxes and fees. Prices are subject to change, may vary, or no longer be available.
