Explore Autumn Scenery and Wine-Sampling Hikes: Top European Hiking Escapades in September and October
From the Trail to the tipsy trail: Top Autumn Hikes in Europe
As summer fades, the crisp air whispers a new season of adventure. September and October are perfect for a walking getaway, with cooler temperatures and fewer vacationers.
Grab your boots, put on a warm sweater, and join us as we chart out some fabulous autumn hiking spots, complete with views, vino, and stunning scenery, all spread across Europe.
Escape the swarm in Bulgaria's Rila Traverse
Bulgaria's Rila Traverse is a thrilling seven-day wonderland of glacial lakes, rugged peaks, conifer forests, and national parks.
Though no picnic for beginners due to its mastery of map reading and compass skills, this trek is an excellent challenge for the experienced hiker, especially when aiming to avoid the tourist trap in July and August.
Starting points for this trail, like Borovets, Malyovitsa, and Panichishte, are just a short drive from Sofia, Bulgaria's capital city.
Related: Discover hidden gems in Prague, Krakow, and Dresden with these effortless day hikes.
Hiking with the grape glow in Duoro, Portugal
The Duoro Valley in Northern Portugal showcases some of the best hiking trails the country has to offer. As the name suggests, the region is well-known for wine production, with the vineyards carved into majestic hills for optimal grape cultivation.
Start exploring from the town of Pinhão and make your way between the wine estates (Quintas), marveling at the river valley vistas. Certain Quintas even offer dedicated hiking maps for you to traverse their vineyards.
With average temperatures of around 22C in September and October, you'll enjoy ideal conditions for hiking. Grab a glass of Port to toast your adventure!
Rail-bound ramble in Fontainebleau Forest, France
Just a 40-minute train ride from Paris, Fontainebleau Forest lays claim to more than 1,000 kilometers of hiking trails. The popular Massif des Trois Pignons circuit skirts the forest edge and can be completed in just three to four hours, making for a delightful day trip from the French capital.
Fontainebleau is also famous for its bouldering. If you're looking for a challenging climb, September and October present the best combination of rain likelihood and bouldering conditions, under the stunning backdrop of autumn foliage.
The Tatra Mountains: A beginner's hiking delight
Stretching across the Polish-Slovakian border, the Tatra Mountains make up part of the Carpathian chain. Many of the trails here cater to hikers with limited experience, making it a fantastic destination for novice trekkers.
Hiking buffs on the Slovakian side can even utilize cable railways, like Kasprowy Wierch, to reach the Lomnitz Peak, the second-highest mountain in the High Tatras. Early autumn is the perfect time for exploration, with the weather remaining calm and the trails unhurried.
Beat the summer heat in the Pyrenees Mountains
Spanning the French-Spanish border, the Pyrenees start to cool in September and October, creating ideal conditions for hiking, devoid of the summer heat.
Depending on the day, this mountain range offers diverse environments, from the dry foothills further south to the cloud-strewn higher valleys in the north. This variety allows better chances for finding pleasant weather conditions.
The towns of Foix, Pau, and Lourdes serve as convenient bases, offering access to multiple trailheads for multi-day hikes.
Hiker's campsites dot the region, or opt for a refugio if you prefer comfortable, overnight lodging. Aim to travel before the first snowfall at the end of October.
* Bonus Excursions*
Want more adventures? Consider these options:
- Calanques National Park, Provence, France: Hike stunning coastal and mountain trails, immersing yourself in the vibrant autumn scenery.*
- Kotor and Sveti Stefan, Montenegro: Explore the coast and mountains of Montenegro, with a focus on scenic coastal views.*
From Southern Germany to Slovenia, these destinations promise to shake up your outdoor explorations this autumn.
Happy trails!
Cheers!
[hiking, France, Poland, the Pyrenees, Trains, Mountain]
Journey through the vineyard trails of Duoro Valley in Portugal, where the autumn foliage complements the scenic river valley vistas.Discover the beginner-friendly Tatra Mountains in Poland and Slovakia, with cable railways offering access to high peaks in early autumn.For those seeking a rail-bound ramble,Fontainebleau Forest in France boasts over 1,000 km of hiking trails and bouldering opportunities in the autumn season.Even when the summer heat subsides, the Pyrenees Mountains continue to offer diverse hiking environments, ideal for multi-day hikes with picturesque campsites and refugios.
