Fall is one of the greatest times in the year for outdoor adventures. With the shortening of the days and the turning of the leaves come crisp mornings and charming rural scenes of bales of hay, apples and pumpkins. Europe, with its sheer variety of landscapes, is an incredibly exciting place this time of year. And the best places to be are its national parks. Below, you’ll find a selection of five gorgeous European national parks to visit in fall.
5 Great European National Parks to Visit in Fall
Triglav National Park, Slovenia
Slovenia’s only national park, Triglav National Park has some of the most breathtaking mountain landscapes anywhere in Europe. Located in the Julian Alps, it is home to towering mountains, shimmering mountain lakes, lush forests (particularly beautiful in fall) and fast-flowing rivers.
Bavarian Forest National Park, Germany
The oldest national park in Germany, Bavarian Forest National Park is a place that wouldn’t be misplaced in a fairy tale. With its rolling forest landscape, mountain summits, streams and rivers, this is a region that is as enchanting as it gets. In fall, of course, the brightly colored leaves of the millions of trees brighten the landscapes in all hues of yellow, orange and red.
Snowdonia National Park, Wales
A park centered around Wales’ tallest mountain—Mount Snowdon—that offers views as far as Ireland across the Irish Sea, Snowdonia National Park is one of the top European national parks to visit in fall. Its rugged landscapes of barren mountains, still lakes and boulder-covered hills make this a strongly recommended place for outdoor adventures in the most colorful season of the year.
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
A short distance from the Dalmatian coast in Croatia lies Plitvice Lakes National Park. This phenomenal park, characterized by numerous waterfalls and lakes, and forest-covered hillsides, is gorgeous in every season. In fall, however, the stunning foliage transforms the park in the most wonderful landscape you’ve ever seen.
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Scotland
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is one of the United Kingdom’s largest and most spectacular European national parks. Protecting a huge area of pristine landscapes in Scotland, this fantastic park is home to one of the most epic long-distance hiking trails in northern Europe—the West Highland Way.