Beautiful places to see autumn leaves: From Japan to Croatia

As we transition from long summer days to cooler autumn temperatures, nature gifts us with a spectacular display of autumn foliage. If you're looking to immerse yourself in beautiful autumn landscapes, here’s a list of unmissable destinations to experience the vibrant colours of the leaf-peeping season, from Japan to Croatia among other remarkable places.

Kanazawa, Japan

Kanazawa is a hidden gem for witnessing autumn colours in Japan. With its numerous parks, gardens, and natural reserves, you’ll experience a stunning transformation in the city as the leaves change to brilliant tones of orange and red. The season begins in mid-October, reaches its peak in mid-November, and remains mesmerising until mid-December. Top spots include the Oyashirazu path and Yamazakiyama Hill in Kenroku-en Garden, where you can gaze at beautiful maple trees adorned in fiery colours, alongside some still-green trees which paint a perfect autumn picture. For a quieter experience, visit the D.T. Suzuki Museum and Kurando Terashima’s House, which feature serene gardens less frequented by tourists compared to other Japanese destinations.

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Just a few hours from the UK, Croatia’s Plitvice Lakes National Park is a dreamlike destination in autumn. The vibrant orange, yellow, and red foliage contrasts beautifully with the intense blue of the lakes, creating a magical landscape. During the post-summer season, ticket prices are reduced, making it a budget-friendly option for students, groups, and families. Enjoy the park's beauty from a different perspective than the usual summer visit, with quieter trails and a unique autumn ambiance that adds a special touch to your adventure. Plitvice Lakes National Park offers a perfect escape from city life, allowing you to connect with Croatia’s peaceful natural side.

Transylvania, Romania

Romania, famous for its Dracula Castle, also offers breathtaking autumn landscapes. In Transylvania, the forests are surrounded by unreal colours, making historic buildings stand out against the vibrant backdrop of orange, red, and yellow foliage. Rimetea village, known as the "White Village" in Alba County, provides an authentic experience away from bustling cities. The peaceful foggy mornings and expansive natural beauty make Rimetea a top destination for experiencing a relaxed autumn. This village offers a unique and mystical glimpse into Romania's autumnal charm.

Munich, Germany

Bavaria, a region renowned for its cultural richness and year-round appeal, is particularly enchanting in autumn. Munich, with its favourable temperatures and sunny days, is a prime location to enjoy the fall colours. The city’s parks, including the Englischer Garten, showcase a diverse palette of autumn hues. Start your day amidst the morning mist and enjoy the vibrant scenery under a sky painted in shades of peachy red. At dawn, the colours become even more vivid as the sun sets, enhancing the park’s already stunning vistas. The Englischer Garten, with its picturesque lake and nearly mystical monument, feels like stepping into a painting. Munich offers a remarkable autumn foliage experience where you’ll feel like you’re part of a living masterpiece.

Niagara, Canada

Canada’s reputation for its breathtaking fall foliage is well deserved. Starting at the end of September, depending on the location, numerous natural parks, gardens, and forests offer a vibrant display of autumn colours that are truly unmissable. One of the best destinations is the Niagara region, renowned for its waterfalls. A short trip from Toronto will take you to an impressive natural reserve that is particularly stunning in the fall. Reaching its peak colour in October, Niagara parks are an excellent choice for experiencing Canada’s autumn beauty.

For peace of mind on your travels, don’t forget to take out a comprehensive travel insurance that covers your needs. Get an ABTA Travel Insurance quote today.