Did you know that you can find fall foliage in 49 of the 50 states in the United States? Hawaii is left out of the fall colour change, but don’t feel too sorry for them…they do live in Hawaii. Most Americans will have a favourite place to see fall foliage (the Blue Ridge Mountains for me!), but many don’t think about the foliage they can see all over the world. Here are just a few amazing places to see fall foliage around the world.
Japan
Japan’s fall foliage is perhaps some of the best known in the world outside of the USA. The gorgeous shades of red make for insane photos, especially next to pagodas. There is a bit of debate between Tokyo and Kyoto over which one is the better fall foliage destination– I’m not sure I could pick between them. Because Japan’s amazing foliage is so well known, you should expect a lot of crowds.
Bavaria comes alive in the fall in a way that you can’t see any other time of year. This is especially obvious at Neuschwanstein Castle, better known in the USA as Cinderella’s Castle. The forest around it takes on all the colours you’d expect to see in fall.
Bruges is gorgeous any time of year, but the fall foliage makes every stroll through town feel like you’re walking in a fairy tale. It’s also slightly less full of tourists in the fall, so it’s a great time to visit.
Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany is well known for its gorgeous golden colour and fall is the time to see that. It is absolutely magical. Unfortunately, it’s also very popular so expect to see a lot of tour buses as well as bikes.
Torres del Paine, Chile
Torres del Paine is located in southern Chilean Patagonia and offers an amazing contrast between the amazing snow-capped mountains and the colorful forests that surround them. Because it’s in the Southern Hemisphere, fall lands in April in Chile, but that works for m!
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Gorgeous yellows and oranges reflect off the canals making for a magical, romantic atmosphere all over the city. This is perhaps Amsterdam at its best– it certainly doesn’t get more photogenic than in the fall.
Husafell, Iceland
When you think of Iceland the last thing you think of is trees and that’s entirely understandable– there are very few trees in the country. But, that doesn’t mean that the fall colours skip the country. The entire forest surrounding Husafell Waterfall turns a breathtaking golden colour that makes the waterfall and the bright blue water below pop.
Wanaka, New Zealand
New Zealand isn’t typically thought of as a fall foliage destination–it’s predominantly covered in evergreens. There are spots, though, where autumn colours pop through. Wanaka, outside of Queenstown, turns into brilliant yellow in the fall. Even the Lone Tree gets into the act! New Zealand is obviously another Southern Hemisphere country, so April(ish) is the time to see the fall foliage.
Hunza Valley, Pakistan
Pakistan has some amazing variety of landscape so it shouldn’t be a surprise that it has some gorgeous Fall foliage to offer. Hunza Valley lights up with a variety of colors in the Fall. This little known secret will be much lighter on tourists than many of the other locations on this list, letting you have more room while you soak in the autumnal atmosphere.
Quebec, Canada
Canada’s Quebec province is a leaf-peeper’s paradise from late September to early October. The maple trees explode in fiery shades, and the iconic Laurentian Mountains and charming Old Quebec City provide the perfect backdrop for your fall adventures.
Transylvania, Romania
Bram Stoker’s Dracula might be the first thing that comes to mind when you hear “Transylvania,” but it’s also a hidden gem for fall foliage. In October, the Carpathian Mountains transform into a breathtaking red, orange, and gold blend.
Douro Valley, Portugal
Portugal’s Douro Valley is renowned for its terraced vineyards, but in the fall, it’s the trees that steal the show. Late October brings a breathtaking tapestry of colors to this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria’s Rhodope Mountains offer a spectacular autumn experience. Throughout October, the forests here are ablaze with rich hues. Don’t miss the picturesque town of Shiroka Laka for an authentic Bulgarian fall adventure.
Scottish Highlands
If you’re looking for dramatic landscapes awash in autumnal splendor, head to the Scottish Highlands in late September to early October. The rugged terrain is drenched in a myriad of fiery colors, making it a perfect time for hikes and road trips.
Paris, France
The City of Love takes on a whole new dimension in the fall. The parks, like the Luxembourg Gardens and Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, are adorned in russet tones from late September to mid-October, offering a unique and romantic perspective of the city.
Jiuzhaigou National Park, China
China’s Jiuzhaigou National Park is a UNESCO-listed wonderland. From late September to early November, the park showcases a stunning contrast between its turquoise lakes and the golden hues of its forests, creating an otherworldly landscape.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague’s historic architecture and cobblestone streets are enchanting year-round, but they take on a new charm in the fall. The city’s parks and gardens are awash with warm autumn colors from late September to mid-October.
Croatia
Croatia offers an autumn experience like no other. Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park in late September to mid-October to see waterfalls framed by trees adorned in vibrant fall foliage, a scene straight out of a fairytale.
Seoul, South Korea
South Korea’s capital, Seoul, turns into a picturesque wonderland from late October to early November. Stroll through the city’s palaces and parks to witness the mesmerizing transformation of ginkgo and maple trees.
Of course, these aren’t nearly all the places you can see fall foliage, but this list gives you a starting point! I truly believe that fall is the best time to travel and it’s my goal to see fall foliage around the world in as many places as possible.
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