From Autumn Colour to Wine Walks: The Best European Hiking Holidays This September and October
Autumn Walking Holidays: Explore Europe's Best Hiking Trails
After a summer of scorching temperatures across Europe, the cooler months of September and October offer ideal conditions for walking holidays. With the crowds thinning and the landscape transforming into vibrant autumn colours, it's the perfect time to lace up your boots and explore some of the continent’s best scenic trails.
Experience Solitude on Bulgaria's Rila Traverse
For a truly adventurous trek, head to Bulgaria’s Rila Traverse, a seven-day hike through glacial lakes, rugged peaks, and serene forests. This challenging trail requires solid navigation skills, as you’ll need to rely on a map and compass, especially if weather conditions turn. While trails are usually well-marked, hikers must be prepared for the possibility of needing mountain rescue in more adverse conditions. The trek is easily accessible from Sofia, with trailheads like Borovets, Malyovitsa, and Panichishte just an hour and a half away. Autumn brings fewer crowds and more unpredictable weather, so experienced hikers will find the solitude rewarding.
Wine and Walk in Portugal’s Duoro Valley
Northern Portugal’s Duoro Valley offers a unique blend of hiking and wine tasting. The area’s man-made terraces, designed to cultivate grapes for over 2,000 years, provide a breathtaking backdrop for walking. September marks the start of the grape harvest, making it an ideal time to explore the valley. Start your journey at Pinhão train station and hike between Quintas (wine estates), where some offer trail maps for self-guided walks. With mild autumn temperatures averaging 22°C, the conditions are perfect for both hiking and enjoying the region's wines.
Easy Train Access to Fontainebleau Forest, France
Just 40 minutes from Paris, Fontainebleau Forest is an ideal day-trip destination for hikers. As France’s second-largest national forest, it offers over 1,000 km of hiking trails, including the popular Massif des Trois Pignons circuit. This 3-4 hour hike takes you through rocky and sandy terrain, making for an enjoyable escape from the city. Fontainebleau is also a bouldering hotspot, and September and October are prime months for climbing, offering good conditions amid stunning autumn foliage.
Beginner-Friendly Trails in Poland and Slovakia’s Tatra Mountains
For less experienced hikers, the Tatra Mountains on the Poland-Slovakia border provide accessible yet scenic trekking opportunities. Slovakia’s Lomnitz Peak, the second-highest in the High Tatras, can be reached by cable railway, making it a great choice for those new to mountain trekking. Early autumn offers calm, clear weather and fewer crowds, allowing for a peaceful experience amidst the stunning natural beauty.
Cooler Temperatures for Hiking the Pyrenees
The Pyrenees, straddling the French-Spanish border, are perfect for autumn hiking, as the heat of summer gives way to cooler conditions in September and October. This diverse mountain range offers everything from dry foothills to cloud-covered valleys, giving you plenty of options to find the right weather. While snow begins to accumulate by the end of October, careful trail selection ensures rewarding hikes. Towns like Foix, Pau, and Lourdes serve as excellent starting points for multi-day adventures, with options for wild camping or staying in one of the 1,500 mountain refuges.
This autumn, take advantage of the season’s cooler temperatures and stunning landscapes by exploring these top hiking destinations across Europe. Whether you seek solitude, wine, or beginner-friendly trails, there’s a perfect trek awaiting you.
