The Best Places To Visit In Autumn

Autumn is a sensational time for travelling as landscapes glow with the trademark golden hues of the season. Without the bustle of summer and before the chill of winter, it offers the best of both worlds – still plenty of daylight hours for adventure with the prospect of cosy evenings to relax and/or indulge in local nightlife. 

Traditionally classified as a ‘shoulder’ season, autumn holidays also offer excellent value for money with lower prices than peak summer or winter.

In the Nordic countries, daytime adventures bring the anticipation of night skies pulsing with the northern lights as the aurora season is well under way, while in Canada the world’s greatest concentration of polar bears gather on the tundra of Manitoba.

Of course, our autumn is springtime Down Under. Consider a long haul adventure in Australia or New Zealand with temperatures on the rise and flowers in bloom. On the flip side, if its the Austral autumn colours you want to see, plan to visit in April/May.

Whether you want to lace up your walking boots for a leisurely stroll through golden trees in Eastern Canada, immerse yourself in the urban chic of Europe’s most beautiful cities or escape to a wilderness retreat in Lapland, read on for the top places to visit in autumn.

Road trips, small groups or family fun in Reykjavik

A great short-haul adventure destination, Iceland is well-known for its ruggedly beautiful scenery, which subtly changes in autumn as light conditions soften from the perpetual daylight of summer. Moss covered lavascapes take on golden colours before the first dusting of snow as the season progresses. The chances of seeing the northern lights in the night sky are also very good.

September is autumn in the meteorological calendar, but in the world of travel it tends to fall into the late summer category. With pleasant weather, seasonal attractions still open but without summer crowds, what’s not to love?! September also tends to bring stability to the weather. At least as much as possible in a country noted for its changeability. This makes it a fine time for hikers with epic treks like Laugarvegur still possible.

Autumn also suits a self-drive holiday in Iceland giving you the freedom to explore the island’s abundant natural wonders at your own pace. Plan your day your way, whether that’s visiting well known sights like the Golden Circle or Seljalandsfoss waterfall, stepping out on leisurely walks, riding an Icelandic horse or heading out on whale watching boat trips. You might choose a day trip onto a glacier, exploring tunnels carved in the ancient blue ice.

If seeing the aurora is a priority, then experience Iceland’s charm on a small-group tour. Our northern lights short breaks kick off in autumn. Logistics taken care of. Expert knowledge on tap and new friends ready to be made.

Iceland is a natural choice for October half term. Pun very much intended. Take the kids on a action-packed break staying in Reykjavik. There’s a host of interactive attractions like FlyOver Iceland and the volcano exhibit at Perlan, but also a wealth of awe-inspiring nature on the capital’s doorstep.

Majestic fjords and deserted beaches by rail, road or sea

Autumn is a great time to experience magnificent light conditions coupled with the dramatic, awe-inspiring Norwegian scenery with fewer crowds. Colours are vivid with golden trees and berries ripe and ready to pick.

Head to the majestic Lofoten Islands where peaked mountains, tranquil fjords and unexpectedly white sand beaches provide the backdrop to succession of charming villages in a great self-drive escape. When night falls there is a chance to see the northern lights dancing above. By day, discover Viking history, delve into local arts and crafts or take it up a gear or two, kayaking in the sheltered fjords under the watchful eye of majestic sea eagles.

You might prefer to let the Norway’s scenic vistas drift past your window. Explore the fjords by rail and soak up the resplendent beauty of this quieter time of year. A classic coastal voyage offers similarly low-key travel and in autumn the aurora season is well underway as you cruise north and into the Arctic Circle. Slip through narrow straits calling at ports and fishing villages along the fjord-notched coastline of Norway, following the iconic coastal route between Bergen and Kirkenes.

Book a date with the world’s largest land predator

Turn a bucket list essential into a reality on an unforgettable polar bear adventure. Canada’s polar bear season is short! Just a six-week window between October and November each year when the world’s greatest concentration of polar bears congregate on the tundra around Churchill, Manitoba. Here, these iconic land predators patiently wait for Hudson Bay to freeze over to start the great seal hunt that will see them through winter. Take the unique opportunity to come almost face-to-face with polar bears from the safety of a Polar Rover on an expertly guided holiday designed for nature lovers.

If it’s autumn colours that you seek, look no further than Canada’s east coast and the provinces of Ontario and The Maritimes. Glorious fall colours elevate a humble self-drive into a golden odyssey as you meander along roads lined by vibrant foliage. The summer crowds have passed, and the picturesque landscapes tinted in autumn colours provide a stunning backdrop to a leisurely holiday. Admire coastal fishing villages, explore national parks and enjoy outdoor activities such as whale-watching, hiking and more.

The Icehotel and coastal Lapland

The Icehotel is quite simply one of the most unique and spectacular places in the world to spend the night. Located in Jukkasjarvi, a peaceful village in Swedish Lapland, 200km north of the Arctic Circle and surrounded by fells and forests, this is a hotel of ingenuity and artistic flair. Though the seasonal hotel can’t be built until mid November into December when temperatures fall below freezing, the incredible Icehotel 365 offers a year round experience of ‘sleeping on ice’ meaning it can be combined with autumn colours.

Autumn here is a magical time when the countryside glows with vibrant hues of red blending with golden colours. Nights can be spent in anticipation of the northern lights – a splash of green in a golden world.

Heading to coastal Lapland, you are never far from nature on this short break at cosy Brandon Lodge in the Gulf of Bothnia in Swedish Lapland. Ideally located for northern lights viewing, immerse yourself in nature learning wilderness skills and discover the history of this culturally significant region. Relax in the sauna, enjoy mouth-watering Swedish cuisine and seasonal delicacies and choose from a range of activities to explore the surrounding wilderness.

Slow travel

Enjoy slow travel on a rail journey from the UK to Italy where you can join the dots between the country’s great cities. The ultimate Italian city break, spend two whole weeks immersing yourself in the culture, tastes and stunning architecture of Florence, Rome and Venice as well as uncovering a wealth of history and heritage in the Tuscan countryside.

Discover more about Europe’s best autumn rail journeys >

Unspoiled wilderness and culture

Locked in by pack ice for most of the year, East Greenland is one of the last frontiers of the modern world. Virtually the only populated area on the vast east coast, the district of Ammassalik, encompassing Tasiilaq and Kulusuk, is a two-hour flight from Reykjavik.

Spend a couple of nights in Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, followed by two or three nights either staying in Tasiilaq or Kulusuk or combining both. Staying amidst stunning scenery with spectacular views over fjords and rugged mountains, this is a truly off-the-beaten-track adventure. Walk scenic trails through unspoiled wilderness, explore the towns with colourful houses dotted over the hillside and be sure to visit the Tasiilaq Museum where the region’s rich heritage comes alive.

Feeling Inspired?

To start planning your autumn adventure, browse our itineraries using our Holiday Finder and then get in touch with our experts to create your perfect autumn holiday. You can talk to our team on 01737 214 250 or send an enquiry.

Or for further ideas, read our month by month guides:

Where to go in September >

Where to go in October >

Where to go in November >