This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).
Home to many mountain ranges, from the Alps to the Pyrenees, Europe has plenty of less-trodden paths winding through hillside forests, coastal clifftops and terraced vineyards to offer.
As cooler temperatures sweep in and captivating golden hues settle over landscapes, autumn is an ideal time to dig out your hiking boots and hit some of Europe’s most scenic yet quieter trails.
1. Nauders High Trail, Austria
A high-altitude trail in Austria’s Tyrolean mountains, the Nauders High Trail boasts panoramic views of Austria, Switzerland and Italy all at once. Sitting at 7,000ft, the highest point of the walk marks the tripoint between the three countries. In autumn, cooler temperatures provide a greater chance of clear skies, meaning uninterrupted views of the mineral lakes and orange-tinted flora of the surrounding valleys and forests.
With a length of seven miles, this hike can be walked within a day and is suitable for families and beginners. However, with around 200 miles worth of trails within the surrounding region of Nauders, there’s plenty of opportunities for an extended adventure, if desired.
200 miles worth of hiking trails surround the Nauders region, offering plenty of opportunity to admire snow-capped mountains and orange-tinted flora.
Photograph by Chris Rinckes, Getty Images
2. Three Castles Route, Latvia
Despite its name suggesting otherwise, this trail connects the medieval castles of Sigulda and Turaida and the castle ruins of Krimulda along the Gauja River. The six-mile hike is well-suited to beginners and starts in the grounds of the Castle of Livonian Order in Sigulda. From there, woodland paths strewn with golden leaves lead hikers through Gauja National Park to Turaida through the myriad autumn colours of the Gauja River valley.
The trail is well managed and takes between three to four hours to complete, although cable-cars allow visitors to shorten their walk a little. Trains and buses run back to the capital of Riga from each of the towns frequently, so take your time taking in the forested valley views and climbing the tower of Turaida Castle. If you’ve more time, head to the scenic overlook at Painters’ Hill (often called Paradise Hill) for a soul-stirring view of the terracotta-coloured castle peeking through the yellow and red canopy.
3. Douro Valley, Portugal
With curving terraced vineyards, hillside villages and a deep-blue river slicing through its core, it’s no wonder the Douro Valley is famed for its stirring landscape. Among the olive groves and vineyards, miles of undulating trails lead to elevated viewpoints of vines that have turned into a haze of rust and ochre.
The village of Pinhão is a good starting point, with surrounding quintas (wine estates) providing maps for one- or multi-day treks and hikes. October and November bring a vibrant amber hue to the vineyards, creating an idyllic setting for enjoying a glass of port — Douro’s speciality — at a hillside quinta after your hike.
Winding terraced vineyards and hillside villages line Portugal’s Douro Valley, one of Europe’s most historic wine regions.
Photograph by Terry Eggers, Getty Images
4. Brechfa Forest, Wales
Covering 16,000 acres in the Welsh county of Carmarthenshire, the largely coniferous trees of Brechfa Forest offer a captivating display of crimson foliage come autumn. Starting in Abergorlech village, embark upon the five-and-a-half-mile walk to Brechfa’s Forest Garden. While there are less strenuous trails, such as the Gorlech and Riverside trails, this enchanting, three-hour hike runs along the river Gorlech. It also passes through 90 tree species planted in the Forest Garden, featuring the likes of South American nothofagus and giant Californian redwoods, which blanket the landscape in vibrant shades of gold during autumn. Waymarked from start to finish, the hike itself is easily to navigate. Head to the Black Lion Inn after your walk for a hearty lunch and views of the nearby Cothi Valley.
5. Vidden Hike, Norway
Known as ‘the city of seven mountains’, Bergen isn’t short on hiking trails. The Vidden is one of the most popular, journeying across the plateau between Mount Ulkriken and Mount Fløyen. With an elevation gain of almost 2,000ft, the trail gives way to views of the surrounding fjords and cascading waterfalls, with the opportunity to spot the distant Folgefonna glacier on a clear day.
Starting at either mountain, the Ulriken cable-car or Fløibanen funicular allow for a shorter walking time of less than five hours — something worth considering in autumn when daylight is limited due to Norway’s close proximity to the Arctic Circle. Although the hike involves a steep incline, the reduced crowds and quieter atmosphere at this time of year means you can take the trail at your own pace to observe the changing colours of the seasons.
With a surrounding landscape of towering mountains, majestic fjords and cascading waterfalls, Bergen’s landscape is well-suited to hiking excursions.
Photograph by extravagantni, Getty Images
6. Harz Witches’ Trail, Germany
Spanning 60 miles through evergreen forests, deep rock canyons and medieval half-timbered villages steeped in folklore, the Harz Witches’ Trail is the ultimate autumnal hike. Starting in Osterode am Harz, in central Germany, the trail leads hikers to Thale by crossing Brocken mountain, the highest point in the Harz mountain range. Sitting at 3,500ft above sea level, its summit is surrounded by mist for around 300 days of the year; it’s easy to imagine how the mythical tales of wicked giants and fairy princesses of the area originated.
Typically completed in four to six days, the route is made up of five segments, with each leg lending itself nicely to single day hikes. The final stretch winds through the wild terrain of Bode Gorge — the deepest valley in central Europe. Watch for the chugging black steam engine en route, an eerie accompaniment to the mystical, mist-shrouded landscape.
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