Autumn Bucket List: Hand‑picked European Getaways for the ‘‑ber’ Season

When the summer crowds thin and the air turns crisp, Europe suddenly feels like a secret waiting to be discovered. The “‑ber” months—September, October and November—bring lower prices, softer light and, most importantly, a kind of quiet magic that you rarely find at the height of tourist season.

We asked a handful of Euronews Travel writers to share the spots that make their hearts flutter when the leaves start to turn. Their answers are as varied as the continent itself, ranging from Alpine castles dusted in amber to sun‑kissed promenades on the Riviera.

Saskia O'Donoghue – Bavaria, Germany

I’ll be honest: autumn has never been my favourite season. In England the days get gloomy fast, the trees look like they’re dying, and the evenings creep in early. But a few trips abroad have taught me that fall can be lovely if you find the right place. Last year I fell in love with the Czech Republic and Nova Scotia, both of which wear their autumn colours proudly. This year I’m heading to Bavaria, hoping the crowds will have thinned and the landscape will be awash in gold, orange and deep red.

Munich, with its cosy beer halls and bustling markets, is a perfect starting point. From there I’ll wander south toward the Alps, stopping at the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle—yes, a little obvious, but still spectacular when framed by a tapestry of autumn foliage. Long walks, hearty Bavarian fare, a local lager and a fire‑lit tavern at the end of the day? That sounds, to me, like the definition of an ideal autumn escape.

If the season still feels a bit bleak, I’ll pop over to Malta, where November still feels like summer and the sunsets are anything but depressing.

Dianne Apen‑Sadler – Sigulda, Latvia

As a travel journalist I get asked all the time: “Where should we go in Europe?” My answer usually leans toward the Balkans or the Baltics. Latvia’s capital, Riga, is a UNESCO‑listed gem with brilliant museums, craft breweries and a city centre that glitters in any season. But for leaf‑peeping, nothing beats Sigulda—dubbed Latvia’s “autumn capital.”

A short 45‑minute train ride from Riga brings you to the banks of the Gauja River, which turn a glorious shade of orange in October—my favourite colour, by the way. From the Sigulda Cable Car you can glimpse the historic Turaida Castle perched above the river, a view that rivals any New England foliage scene.

Mike Starling – Scotland

Being an English expat, I’m often told to explore the Cotswolds or the Lake District, but honestly, head north of the border. Scotland in autumn is a painter’s palette: glens washed in amber, lochs mirroring the sky, and mountains that seem to sigh under a light mist. Yes, the weather can be fickle—rain showers are practically a tradition—but they only add to the romance.

After a day of hiking or perhaps tackling a Munro (any Scottish summit over 3,000 ft), you can unwind in a cosy pub with a roaring fire, a hearty stew, and maybe a dram of whisky. The combination of rugged outdoor adventure and warm hospitality makes autumn in Scotland hard to beat.

Fakhriya M. Suleiman – Monaco

Monaco is synonymous with luxury, and that allure never fades. The real trick is visiting when the summer throngs have slipped away. In autumn the principality feels surprisingly intimate, and you can stroll at leisure through the futuristic Mareterra district or lose yourself among the roses in Princess Grace’s garden.

Even though I’m a creature of comfort—used to the glitz of Doha—I can picture myself wandering from the high‑end shopping promenade to a seaside table, tasting the two‑Michelin‑starred Blue Bay by Chef Marcel Ravin. The cuisine blends Caribbean zest with Mediterranean grace, all while you gaze over the sparkling Mediterranean. All that’s missing is a ticket.

Maya Abu Hajleh – Italy

Italy has always felt like a dream to me—cobblestone streets, bustling cafés, and the gentle rhythm of life that seems to slow down just enough to let you breathe. Coming from the Gulf, where heat is relentless and deserts dominate, I’m eager to experience a cooler, leaf‑laden Italy.

Imagine strolling through a Tuscan town as the trees turn russet, stepping on crunchy fallen leaves, and pausing at a tiny trattoria for a glass of Chianti. The lakes up north, the rolling hills of Umbria, and the quiet villages of the Dolomites each offer a different slice of autumnal charm. It’s the kind of trip that lets you soak in culture without feeling rushed.

All in all, autumn transforms Europe into a collection of quiet, colourful chapters—each one worth exploring before the winter hush settles in.