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As summer draws to a close, travelers are turning their gaze from tropical white-sand beaches to cooler, culturally richer destinations that can still offer a sense of adventure.
That’s why many Central European countries climb to the top of every traveler’s bucket list at this time of year.
However, there is one country in particular whose charm and landscape have made it one of its kind hippest hotspots of the year.
The ultimate autumn experience
While the best time to visit Austria is still a topic of debate, there is no doubt that the country offers visitors the ultimate autumn experience.
Those looking to spend the season away from warm beaches and icy mountain peaks will find that Austria offers the ideal weather and scenery for the autumn holiday of a lifetime.
Average temperatures in September and October range between 57 and 79°F (10 and 15°C), letting visitors know that the seasons have finally changed without making it impossible to enjoy a nice sunny day of sightseeing.
Moreover, since this is the driest time of the year in the countryside you don’t have to worry about rain or snow ruining your plans.
If you’re planning a hike, picnic or sightseeing tour, the Austrian weather provides the perfect setting.
What will really transform your visit into the ultimate fall experience is the scenery.
Austria’s lush forests and bountiful trees are a sight to behold, and right now they’re speckled with fiery reds, oranges and yellows that will only become more vibrant as the season progresses.
That’s why, if you’re ever in the country, I can’t recommend enough that you take part in some form of outdoor activity.
After all, Austria is known for hiking, climbing, rafting and mountain biking, to name a few.
An abundance of outdoor activities
No fall vacation is complete without a hike, or at least a sightseeing tour. Fortunately, Austria offers plenty of options for outdoor enthusiasts, complete with the kind of landscapes most of us only see on postcards.
After summer’s record temperatures, travelers can finally participate in their favorite sports and physical activities without having to battle the extreme heat.
If that sounds like you, Austria should be the first stop on your itinerary.
Hike the picturesque paths of Trin, cycle along the Danube or trek through the northern Austrian lakes.
Don’t forget to stop every now and then to admire the fields, mountains and valleys dressed in orange hues to celebrate the start of the new season.
Autumn events
If cultural sightseeing is more your thing, you can always cut back on the excursions and spend a few days in Vienna, Linz or Salzburg instead.
The country’s capital is known for its rich culture and history, which is reflected in the many events that take place in the city.
If you’re visiting Vienna in September, here are some events and attractions you might want to add to your itinerary:
- Vienna Fashion Week
- Exhibition Michelangelo and beyond
- The Würth Collection (Leopold Museum)
- Belvedere 21 Review
- The tour of garden and park architecture and design in the National Library
If you are visiting Austria’s capital in October, these are the events that may interest you:
- Long nights at the museums
- National holiday of Austria
- Vienna Film Festival
- Wiener Wiesn Festival
- First Bank Open tennis tournament
Also, because the opera here takes a two-month break in July and August, this is the perfect time to plan your visit if you want to enjoy a performance.
Cultural attractions
Sightseeing enthusiasts will have the time of their lives here. With so many cultural sights to experience, the only challenge will be choosing which ones actually fit into your itinerary.
Below I’ve outlined some of my personal must-sees, in hopes of making your decision-making process a little easier.
- Schönbrunn Palace
- St. Stephen’s Cathedral
- Vienna Opera House
- Hofburg Palace
- The old town of Salzburg
- Mozart’s birthplace and residence
- Hohensalzburg Fortress
- Esterházy Palace
- Hofkirche and Golden Roof
Less crowds
As the summer crowds disappear, Austria becomes even more enjoyable to experience.
Although Central Europe tends to attract more interest in the fall, as there are generally fewer people traveling in September or October, you should still be able to enjoy a quiet fall getaway in the country.
Even Vienna starts to quiet down once the crowds die down in August, giving you all the benefits of visiting a major European city without the chaos.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
