Never Miss Autumn
Autumn and summer are two different rhythms. Summer is warm and unrestrained, and autumn is quiet and clear. It is suitable for walking and feeling all the way. Autumn arrives as scheduled, and nature begins to be as beautiful as a fairy tale. Camus said that autumn is the second spring, when every leaf is a flower. This article will introduce the most beautiful autumn in the world that cannot be missed.
1. Douro Valley, Portugal
Sheltered by two mountain ranges, the Douro Valley is sheltered from the harsh winds from the Atlantic Ocean and is a unique place to view autumn leaves. There are no tall trees on the hill, but instead neat rows of terraced vineyards that rise in autumn like colorful staircases. End the day with a leisurely hike along the Douro River and eat red grapes.
2. Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is on a par with New England when it comes to autumn colours. Against the backdrop of evergreen Scots pines, Edinburgh's foliage takes on vibrant shades of gold, bronze and crimson. Visited the city's many restaurants and hiked up Arthur's Seat to see the magnificent city below. Aside from Arthur's Seat, the Royal Botanic Gardens is one of the best places to enjoy the beauty of autumn.
3. Hraunfossar Waterfalls, Iceland
Iceland is known for its hot springs, lava and moon-like landscapes. But in the fall, it's also a great place to watch the foliage change. Head to Heron Falls, a series of waterfalls that stretch for nearly a kilometer, cascading down huge steps of an ancient lava into a turquoise glacial river, above which are some of the most impressive autumn views in the country.
4. Lake Louise, Canada
Lake Louise in Banff National Park is surrounded by the Rocky Mountains and has many scenic trails and drives between September and October. Remember to bring your swimsuit, you'll want to stop for a dip at the Upper Hot Spring in Banff.
5. Piedmont, Italy
Piemonte to northwestern Italy is like Burgundy to France. The rolling hillsides and vineyards of Tuscany get a second life in the fall, when the landscape changes from green to shades of ochre, all set against the backdrop of the grandeur of the Alps. Autumn also brings a number of travel-worthy harvest festivals, including Alba's world-famous White Truffle Festival.
6. Kyoto, Japan
Cherry blossoms are about to give way, and there's a new favorite season in the city. Although there are countless places in Japan to view autumn leaves, Kyoto's autumn scenery is truly unparalleled, with green foliage turning crimson and gold from October to early 12th. Even if you miss the best fall foliage season for the famous gardens in the city, later in the year, you can easily head to the surrounding hills to explore and discover some color. The 155-meter-long Togetsu-kyō Bridge spans the Katsura River and is one of Japan's most beautiful sights when neighboring Arashiyama comes into bloom in autumn.
7. Montenegro, Montenegro
This small Balkan country should not be overlooked, especially since it is quieter and less disturbed than its neighbors Croatia and Greece. The country transforms into a colorful wonderland in the fall. Choose from a scenic lake, any of the four national parks, or primeval forest for some breathtaking views. Head to Kotor, a port city in southern Montenegro, and walk to the Fortress of St. Ivan, where you can get a bird's-eye view of the old town and its orange roofs complement the surrounding autumn colors.
8. The Bavarian Alps, Germany
Autumn is probably the best season to visit the Bavarian Alps, when the weather is cool and the mountains turn into a colourful dreamscape. This is also the best season for outdoor enthusiasts, with areas such as Berchtesgaden and Lake Tegernsee suitable for some epic scenic hikes. The Disney-inspired Neuschwanstein Castle will never disappoint photography lovers, and its white towers look best against a backdrop of crimson and orange.
9. Prague, Czech Republic
There is a Czech word for season, "babí léto" (autumn spring), which heralds the possibility of warm weather extending into November. The low-angle sun bathes the city in a romantic golden glow, with dazzling foliage in parks and gardens. Take a walk along the tree-lined Vartava River that runs through the city center and enjoy the cool climate and the calmness of tourists after summer. Take the cable car to the 19th-century Petrin Lookout (looks like the Eiffel Tower) for a sweeping view of the city.