The Best Fall Foliage Destinations Around the World

As sunshine and heat are replaced with cooler temperatures and crisp air, many travelers choose to embrace the beginning of fall. What better way to get in the spirit than discovering the world’s most vibrant fall foliage? If you’ve already covered America’s best fall foliage (or even the more under-the-radar places in the U.S.), here are 10 places in other countries that shine brighter in autumn.

Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

Croatia is famous for its stunning coastline and lively island-hopping culture, but as summer fades, don’t be too quick to leave. Croatia’s magic continues as the seasons change, especially in the fall. In particular, Plitvice Lakes National Park transforms into a colorful wonderland as its terraced lakes and unique karst formations take on the golden and fiery hues of autumn. Waterfalls spill over moss-covered rocks, fringed by foliage that turns the already-spectacular landscape into something truly breathtaking. Plus, with the summer crowds gone, fall offers a quieter, more peaceful experience — making it the perfect time to fully enjoy the natural beauty of Plitvice Lakes.

Kyoto, Japan

In autumn, Kyoto’s dense population of ginkgo, maple, and cherry blossom trees transform into a spectacle of fall foliage in every corner of the former Japanese capital. The city’s tree-shrouded temples — such as Jo-jakko-ji, Kiyomizu-Dera, and Tofukuji — are all popular tourist attractions year-round, but they are especially beautiful places to peep at the colorful leaves. The trees sweeping above Togetsu Bridge also put on quite a show, as do the groves huddled closely around Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. Plenty of visitors flock to Kyoto for the fall show, so if you’re craving some serenity away from the crowds, Bishamondo Temple makes the trek to the outskirts of town worthwhile. 

Tuscany, Italy

The Tuscan countryside charms visitors year-round with its rolling landscapes and vineyard-covered hills, but in autumn, the region is especially appealing. Small villages become even more quaint, and cozy wineries offer exceptional Italian wines and traditional cuisine to complement the sunny, but slightly cooler days.

The best time to enjoy the fall foliage is from late October to early November, a season that also comes with a few unique cultural experiences. In September and October, you can witness the grape harvest (vendemmia), with farmers harvesting their crops, tractors rolling through golden landscapes, and annual wine festivals. Early November ushers in the olive harvest, offering opportunities to partake in picking, pressing, and crafting homemade olive oil.

Bavaria, Germany

Located in southeast Germany, the state of Bavaria is known for its medieval castles and Baroque churches scattered throughout its picturesque countryside. This fairy-tale landscape becomes even more enticing in autumn. Munich, the capital of Bavaria and the original home of Oktoberfest, is a great place for leaf peepers to start. Check out sites like Englische Garten, Nymphenburg Palace Park, and the banks of the River Isar to take in the fall colors. Scenic drives outside of Munich are also plentiful — the Castle Road in Franconia should not be missed for its bright fall foliage and whimsical castles. The German Alpine Road — with its epic mountain views, picnic stops, and picturesque lakes lined with vibrant leaves — is another must-visit.

Torres Del Paine National Park, Chile 

Fall is an exceptionally beautiful time to visit Chile’s most famous national park. The pristine landscape of Torres del Paine National Park transforms into a tapestry of fiery reds, oranges, and yellows that are particularly vibrant during sunrise and sunset. Bask in the fall colors with treks on the W Circuit, O Circuit, or the shorter (but just as spectacular) Mirador Las Torres. Boat tours on Lake Pehoé or Lake Grey also offer beautiful reflections of the vibrant foliage. Since Chile is located in the Southern Hemisphere, fall in Torres del Paine runs from March to May, with the peak foliage from late March to early April. As a bonus, this shoulder season means fewer crowds and crisp, clear weather.

Jasper, Canada

Canada boasts one of the world’s densest forest covers, and the area around the Canadian Rockies in western Canada is a treasure trove of leaf-peeping opportunities. That’s especially true of Jasper National Park in Alberta. To start, take to the trails that crisscross Pyramid Bench for views over the tree-covered Athabasca Valley. If the weather’s warm enough, enjoy a picnic with a view on Lake Edith, a glassy basin that shines gold in fall from surrounding foliage. Then, take to the water and kayak or canoe the Athabasca River, which boasts brilliant displays of vibrant leaves around every winding turn. 

Downtown Jasper also becomes more enchanting in fall, as pops of colors accent the quaint, tree-lined town. And those who prefer scenic drives are spoiled for choice — don’t miss the long winding route of Miette Road (be sure to stop for a dip in the hot springs) or the Icefields Parkway, the thoroughfare linking Jasper to Banff National Park, established in 1885 as Canada’s first national park. (Editor’s Note: The area suffered extensive damage from wildfires in summer 2024, and some attractions in Jasper remain closed to visitors. Check the Parks Canada website before you go.)

Seoul, South Korea

With nearly 10 million residents, Seoul might not seem like a leaf peeper’s paradise, but from mid-October to mid-November, the Korean capital comes alive with fall foliage. From the streets to the palaces, parks, and the four inner mountains surrounding the city, seemingly every corner of Seoul bursts with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows.

Hike the trails of the inner mountains — Gwanaksan, Inwangsan, Namsan, and Bugaksan — to fully immerse in the autumn colors. Bukhansan National Park and Namsan Seoul Tower are also popular destinations for vistas of both the city and the fall foliage. Even within the city, streets glow with fiery leaves, and Seoul Forest Park, a sprawling urban retreat in the heart of Seoul, is a great place to take in the colorful scenery. 

Edinburgh, Scotland

Summer may be the peak season for tourists to wander the charming and history-filled streets of Edinburgh, but there’s a benefit to holding off on your trip to Scotland until autumn. The tree-lined streets of the Scottish capital transform from green to vibrant golds, browns, and yellows, and the city takes on a magical new appearance. Hit two birds with one stone and stroll around the main attractions — like the Royal Botanic Garden, Lauriston Castle, Edinburgh Castle, and Canton Hill — for a dose of Scottish history coupled with a spectacular display of fall colors. Outside the city, there are several autumn walks that allow you to fully immerse in nature, including the Pentland Hills or Red Moss Nature Reserve. 

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

The beauty of Amsterdam in autumn is underscored by bushy trees blossoming with color, idyllically reflected in the famous canals that crisscross the capital of the Netherlands. Boasting more trees than residents, Amsterdam has long had a commitment to planting trees and creating green spaces that has made it one of the greenest cities in Europe. The result is an abundance of beauty when the leaves of hundreds of thousands of trees start to change in fall. 

There are many opportunities to take in the colors within the sprawling grounds of the numerous city parks, such as Vondelpark, Amsterdamse Bos, Park Frankendael, and Amstel Park. As a bonus, fall is a shoulder season for European travel, which means fewer tourists and lower prices. It also kicks off a packed season of festivals and events in the Netherlands. 

Thingvellir National Park, Iceland

Iceland’s landscape is a picturesque blend of volcanic formations, dramatic rift valleys, glaciers, and pristine lakes. Among its must-see destinations, Thingvellir National Park stands out as a top UNESCO World Heritage Site and protected area. Visiting between mid-September and early October offers a unique opportunity to access all the highlights of the park — such as walking between the tectonic plates of Eurasia and North America and trekking to Öxarárfoss Waterfall — while relishing the beauty of fall foliage. The vibrant autumn colors strike a contrast with the park’s deep blue lakes, including Lake Þingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest natural lake, while the moss-covered mountains light up in reds and oranges. Fall also marks the beginning of prime northern lights season, making it an ideal time for an Icelandic escape.