Typical hiking destinations such as Austria and Switzerland attract numerous visitors every year. However, there are also many other European countries such as Slovenia, Bulgaria and Scotland, where there are plenty of beautiful tours for autumn hikes, waiting to be discovered. In these seven places an experience of the extra class is waiting for hiking fans.

1. Stockholm Archipelago (Sweden)

Slovenia shows a very special side of autumn: green islands and rocks form Sweden's coast. With deep forests, vast landscapes and the quaint red wooden houses, the country enchants every nature fan. The Stockholm archipelago consists of about 30,000 islands.

These spread from the city center about 80 kilometers along the coast. If you want to hike, you should go to one of the larger islands. Because here breathtaking nature, pure relaxation and deceleration await. In addition to sandy beaches and steep cliffs, you can admire the forested islands with their colourful autumn leaves on the narrow paths. 

2. Julian Alps (Slovenia)

The Julian Alps are an absolute insider tip for hiking fans. Especially in autumn, the picturesque mountain world invites you to marvel. The Slovenians themselves have long known that their country shines with great outdoor opportunities and have also ideally prepared their routes for tourists. More than 10,000 signposted hiking trails in all levels of difficulty invite even beginners to hike. From vine-bearing hills to the low mountain range with picturesque villages, forests and waters, to the Alpine world and the mighty two-thousand-metre peaks: The Julian Alps are ideal for a multi-day hiking trip.

Hikers climb the highest mountains in the Julian Alps surrounded by green landscape and bright blue lakes. At an altitude of over 2,800 metres, visitors with a head for heights can look out over the entire region from Triglav. And those who need a break are sure to find it in the numerous mountain huts and hiking hotels along the trails. 

3. Rhodope Mountains (Bulgaria)

From September onwards, the forests of Bulgaria show a play of colours. From green to yellow and red, the foliage on the mountain slopes of the Rhodope Mountains presents an enchanting picture. The Rhodopes are the largest mountain range in Bulgaria and have one of the most beautiful autumn panoramas in the country. In this sparsely populated area, travellers discover wild nature: vast meadows, breathtaking cliffs and beautiful rivers are not only ideal photo hotspots, but also the perfect places to find peace once again.

Due to such a diverse terrain, there are autumn hikes in the Rhodope Mountains of all levels of difficulty. But beware: If you want to hike here, you should prepare well, because only the most popular trails are signposted. Away from these trails, a hiking map helps with orientation, but it is ideal to memorize the routes well in advance at home. 

4. Casentino (Italy)

Tuscany only in summer? You thought wrong. Because Italy also offers magical autumn scenarios. Because Casentino is characterized by high mountains and forests and impresses with natural landscapes and an extensive nature reserve.

Casentino is the perfect place for walkers and hikers, with a variety of well-maintained trails leading past idyllic castles and churches. In the surrounding area there are also some sightseeing highlights that you should not miss. For example, the San Donato Cathedral in Bibbiena. If you are really sporty, you can also climb one of the highest mountains in the region, Monte Falterona. From the summit you have a breathtaking view all the way to the foothills of Florence. 

5. Scottish Highlands (Scotland)

The Scottish countryside is world famous for its green meadows and wide fields. But it is also an absolute highlight in autumn. Because mighty mountains, forest and coastal paths alternate here with charming villages and show: Scotland has a lot to offer for hikers.

The Scottish Highlands convince with numerous hiking trails that have something to offer for every level of difficulty. The West Highland Way along Loch Lomond is particularly beautiful. Located about 1.5 hours north of Glasgow, a unique autumn spectacle awaits you here. 

6. Carpathians (Romania)

If you have always wanted to get to know Romania's nature, you should definitely take a trip to the Carpathians. Because crossed by the largest forest area in Europe, unique slate walls and a diverse fauna await here. So don't be surprised if you encounter one or the other wild animal here, after all, the Carpathians are home to brown bears, wolves and lynxes.

The Carpathians are currently still a hiking secret tip. Accordingly, the area has few visitors. It is all the more beautiful for hikers when they walk through untouched areas and natural landscapes. The dense forests have well-developed hiking trails on which one can best enjoy the beautiful landscape. Incidentally, the heart of the Southern Carpathians is the Piatra Craiului Mountains, which wind through the area like a fairytale forest. 

7. Bavarian Forest (Germany)

There are also beautiful and exceptional forest areas nearby. The Bavarian Forest, for example, is a unique experience. In Germany's first national park, nature shows itself from its most pristine side. Hardly anywhere else in Germany can you find so much green and colour. Over 1,000 kilometres of long-distance hiking trails lead past rushing streams, deep gorges and around 70 peaks.

Here there is almost limitless nature that distracts you from the stressful everyday life in the big city and whisks you away to a mystical resting area. Whether on challenging summit tours or leisurely strolls for the whole family - impressive views are guaranteed here.