Naked Family Points
Austria is now in the throes of autumn, and wherever you look, colorful leaves are flying. This special display of colors is celebrated in North America under the name " Indian Summer " and represents a significant tourism industry for certain regions in the USA and Canada. But you don't have to fly overseas to experience the feeling of Indian Summer. There are many spots in Austria that are just as impressive as their North American counterparts. We've therefore compiled a list of the best photo spots in Austrian autumn.
What is Indian Summer?
The original Indian Summer is limited to a few areas in North America, such as New England, the Midwest, or the east coast of Canada. However, in recent years the term has generally become a synonym for a colorful and mild autumn. A special feature are the leaves of the sugar maple, which can change color from green to yellow to red, making the color spectacle in North America particularly impressive. In Europe, other tree species that do not change color as intensely are more prevalent. This is why North America is considered the mecca for golden autumn. Where exactly the name Indian Summer comes from is not entirely clear. The most likely theory is that this time of year marked the end of the hunting season for Native Americans, and the term was derived from this. In any case, North America is definitely not the only place to enjoy a colorful autumn. In the following section, we'll give you a few tips.
The best photo spots in Austria
Our cover photo already shows an absolute insider tip for your Austrian Indian Summer trip 2025: Lake Leopoldstein in Eisenerz in Styria is probably a name that few people are familiar with. This is precisely why you can really enjoy nature there and peacefully watch the leaves as they slowly fall from the trees. On the comfortable hiking trail around the lake you are guaranteed to find the perfect photo spot for you. Also relatively unknown to the general public is the Soboth reservoir on the border between Carinthia and Styria. Located at just over 1000 meters above sea level, many corners here are reminiscent of popular lakes in Canada or Scandinavia. Long walks are also no problem on the well-maintained paths all around. Far more well known are the Gosau Lakes, which are located in Upper Austria, surrounded by magnificent mountain and forest landscapes. In autumn there is probably no better photo opportunity than the lake with the colorful forests surrounding it and a breathtaking view of the famous Dachstein.
A truly magical autumn destination, one that also has a lot to offer in terms of cuisine, is the Wachau region in Lower Austria. Situated along the Danube, you'll find rolling hills, colorful vineyards, and several old castles that remind you of the region's impressive history. The most famous is probably the Dürnstein ruins, which held the English King Richard the Lionheart captive in the 12th century. A little higher up is the Schattensee lake in Krakau, Styria, which is probably one of the places in Austria that comes closest to the Indian Summer vibe of North America. The Karwendel Mountains in Tyrol, which even boast a centuries-old maple population, which is known to have a positive effect on the autumn colors, are ideal for combining with a workout. We've compiled the best autumn hikes in the Karwendel Mountains and many other spots in the Alps for you in this blog.
Indian Summer for bargain hunters
Let's be honest: Why fly long and far when the good stuff is so close? Sure, the local forests in Austria might not be able to compete with the full color palette of the sugar maple trees in North America. Nevertheless, there are so many beautiful places to discover in Austria that are no stranger to the classic Indian Summer. We certainly had a hard time putting together a suitable selection for you, because there are so many options available. Still need the right look for your Indian Summer adventure? Then take a look at our online shop and get yourself our cozy hoodie or the cool NAKED Optics Beanie, among other things.
Credits: Pexels