Naked Family Points
The crowds are thinning, the temperatures are becoming more pleasant, and yet you don't have to miss out on the color in your life. While some hiking destinations are already packed with crowds on hot summer days, autumn offers the opportunity to experience the incomparable nature of the Alps in a more untouched way. The biggest advantage is the spectacle of color that the forests surrounding the Alps have to offer. Because you shouldn't miss this, we've compiled a list of the most beautiful hiking destinations for autumn.
The best destinations in Austria & Germany…
Where should we begin? Of course, the Alps in Austria and Germany alone have so much to offer that entire books could be filled with them. However, there are some autumn destinations that stand out even more. On the border between Tyrol and Bavaria lie the Karwendel Mountains. What sounds impressive at first doesn't mean that you have to climb to dizzying heights here. There are many pleasant tours in the Karwendel that can also be done in autumn and where you can really enjoy the golden time of the year. Hikes around the Ahornboden, for example to the Plumsjochhütte, are particularly recommended in this area. Many other hikes of varying difficulty levels can be found in Salzburg's Grossarltal. A particularly popular option is the Almenrunde (Almen Loop), which starts in the Ellmautal Valley at the Grundlehen car park and then leads from the Ellmaualm via the Weißalm and Loosbühelalm to the Filzmoosalm. From there, the route returns to the starting point.
In autumn, your hiking plans are very dependent on the weather. It is therefore worth traveling to regions where the temperatures are potentially somewhat milder at this time. The federal state of Carinthia is the southernmost state in Austria and is therefore particularly suitable for autumn hikes. An insider tip here is the Lavanttal, which is also known as the paradise of Carinthia. Here, for example, you can hike from Eitweg via Goding up to the Koralpe and will have some wonderful views all to yourself, especially in autumn. In Germany, on the other hand, you can enjoy autumn in the Saxon Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Here you will come across particularly colorful forests and spectacular rock formations, which also make great photo spots. The best thing to do is to follow the individual stages of the Malerweg and look back on the hiking year.
…and beyond?
The Alps, of course, encompass more countries than just Austria and Germany, which are also ideal hiking destinations for autumn and sometimes offer a milder climate. For example, the region around Lake Garda has a lot to offer in autumn. The highest point here is Monte Altissimo at just over 2,000 meters, but several more challenging stages await you as well. Equally spectacular are the many hiking trails in South Tyrol's Val Gardena, such as the Cisles High Trail starting from the Col Raiser cable car in Selva. The natural and wildlife world in the Swiss Val Mingér National Park is similarly exciting. Here, you'll find not only colorful mixed forests that truly let you feel the autumn, but also a diversity of animal species that is hard to beat. At Sur il Foss, you can reward yourself with a view of the region. Of course, we could name a few more hikes here, but we'd like to leave you some room to create your own 😉
Don’t miss the mountains in autumn!
One thing should be clear: If you're a passionate mountaineer, you shouldn't miss out on the mountains in autumn. You're guaranteed a few beautiful hours in harmony with the tranquility of nature. Which of our destinations you choose, or whether it's a completely different one, is ultimately not important. However, it is very important to be well-equipped for your mountain tour. We've compiled a list of accessories guaranteed to make your autumn more comfortable. Have fun on the mountain!