Breathtaking Fall Leaves Around the World

By Melanie Lieberman
October 10, 2017
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You don’t need to fly to the American northeast to experience one of the most quintessential aspects of autumn — those kaleidoscopic fall leaves that blanket the ground in a patchwork of fiery reds, oranges, and yellows.

Related: Use This Map to See Exactly When Fall Foliage Will Peak This Year

In fact, destinations all over the world experience this colorful, exuberant transformation when the temperatures drop and cafes are forced to sell pumpkin spice lattes and cider donuts.

To see leaves changing color, you can travel as far afield as Asia, where cities like Nara, Japan and Seoul, South Korea blaze with fall colors from October to as late as December.

Related: How to Perfect Your Fall Foliage Photography

And all across the European countryside, from the vineyards of Umbria to the state of Tyrol in the Austrian Alps, vivid leaf colors ignite the pastoral landscapes.

Of course, New England’s fall foliage is famous for a reason — and scenic drives along roads covered in a confetti of fall maple leaves are a quintessential part of the season (along with apple picking and hay rides, of course).

Plan a trip to one of these incredible destinations for leaf-peeping, or enjoy the autumn leaves from your computer. These beautiful photos of fall foliage from around the globe guarantee you’ll be ready for sweater weather. 
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British Columbia, Canada

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The region’s famous wine valleys are perfect for wine-tasting and leaf-peeping.

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Bavaria, Germany

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For a truly fairytale trip, head to Neuschwanstein Castle when it’s flanked by red and orange leaves.

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Denali National Park, Alaska

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Plan a trip to Denali before the first snow for a chance to see the park's ice-capped peaks contrasted by the stunning fall leaves.

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Tyrol Alps, Austria

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Austria’s charming Alpine villages and lake towns are even more attractive during the fall season.

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Hudson Valley, New York

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The Hudson Valley is one of the best destinations in the Empire State for admiring the fall foliage. Adventurous travelers can enjoy aerial views of the changing scenery from a hot air balloon or private helicopter tour.

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Umbria, Italy

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In October, Italy’s grape vines and trees show off their best fall hues.

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Hraunfossar, Iceland

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West Iceland’s waterfalls are somehow more impressive when flanked by the colors of the fall season.

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Berkshires, Massachusetts

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Take a bike ride or go for a hike for stunning views of the Berkshires in mid-October.

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Nara, Japan

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Ancient temples and the radiant colors of fall make Japan an unforgettable destination for autumn leaf-seekers.

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White Mountains, New Hampshire

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Spend a night at a cozy North Conway inn after a 26-mile fall foliage drive along the Kancamagus Highway. (Or join locals for an afternoon of hiking, cycling, or rock climbing.)

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Paris, France

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Enjoy the City of Light’s landmarks flanked by autumn hues during a November trip to Paris.

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Rocky Mountains, Colorado

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In Colorado, the aspen trees become an impossible yellow-gold color in the fall, just before the first snows of ski season.

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Central Otago, New Zealand

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The wine-growing region of the South Island is famous for its pinot noirs (and its wine-colored autumn leaves).

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Peacham, Vermont

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There’s really no bad place to see fall foliage in Vermont, which typically reaches peak between mid-September and mid-October. (Make a pit stop in Peacham, which is considered one of the state’s most photogenic towns.)

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Moscow, Russia

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See beautiful cathedrals and fall leaves in one fell swoop during an autumn trip to Moscow.

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Patagonia, Argentina

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Avoid the crowds (and see the mosaic of red, orange, and yellow leaves) during the region’s fall season, which occurs between March and May.

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Glen Sannox, Scotland

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Bundle up in a Scottish wool sweater and enjoy the country’s brilliant fall foliage on a brisk morning drive.

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La Crosse, Wisconsin

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Take a boat tour along the Mississippi River for the best views of autumn leaves falling in Wisconsin.

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York, United Kingdom

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In the English countryside, the first flush of fall can be seen in September, though travelers often have until November to admire the leaves.

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Seoul, South Korea

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Just a few hours east of Seoul is Seoraksan National Park, where the rugged peaks and valleys become magic during the fall.

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By Melanie Lieberman