With crisper weather come the pleasures of autumn: colorful foliage, fall-blooming flowers, and abundance of fresh fall fruit. Fall is also an excellent time to go on vacation in the Alps. In September and October, the weather is cool and refreshing, there are fewer other tourists to contend with, and of course, you’ll get to experience the colors of autumn in a new and different place. If you’re looking for fall foliage in the Alps, here are a few areas that you’ll want to be aware of.
- The Dolomites, Italy: In the section of the Italian Alps called the Dolomites, you’ll find the beautiful larch tree. Larch trees are conifers that change to bright and dazzling shades of gold and yellow in the fall. The sight is one that you won’t soon forget. One of Italy’s most accessible mountain ranges, you’ll be able to choose anything from easy trails that take two or three hours to walk to more complex trails that can take a few days to travel. Either way, you’ll be in for a visual treat.
- Paznaun valley: In the Austrian Alps, on the border between Switzerland and Vorarlberg, you’ll be able to experience a unique autumn atmosphere. Hiking in this area, you’ll get to see spectacular fall trees, as well as many flowers and plants that have evolved untouched in the remote valley. Animal lovers may enjoy exploring this area at dawn or dusk, the best times to meet the foxes, deer, badgers, and marmots that are native to the area.
- The canton of Ticino: Ticino, part of the so-called “Italian Switzerland” is almost entirely surrounded by Italy and is split by the Monte Ceneri pass. It is the only canton in Switzerland that has Italian as its sole official language. This area has one of the mildest climates in Switzerland, and you’ll find it to be cool but comfortable in October. You’ll find that the trees with yellow and orange leaves contrast beautifully with the deep green of the valleys.
- Fall Foliage Tours. In Switzerland, you can take a rail tour which will allow you to view the colors of autumn while experiencing the culture and beauty of the area. Beginning in Zurich and running through Interlaken, the Swiss Riviera, Glacier Valley, and more, you’ll see incredible scenery and get to explore cities that Switzerland is famous for. While you travel through the Alpine peaks and valleys, you’ll be dazzled by the reds and yellows of Fall against the backdrops of green valleys and snow covered peaks. One of the best selling Switzerland tours for 2012 is the Trafalgar 9 day trip called Contrasts of Switzerland where you tour this beautiful country all by rail, experiencing both the Glacier Express train and the Golden Pass Line train.
When you pack for your fall vacation to the Alps, be sure that you pack your camera and plenty of memory cards. Whichever area of the Alps that you choose to visit; you’ll be inundated by opportunities for photos of stunning scenery. If Europe is not on your list this year, Fall Foliage tours of New England and Canada offer beautiful scenery as well.
