Fall for Nature: 6 Remote European Wilderness Escapes for Autumn Solitude
Jake looking at Norway from Finnish Lapland (near Nuorgam) — How cool is that?
Summer crowds have gone home (and we, penguins, rejoice). Temperatures are down (again, we rejoice). Winter hasn’t yet wrapped everything in snow. And in between, fall (or autumn for our UK, Irish, Australian, Kiwis, South Africans… readers) quietly transforms Europe’s wildest corners into glowing forests, aurora skies, and solitude you didn’t know you needed.
If you’ve ever wanted to trade pumpkin spice lattes for misty valleys, or swap city noise for the crunch of leaves under your boots, this is your season. Here are five wilderness escapes we’ve loved (or are about to explore) where fall feels like nature’s secret handshake.
Take a deep breathe in… and fall for nature with us!
1. Finnish Lapland: Ruska magic and cozy cabins
The view from our accommodation in Inari — we went swimming in the lake every day, followed by a sauna!
After a crazy hot and crowded summer in Spain (where we live), there is nothing like a Lapland forest bath. But forget Rovaniemi reindeer and Santa selfies. Fall in Finnish Lapland is about ruska — the word locals use for the fiery golds and reds that sweep the forests every September. You get the best of both worlds: cozy cabin living, a cold plunge in a postcard lake, maybe a sauna session (okay, definitely a sauna session), long hikes through nature reserves without the winter crowds, the first aurora and lots of reindeer on the road. Our definition of heaven!
We spent time up here beyond Rovaniemi, and it’s pure slow-season bliss. Nights are crisp enough for northern lights, days mellow enough for berry picking or lazy canoe trips.
If you’re planning a trip, fall is shoulder season, so flights are cheaper (try Omio for flexible fares, or even Santa train tickets between Helsinki and Rovaniemi). And for stays? You’ll find wood-smoked cabins on Booking that feel straight out of a Nordic fairytale.
Ruska what?
In Finland, autumn isn’t just autumn — it’s ruska. The word describes the fleeting few weeks when the forests explode into fiery reds, deep golds, and glowing oranges. It’s so celebrated that locals plan whole trips around it, hiking national parks, foraging berries, and sitting by lakes that mirror the colors like stained glass. If you want Lapland at its most magical (and without winter’s -20°C bite), ruska is the season to chase.
2. Alta, Norway: The Arctic town nobody talks about
In October, it’s still warm enough to spend hours waiting for Lady Aurora!
Admittedly, Alta is such a well-kept secret that we weren’t sure we would write about it in our blog! And then, Fred Olsen Cruises reached out to us and asked us if we would share our insights for their travel guide. And we couldn’t resist. You’re welcome!
Everyone flocks to Tromsø. But if you want Arctic drama without bumping into tour buses, head to Alta. It’s tucked into Norway’s far north, where Sámi culture still thrives and the fjords feel untouched.
In fall, the tundra around Alta glows red and orange, rivers roar from autumn rains, and the northern lights flicker earlier in the season. We called it Norway’s most underrated town, and we stand by it.
Tours here are surprisingly affordable compared to Tromsø. Check Viator for dogcarting (that’s a thing when there’s no snow), Sámi cultural visits, and aurora excursions that won’t make your wallet cry.
3. La Garrotxa, Spain: Volcanic forests in fall colors
Castellfollit de la Roca is perched on a basalt rock
Yes, Catalonia is beaches and cava. But 30 minutes inland from the most beautiful beaches of Costa Brava (which are still warm for a fall swim), you’ll hit La Garrotxa — a volcanic region that looks straight out of a Studio Ghibli film come fall. Forests drip with gold and red, medieval villages cling to hillsides, and extinct craters make for unforgettable hikes.
We wandered here several times, and it became one of our favorite Catalan escapes. Best part? Zero mass tourism. You’ll be sipping wine in a centuries-old town square with more cats than people.
Rent a car with the widget below: you’ll need wheels to hop between craters, monasteries, and hidden villages. Pro tip: combine it with a Barcelona & Costa Brava trip, then escape.
4. The Carpathians, Romania: Bears, vampires and golden forests
Fall colors in Holbav near Brasov - Credits: Podu Stricat
This one’s fresh — we’re heading there in October. Romania’s Carpathians are the kind of place where forests roll forever, villages feel untouched by time, and autumn makes everything cinematic.
We’re most excited about visiting the Zărnești Bear Sanctuary (thank you Jake for this amazing gift!), a place rescuing bears from captivity and giving them a wild(ish) second chance. Add in medieval (and vampire) castles, mountain hikes, and steaming plates of polenta, and it’s shaping up to be one of Europe’s most underrated fall escapes.
If Romania’s on your radar, check Viator for small-group day trips to Bran Castle or wildlife tours. We’ll update with our full guide once we’re back (and probably muddy).
Someone said bears?
Romania is one of the last places in Europe where brown bears still roam free in serious numbers — the Carpathians are home to more than 5,000 of them. In fall, as the forests turn gold, the bears gorge on nuts and berries before winter sets in. While you might catch a glimpse on a hike, the more ethical (and safe) way is visiting the Zărnești Bear Sanctuary, where rescued animals live out their days in huge forested enclosures.
5. Höga Kusten, Sweden: Where forests meet the sea
There’s nothing like a cold bath in the Botnian sea after a hot summer in Spain!
We don’t play favorites, but if we had to pick the most surprising fall spot we’ve been to, it’s Sweden’s High Coast. Imagine fiery forests tumbling into the Baltic, giant cliffs rising from the sea, and hiking trails so quiet you might only meet a squirrel (and even he seems shy).
Höga Kusten is a UNESCO site thanks to the way land here is still rising after the Ice Age. In autumn, it feels raw and almost mythic. Hike Skuleberget for insane views, or just drive the winding coastal roads with the windows down and ABBA blasting (optional, but highly recommended).
For accommodation, cozy B&Bs and design-forward cabins line the coast. We camped, but you’ll find something fancier on Booking.
Chartreuse, France: Alpine forests, a mysterious green liquor, and Eli’s backyard
Jake hiking down the Charmant Som after a delicious picnic with Alpine cheese, bien sûr
This one’s personal — Chartreuse is Eli’s home turf, with her hometown of Voiron tucked right at the foothills. It’s the kind of place most travelers skip, but in fall it’s absolute magic. The forests are a wild mix: dense evergreen pines standing alongside maples, chestnut trees (yum, roasted chestnuts!) and beeches that burst into reds and golds. The contrast makes every hike look like a living postcard.
Eli’s favorite spots? The Charmant Som, a gentle summit hike with panoramic views of the Alps and the Monastère de la Grande Chartreuse down below. The Cirque de Saint Même, where waterfalls crash into a misty amphitheater of rock (in summer, the water is deliciously freezing). And the endless, unique, so dense Chartreuse forests, where you’ll find quiet paths lined with moss and mushrooms. You can even go canyoning!
For a sweet reward, Voiron is also home to Bonnat, one of France’s legendary chocolatiers — the perfect excuse to stock up after a hike. And if you want a deeper taste of Chartreuse history, visit the Monastère et Caves de la Grande Chartreuse, where the monks still guard their 18th-century recipe for the famous herbal liqueur cherished by Quentin Tarantino.
You’ll need a car to reach most trails — book one on Rentalcars. Local chalets and guesthouses on Booking make it easy to stay close to the trails. And don’t forget solid travel insurance if you’re venturing into the high paths — the mountains may be serene, but they’re still wild. Get 5 to 15% with our partner HeyMondo!
FAQ: Wilderness travel in fall
Why go wild in fall?
A fika in a cozy cabin after a day out exploring the Stockholm archipelago: pure fall bliss
Fall is the secret season for exploring Europe’s wilderness. Here’s why:
No crowds: Shoulder season means fewer tourists and more peace.
Better prices: Flights, rentals, and stays are often cheaper.
Colors & light: Forests, fjords, and mountains turn into one giant Instagram filter.
Wildlife: Bears prepping for winter, elk in rut, and migratory birds overhead — nature puts on its best show.
What is ruska in Lapland?
Ruska is the Finnish word for fall’s short but spectacular foliage season. For a couple of weeks in September, Lapland’s forests blaze with reds, oranges, and golds. Locals head out to hike, forage, and soak up the magic before the first snow arrives.
What should I bring for fall wilderness trips?
Fall in Europe can be unpredictable — one minute sunshine, the next cold rain. A few essentials make the difference between miserable and magical:
Layers: A good thermal base layer and a waterproof jacket are lifesavers.
Footwear: Waterproof hiking boots for muddy trails.
Gear: Headlamp (days get shorter fast), power bank, and reusable water bottle.
Extras: Binoculars for bird migrations, and a lightweight tripod for aurora shots.
Check our Amazon travel essentials list for the gear we actually use.
Penguin Trampoline tip:
Since trips in the wilderness often take you far from the nearest hospital or bus stop, we always recommend good travel insurance that covers remote hiking and outdoor adventures — and you’ll get 5 to 15% off with our partner HeyMondo. It’s one of those things you hope you’ll never need — but you’ll be glad you have if a bear shows some interest for your brand new backpack.
Here’s our favorite fall music: our Thanksgiving playlist — You can also learn how we celebrate in our Thanksgiving article.
Europe’s big cities get all the fall love. But if you’re wired like us, the real magic happens when you step into the wilderness. Whether it’s huskies in Alta, ruska in Lapland, volcano hikes in Catalonia, or bears in Romania, fall is the perfect excuse to go remote.
And hey — fewer pumpkin spice lattes, more real pine needles. We’ll take that trade any day.
Ready to explore deeper?
🍂 Finnish Lapland in Fall — Ruska forests, cozy saunas, and northern lights without the winter crowds.
🌌 Alta, Norway — Underrated Arctic town where auroras, Sámi culture, and wild tundra meet.
🌋 La Garrotxa, Spain — Volcanic landscapes, medieval villages, and Catalonia’s quietest fall forests.
🐻 Romania’s Carpathians (coming soon) — Golden woods, rescued bears, and mountain solitude in Transylvania.
🇸🇪 Our collection of Sweden articles — One of our favorite countries in the world.
