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With summer coming to an end, travelers are turning their eyes from tropical white-sand beaches to cooler, more culturally rich destinations that can still provide a sense of adventure.
That’s why many Central European nations climb to the top of every traveler’s bucket list during this time of year.
However, there’s one country in particular whose charm and landscape have turned it into one of the trendiest hotspots of the year.
The Quintessential Fall Experience
Though the best time to visit Austria is still a topic of debate, there’s no doubt that the country offers visitors the quintessential fall experience.
Those who want to spend the season away from warm beaches and frigid mountaintops will find that Austria provides the ideal weather and scenery for the autumnal getaway of a lifetime.
Average temperatures in September and October range between 57 and 79° F (10 and 15° C), letting visitors know that the seasons have finally changed without making it impossible to enjoy a nice sunny day sightseeing.
Moreover, since this is the driest time of the year in the country, you won’t have to worry about rain or snow ruining your plans.
In fact, if you’re planning on enjoying a hike, picnic, or sightseeing tour, Austria’s weather provides the perfect setting.
What will really transform your visit into the quintessential fall experience, though, is the scenery.
Austria’s lush forests and abundant trees are a sight to behold, and right now, they’re being speckled with fiery reds, oranges, and yellows that’ll just get more vibrant as the season goes on.
That’s why, if you’re ever in the country, I can’t recommend partaking in some form of outdoor activity enough.
After all, Austria is renowned for hiking, climbing, rafting, and mountain biking, just to name a few.
An Abundance Of Outdoor Activities
No fall vacation is complete without a hike, or, at the very least, a sightseeing tour. Luckily, Austria offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, complete with the type of scenery that most of us only get to see in postcards.
After the record-setting temperatures of the summer, travelers are finally getting to partake in their favorite sports and physical activities without having to battle with the extreme heat.
If that sounds like you, the first stop in your itinerary should be Austria.
Walk along the picturesque paths of Trin, cycle alongside the Danube, or trek through the North Austrian lakes.
Just don’t forget to stop every once and again to take in the fields, mountains, and valleys that’ll be dressed in hues of orange in honor of the start of the new season.
Fall Events
If cultural attractions are more your speed, you can always cut back on the excursions and spend a couple of days in Vienna, Linz, or Salzburg instead.
The country’s capital is famous for its rich culture and history, which is manifested through the many events that take place in the city.
If you’re visiting Vienna in September, here are some events and attractions you might want to add to your itinerary:
- Vienna Fashion Week
- Michelangelo and Beyond Exhibition
- The Würth Collection (Leopold Museum)
- Belvedere 21 Retrospective
- The tour of garden and park architecture and design in the National Library
If you’re visiting Austria’s capital in October instead, these are the events that might interest you:
- Long Nights of The Museums
- Austria National Day
- Viennale Film Festival
- Wiener Wiesn-Fest
- Erste Bank Open tennis tournament
Moreover, since the opera here takes a two-month break during July and August, this is the perfect time to plan your visit if you want to enjoy a performance.
Cultural Attractions
Sightseeing enthusiasts will have the time of their lives here. With so many cultural attractions to experience, the only challenge will be to choose which ones will actually fit into your itinerary.
Below, I’ve outlined some of my personal must-sees in hopes of making your decision-making process a bit easier.
- Schönbrunn Palace
- St. Stephen’s Cathedral
- Vienna Operahouse
- Hofburg Palace
- Salzburg Old Town
- Mozart’s Birthplace and Residence
- Hohensalzburg Fortress
- Esterházy Palace
- Hofkirche and Golden Roof
Fewer Crowds
As the summer crowds dissipate, Austria becomes even more pleasant to experience.
Though Central Europe tends to garner more interest come fall, since there are fewer people taking September or October trips overall, you should still be able to enjoy a peaceful fall getaway in the country.
Even Vienna starts to quiet down once the August rush subsides, providing you with all the perks of visiting a big European city with none of the chaos.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com