Travel

Where to Travel in Europe from September to December

Europe is considered a summer play ground though the period between September and December shows some of the richest experiences. Having less crowds, changing scenery, and seasonal customs, the continent acquires a less grandiose nature. Whether it is in grape harvest under Mediterranean sun or in snow-dusted town festive markets, this season presents travels that are both real and worth the experience.

September: Vineyards and Coastal Warmth

In the great wine regions of Europe it is harvest time in September. Grape-stomping parties are held in Bordeau, France, with the vineyards overrun with pickers crating Cabernet and Merlot. The Douro Valley in Portugal is just as much atmospheric, with its terraced hillsides shining in late-summer light. Tourists are welcome to participate in ancient grape-crushing ceremonies in family-run quintas and then taste port wines by the river. On the Mediterranean, beach getaways are warm. Cinque Terre, Italy or Dubrovski, Croatia have less traffic, and warmer water, perfect for a final swim without the crowds of July and August.

October: Autumn Colors and Festivals

In October, the European landscapes turn into gold and crimson. Germany: Bavaria has the most incredible falling scenery near the Neuschwanstein Castle and the hiking trails in the Austrian Alps give a clear arm-length fresh air day. The month is also dominated by festivals. The Oktoberfest in Munich that spills in early October consumes tents with Bavarian brass music, traditional costumes and steins of beer. Amsterdam, in its turn, welcomes cultural fall; the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum have new exhibitions, and canals are covered with fall reflections. It is particularly interesting to those attracted to folklore, i.e. Transylvania in Romania. The gothic history and myth are combined with tours in towns like Sighișoara, and castles like Bran that are dedicated to Halloween.

November: Cities at Ease

When it cools, November is less noisy in the big cities of Europe. Paris is reflective, the cafes on the Left Bank are full of people, and the museums such as the Louvre much easier to appreciate. The weather in Spain, Seville and Granada is pleasantly warm. One can enjoy the Moorish courtyards of the Alhambra in a serene quietness, and small flamenco shows illuma Andalusian nights. Scotland has its own tradition in late November on the St. Andrew’s Day on 30th. Edinburgh features ceilidh dances, bagpipe performances, and substantial dinners and the Highlands start accumulating snow on their mountainous terrain as a way of adding drama to the scene.

December: Winter Magic and Christmas Markets

The month of December can be the most magical month to tour Europe. Germany is the frontrunner with its Christmas markets: the 16th-century Christkindlesmarkt at Nuremberg serves mulled wine, roast almonds and hand-cut ornaments. It is competed by Vienna which has Rathausplatz turned into a winter fairground, including skating rinks and Advent concerts in the baroque churches. In the case of winter sports the Swiss Alps are already at full blast in mid-December. Such resorts like Zermatt and St. Moritz mix pure ski trail and comfortable chalets with hot and cheerful traditions of apres-ski. Farther north, Rovaniemi in Finland, the home town of Santa Claus, welcomes visitors to see reindeer herders, ride the husky sleds and (on clear nights) see the northern lights shimmering across the arctic sky.

A Season of Contrasts

A trip to Europe during September to December is to experience contrast and rhythm: warmth of the late summer changing into golden forests and, last but not least, the lights of the festivities markets in the snowy streets. The months are cultural rich and not filled with the hurry of high season tourism. Travelers see a Europe that is simultaneously, real, celebratory, and memorable as they enjoy wine in Portugal, lavish folklore in Romania or skating under the Christmas lights in Vienna.