As the summer heat fades and leaves begin to turn, autumn is one of the most rewarding seasons for walking in Europe. The crowds thin, the light softens, and the landscape takes on a new palette of colours. For those planning a hiking holiday, Lonely Planet's new guidebook, Where to Go When: Hiking, offers more than 90 suggestions worldwide, including several European routes that are particularly well suited to the cooler months.
Here are three of the standout European hikes featured in the guide, each with its own character and challenges.
Premužić Trail, Croatia
Running through Northern Velebit National Park on the Adriatic coast, the Premužić Trail is described by Lonely Planet as “one of Europe's finest examples of dry-stone engineering.” The path was built in the 1930s and winds through rugged karst terrain, passing wildflower meadows and traditional shepherds' huts, with views over the Adriatic Sea. September is the ideal time to walk it: temperatures are pleasant, the trails are free of snow, and the sea is still warm enough for a post-hike swim. It is a challenging route, but the craftsmanship of the stonework and the dramatic scenery make it a memorable experience.
Coast to Coast Path, England
For those who prefer a longer undertaking, the Coast to Coast Path crosses England from west to east, starting in the Cumbrian village of St Bees and finishing at Robin Hood's Bay in Yorkshire. The route, which passes through three national parks, was famously devised by the fell-walking author Alfred Wainwright. It has recently been granted National Trail status, meaning better signage, improved accessibility, and higher environmental management standards. Lonely Planet recommends walking it in October, when the autumn colours are at their peak and the weather is still manageable. The trail is rated moderate to challenging, and it offers a quintessentially English walking experience, from the Lake District to the North York Moors.
Via Francigena, Swiss Alps and Northern Italy
The Via Francigena is an ancient pilgrimage route that runs from Bourg-Saint-Pierre in the Swiss Alps, through Italy's Aosta Valley, and eventually to Rome. The section highlighted by Lonely Planet is a moderate walk that follows in “historic, holy footsteps,” with panoramic mountain views, flower-filled meadows, and the cultural and culinary delights of Italy's diverse regions. Autumn is a particularly good time to tackle this route, as the summer heat has subsided and the vineyards and orchards are in harvest. It is a journey that combines physical exertion with deep historical resonance, and it remains one of Europe's most iconic long-distance paths.
Beyond these three, the guide also features other European hikes, such as the Tour du Mont Blanc and the Camino de Santiago, which are popular year-round but take on a special quality in the autumn months. For those looking further afield, the book includes routes in Peru, Ecuador, and Nepal, but the European selections offer a rich mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and accessibility.
As hiking continues to grow in popularity across the continent, these trails provide an opportunity to reconnect with nature and explore the diverse landscapes that Europe has to offer. Whether you are a seasoned trekker or a casual walker, autumn is a perfect time to lace up your boots and hit the path.
