Colorful landscapes – Europe's most beautiful autumn hikes

The eight-day alpine hut tour leads through the fascinating mountain world of the eastern High Tauern. Between rocky slopes and gentle grassy hillsides lie thundering waterfalls or pristine mountain lakes — like the Untere Giglachsee, which can be seen in the picture and is located in the first stage.

In northern Montenegro, Durmitor National Park rises from the landscape. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to almost 50 formations with a height of more than 2,000 meters (6,561 feet). Together with its many impressive gorges, the park promises an exciting hiking experience. It should be noted that park entrance requires a fee of €3 ($3.50).

Via Alpina is a classic among long-distance hikes in Switzerland. It runs 390 kilometers (242 miles) from east to west through the Swiss Alps. Especially in autumn, the 20 stages offer wonderful scenic views, such as here in Kandersteg.

There are numerous signposted hiking routes in the De Hoge Veluwe National Park. If you are looking for tranquility — and above all, wide open spaces — the Planken Wambuis area is the place for you. The trails lead not only through quiet forests, but also through the endless heath landscapes of Ede.

The Kemeri National Park is located not far from the Latvian capital Riga. The bog boardwalk circuit is the best way to explore the landscape without getting your feet wet. In autumn, a bog hike is also attractive. Then cranberries grow in abundance in Kemeri, and you can help yourself to them.

The second-highest peak of the Gorgany Mountains in the Ukrainian Forest Carpathians stands at 1,719 meters. A 15-kilometer hike leads from the small village of Kolochava to Strymba. Those who have mastered the difference in altitude of 550 meters are greeted by a picturesque lake and a magnificent panoramic view.

The mountain Marmolada is also called the Queen of the Dolomites. It's home to the largest glacier in the whole area. To reach it, it is best to drive over the Passo Fedaia, as shown in the picture. Already from that point, it is possible ton enjoy the majestic view of the massif.

The fen landscape is distinguished by predominantly flat terrain and low gradients. A good way to explore the moorland is along boardwalks, which are built on stilts above the wetlands. Those who want to learn more about the environment can check out the nature education walks.

In Northern Ireland, Tollymore Forest Park awaits hikers searching for tranquility. Near Newcastle, County Down, different tours offer you a varied natural landscape. Along the river, through the forest, past a waterfall or up into the hills — there is something for everyone here.

Especially in the misty autumn, the pristine Lake District beckons with its rugged mountains, small villages — and, of course, countless lakes. It feels a bit like something out of a picture book when you stop off in the English cottages or pubs after a long hike.

Near Bad Schandau in Germany's Saxon Switzerland rises a craggy group of rocks about 12 square meters in size: the Schrammsteine. The Rotkehlchenstiege leads past them on the southeastern edge. This ascent for the more athletic: there are steps carved into the rock, wooden stairs and steep climbs to overcome. The effort is rewarded with a magnificent view.