Five mystical travel destinations for autumn
Transylvania, Romania
In autumn, Transylvania, as it is also called, transforms into a fairytale land. Mist creeps through the forests, castles rise like silent sentinels from the colorful sea of leaves, and the small villages seem as if they have completely forgotten time. Strolling through the cobblestone streets of Brașov, it seems as if every shadow whispers a story—perhaps of ancient legends that still haunt the alleys today.
If you venture further afield, you'll reach Bran Castle, which appears truly mystical thanks to the misty air. Here, you can easily imagine that knights once walked its halls—or that the stories of Count Dracula have their roots here. Later, you'll stroll along narrow forest paths, while the trees glow and the air carries the spicy scent of damp leaves.
Isle of Skye, Scotland
The Isle of Skye is rugged, wild, and magical in autumn. Moors lie woven between steep cliffs, waterfalls cascade into crystal-clear rock pools, and the air is filled with the salt of the sea and the scent of damp earth. You hike through the surreal rock formations of the Quiraing, every step crunches on damp grass, and behind every rocky niche, an ancient legend seems to lurk. At the Fairy Pools, the water practically sparkles, and if you're brave enough, to dive into, you'll feel like you've stepped into another world for a moment. In the evening, a strong whisky from a small distillery warms you up while the wind whistles through the Highlands outside.
Mont Saint-Michel, France
In autumn, Mont Saint-Michel lies almost hidden in the mist. The bay changes with every hour, the ebb and flow of the tide create a play of water and sand, and the ancient walls seem to tell stories of centuries past. You trudge across the mudflats, your feet sinking gently into the cool mud, and the gentle sound of the sea mingles with the wind. Up in the abbey, you can feel the silence among the ancient stones and marvel at the view across the golden bay.
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
The Plitvice Lakes National Park In autumn, it's a play of colors: turquoise, red, and gold. A light mist hangs over the waterfalls, the wooden walkways lead through the forest, and the sound of the water is a constant companion. You follow the paths between the lakes, immerse yourself in the cool freshness, pause in a quiet corner to observe the reflections of the trees in the water, and savor the moment. And when the sun sets, you can watch the lakes turn into liquid gold. Absolutely worth seeing!
Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
Czech Krumlov looks like a picture book in autumn. The city's houses are reflected in the Vltava River, and the cobblestone streets lead through charming little alleys. You stroll over the old bridges, through the palace gardens, and listen to the gentle rippling of the river as wisps of fog drift through the city.
Towering above everything is the Český Krumlov Castle, its walls evoking a mysterious atmosphere in the haze, as if they still hold long-forgotten stories. The courtyards occasionally echo with the distant clatter of a door or the call of a pair of crows—little moments that take you back in time. There are many small cafés where you can stop for a break, smelling of freshly brewed coffee and warming up behind their windows.
Which mystical places have you already discovered for autumn?
Photos: Pexels / Paul Jousseau, IMAGO / Panthermedia, imagebroker, unsplash / Thomas Dorgler, Samuel Quek, IMAGO / Panthermedia, imagebroker, blickwinkel, Hanna Wagner,
Nadine Pinezits
Nadine is a freelance editor and copywriter. She lives in Austria and commutes between Salzburg and Vienna. This means she is either in the mountains or in the urban jungle, but at the same time tries to spend as much time as possible in her beloved country, Portugal.
COMMENT