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Where to see some of the worlds best Autumn colours!
For those in the Northern Hemisphere Autumn is upon thee, and bringing with it some dazzling colours. We all know New England’s autumns are legendary, with billions of leaves changing from green to a kaleidoscope of colours. It’s not all about New England though: autumn’s ablaze with red and gold colours from Japanese zen gardens and the wildernesses of Lapland to The Veneto’s vineyards. Our friends over at Holiday Lettings suggests some alternative places to admire autumn colours around the world. Lets check'em out!
Soave, Italy
Photo by USAG Vicenza (edited) (license) via Flickr
The vines that characterise this tranquil valley add subtle dashes of gold and red to the ancient landscape at harvest time. At this time of year, you’ll be able to tour vineyards to help pick grapes and taste the wines (for quality control purposes, obviously).
The town’s Chocolando (chocolatiers’ festival) takes place at the same time: you’ll sample homemade and handcrafted treats, attempt to build the world’s longest chocolate and see fireworks illuminate the beautiful castle. Sample other local delicacies at the excellent cheese and olive oil markets too.
Nara, Japan
Photo by Talko (Public domain) via Wikimedia Commons
Autumn in Japan is just as magnificent as spring’s cherry blossom season. “Kouyou”, or autumn leaves, drift across the country, beginning in northern Hokkaido and spreading swiftly south. The ancient capital, Nara, is the perfect place for you to catch them. They drench the city’s massive park, making waves of gold, red and yellow that light up its Zen gardens, shrines and wild deer.
Do visit the Todaiji Temple, when you’re in the park. The world’s largest wooden building and it houses Japan’s biggest bronze Buddha. Be brave as you pass through its vast Nandaimon gateway: the two statues of the Buddha’s bodyguard look ferocious but will let you through.
Do visit the Todaiji Temple, when you’re in the park. The world’s largest wooden building and it houses Japan’s biggest bronze Buddha. Be brave as you pass through its vast Nandaimon gateway: the two statues of the Buddha’s bodyguard look ferocious but will let you through.
Lapland, Finland
Photo by Ilona Simomaa (edited) (license) via Wikimedia Commons
Forget cold, icy winter landscapes - autumn transforms Lapland’s wildernesses into a glowing golden El Dorado. The special leaf colour, “ruska” to locals, paints the landscape in deep and soft tones.The forests are dappled red and honey yellow, before they fade to a muted brown.
Join the Finns in some serious leaf peeping: hiking, mountain biking and canoeing are all favourite way of witnessing the phenomenon. Find a spot with a great view over the countryside – just add a hot drink with snacks to perfect the scene.
Join the Finns in some serious leaf peeping: hiking, mountain biking and canoeing are all favourite way of witnessing the phenomenon. Find a spot with a great view over the countryside – just add a hot drink with snacks to perfect the scene.
South Africa
See colourful leaves drop, watch the veld turn to rusty browns, and view the bush’s layers of oranges, reds and greens. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens in Cape Town and Jonkershoek Nature Reserve in Stellenbosch, in particular, look stunningly beautiful.
Jonkershoek Nature Reserve is a valuable conservation area. It’s mainly covered in mountain fynbos, and has rare, endemic plant species. The Reserve has an amazing variety of wildlife, including leopards, honey badgers, baboons, klipspringers and mongeese. On warm days you’ll see rock agama lizards basking in the sun.
Jonkershoek Nature Reserve is a valuable conservation area. It’s mainly covered in mountain fynbos, and has rare, endemic plant species. The Reserve has an amazing variety of wildlife, including leopards, honey badgers, baboons, klipspringers and mongeese. On warm days you’ll see rock agama lizards basking in the sun.
New Zealand
Photo by Daniel Pietzsch (edited) (license) via Flickr
The South Pacific island nation of New Zealand. Each year these shaky isles radiate a vivid natural autumnal beauty: fiery oranges, blood reds, and sunset yellows push their way through dark evergreen leaves. From Hawkes Bay in the North to Marlborough in the South a huge patchwork of glorious Autumnal Vineyards warm the countryside. The magical colours of autumn are celebrated every year at the Arrowtown Autumn Festival near Queenstown - you can pan for gold against the golden backdrop, learn about the town’s heritage trees and see the many pictures they’ve inspired.
Arrowtown is a charming and quirky gold rush village nestled below alpine peaks with quaint buildings, tree-lined avenues and terrific galleries. If you can drag yourself away, do try some of the numerous walking trails around the river and into the backcountry.
Hawkes Bay, New Zealand © looseballoon.com
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Blenheim, Marlborough, New Zealand
© looseballoon.com
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