The Best Hiking Routes for October!

Summer's over, the leaves are changing, and the colder season is creeping in. But we're not letting the winter blues take hold just yet! Autumn truly showcases Europe's stunning beauty. We'll tell you what makes hiking in October so unique and give you the best tips for your treks.

Even if it's getting a bit chilly outside, there's no need to retreat to the sofa. Autumn is when hiking season truly kicks off, and nature puts on its most elegant display.

Rent a camper and set off on a refreshing hiking holiday. Let your gaze wander over the colorful foliage and soft sunbeams, breathe in the crisp autumn air, and savor the golden season.

Why go hiking in October with a campervan?

Hiking has become an increasingly popular leisure activity over time. The growth of the tourism sector shows just how popular hiking and trekking have become. This isn't surprising, as our hectic lives often push us to seek peace and relaxation in nature.

Hiking is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience a sense of freedom and the beauty of the landscape. It's a fantastic activity for clearing your head and appreciating your surroundings in a multifaceted way.

You can tailor your hike to your needs and the specific circumstances. You decide how long you'll be out, how far you'll go, and how intense the hike should be.

If you want to gain new hiking experiences, discover new routes, and get closer to nature on your holiday, then traveling with a campervan is ideal for you.

This way of traveling offers you a lot of flexibility and spontaneity. You simply head to your next destination whenever you feel like something new.

Plus, a campervan makes it easier to reach your hiking starting points. You can even free camp in some hiking car parks. Find a secluded spot, open the door, and start your hike directly from your campervan. You couldn't ask for a better way to experience hiking in October.

Tip: Before your trip, be sure to find out where wild camping is allowed in Europe and obtain any necessary permits from the local authorities. When choosing a campsite, you should also check in advance whether it's open in autumn.

myvanture campervans are suitable for off-grid camping and are well-equipped for trips in colder seasons. So, nothing can stop you from enjoying your hiking holiday.

Hiking in October: The most beautiful tours in Europe

Want to go on a hiking holiday with a campervan this autumn but aren't sure where to go? Here are some beautiful tours that are ideal for autumn hiking.

Hunsrück in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany

A real insider tip: The Hunsrück, about an hour's drive south of Cologne, is one of Germany's largest forest areas.

Why is it worth a trip right now? On sunny October days, you might think the colors of autumn were invented in this region. The vineyards in the Moselle Valley shimmer golden, and the forests along the low mountain ranges glow crimson to brown.

Several hiking routes and alpine via ferratas are available for exploring the area. If you're looking for even more attractions, you'll also find one of Europe's longest suspension bridges here.

Karwendel Nature Park in Tyrol, Austria

Hiking in October? Always a good idea!

Even in summer, the rocky mountain slopes, vast forests, and quiet alpine meadows in the Tyrolean Karwendel Nature Park are breathtaking. In autumn, it's even more spectacular.

The alpine village of Eng is a picturesque starting point for hikes. It lies at the foot of the Great Maple Forest, nestled in the magnificent mountain world of the largest nature reserve in the Northern Limestone Alps.

Hiking in October in Partnach Gorge in Bavaria, Germany

If you're looking for an adventurous hike with breathtaking views, the Partnach Gorge is just the ticket!

This natural monument is about 700 meters long and up to 80 meters deep. The path winds along narrow stone trails past waterfalls and through intricate rock faces, sometimes even through tunnels and passages.

The mountain gorge is accessible even in winter. But when hiking in October, the gorge is particularly beautiful when the treetops above the rock flanks display their magnificent colors.

Lunz am See in the Ybbstal Alps, Austria

In autumn, things are quiet around the beautiful alpine lake of Lunz am See in the Ybbstal. That's precisely why a visit to this Lower Austrian mountaineering village is worthwhile. Nothing steals the show from nature these days – and nature knows how to make a grand entrance without making a sound.

A lovely spot to enjoy the autumn view of the lake is a bench high up on the north shore – accessible via the Maiszinkentour. The Obersee, the Ybbstaler Hütte, and the Ötscher area are also easily accessible for hiking enthusiasts.

Rent a camper for your hiking holiday!

Styrian Krakau, Austria

The natural beauty of autumn is amplified in Styrian Krakau. The colorful leaves are not only visible on the trees but also reflected in the many mountain lakes. Moreover, fog rarely rolls in here, making it one of Austria's most beautiful places with some of the best air quality.

Beginners, in particular, will appreciate Krakau's hiking offerings. You can choose between leisurely valley walks, guided adventure tours, and challenging mountain treks. Many routes also lead into the neighboring Salzburger Lungau.

Hiking in October in Wachau on the Danube, Austria

The Wachau in Lower Austria is a classic for hiking in October.

How could it be otherwise, as the magnificent harvest is just around the corner in the vineyards along the Danube. The wine autumn in the Wachau lasts until the end of November and offers a series of "Heurigen" evenings (wine taverns), vineyard hikes, and more.

Those who prefer sweat to fine wine will get their money's worth in the Wachau: whether cycling along the Danube, hiking with a backpack over the wine terraces, or climbing steep rocks with a via ferrata helmet – there are plenty of options.

Carinthian Nockberge, Austria

You certainly won't get bored in the Carinthian Nockberge. The climate in autumn is still very pleasant, and at this time of year, the water sparkles beautifully golden in the background.

Hop in your campervan and discover the beautiful mountains, forests, and villages around Lake Millstatt.

Hiking in October around the North Shore of Lake Garda, Italy

When thinking of a holiday at Lake Garda, one might first imagine crowded promenades. But did you know there are also beautiful hiking routes here? No? The hinterland offers many quiet corners and wild, sometimes rugged landscapes that are truly captivating.

Even in October, it's often still summery warm around Lake Garda. The Garda-Trentino region on the north shore of the lake is particularly ideal for hikers. With mountains over 2000 meters high and magnificent views of the lake, this is definitely a perfect place for hiking.

Merano High Mountain Trail, Italy

Alpinists might immediately point out that the Merano High Mountain Trail is only passable until about September. That's not wrong. The northern part of the trail reaches up to almost 3000 meters.

However, the southern part is easily passable well into October. The long-distance hiking trail, except for the two stages Katharinaberg – Eishof – Pfelder, can be hiked without problems in October. The mountain guesthouses are also open until the end of October. The trail itself offers beautiful views of the Merano region and the Ortler Group.

Andalusia, Spain

If you want to travel a bit further for hiking in October, you should consider Andalusia. Spain's southernmost region offers a diverse and impressive natural landscape.

The Sierra Nevada mountains offer plenty of sun and mild temperatures, ideal for hikes through oak forests and olive groves before descending to the wild Mediterranean coast.

The Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park on Andalusia's southeast coast is still considered an insider tip. Mass tourism hasn't taken over here yet, so you can hike undisturbed through a bizarre volcanic landscape, as well as through small villages. Furthermore, the wild cliffs and long sandy beaches in secluded rocky coves offer an even more unusual backdrop.

The Sierra de Grazalema is the perfect place for a hike through the green heart of Andalusia. You can explore these mountains in autumn and spring when it's not too hot or rainy.

Southern France

Colorful foliage, ochre-colored rocks, and lush grapevines characterize the autumn splendor in the hinterland of Marseille. Autumn hikes in Provence reveal a unique, but no less colorful, side of the region.

Autumn in Provence, especially October, is a time with little rainfall and beautiful colors from the local flora. Plus, the Provençal sun ensures temperatures stay above 20 degrees Celsius.

Sicily, Italy

Autumn in Sicily begins in September and October. The weather is perfect for a hiking holiday with little rainfall and wind. A hiking tour through Sicily and the Aeolian Islands will take you to fascinating volcanic landscapes and historical sites like Taormina, the "Pearl of the Mediterranean," with ancient roots.

Conclusion: Hiking in October

Autumn is an underrated season. After all, what could be more beautiful than experiencing the landscape in autumnal hues? So, rent a campervan now and beat the autumn blues with the most beautiful hikes.