Your guide to autumn adventures in Scandinavia: the best time to go, which country to choose, and autumn's top experiences and stays.
Scandinavia is made for autumn adventure. Whether you're dreaming of colorful forests and coziness in Denmark, mountains and crisp air in Norway, or vast forests and quiet lakes in Sweden, there's something for everyone. In this guide you'll find the best time to go, how to choose the right country, and autumn's best experiences: from mushroom foraging and colorful forest walks to unique stays and cozy evenings by the fire.
Scandinavian autumn runs roughly from mid-September to the end of November. October is peak season: the forests are at their most colorful, the air is crisp and clear, and there's still enough daylight for long walks.
Many Danish, Norwegian and Swedish families also take their autumn school break in week 42 (høstferie in Norway, höstlov in Sweden). If you want to avoid the busiest spots, it can help to plan your trip around the school holidays, and always book early.
The first thing to decide is what kind of autumn adventure you're after. Start by thinking about the mood, the distance, and what you want to do, and the rest almost falls into place on its own.
01Colorful beech forests, short distances, and plenty of coziness close to home. Go mushroom foraging in North Zealand, book a treehouse in Jutland, or take an outdoor bath as the leaves fall around you.
See stays in Denmark →
02Crisp mountain air, colorful hillsides, and the first signs of winter at higher altitudes. From the forests around Oslo to the dramatic fjords further west, there's hiking, cozy cabins and quiet days in nature before the snow arrives.
See stays in Norway →
03Endless forests, glassy lakes and plenty of room to find the quiet. Småland, Dalarna and Skåne are all great for an autumn trip, but you'll find good autumn atmosphere in many parts of Sweden.
See stays in Sweden →
04Book your stay early, especially in week 42, when the most popular spots sell out fast. Pack clothes in layers, and if you're driving to Norway or Sweden, keep an eye on the weather since temperatures can drop quickly in the evening.
There's plenty to do, outdoors and in. Outside, there's mushroom foraging, colorful forest walks, apple picking and campfires, while the cooler evenings are perfect for board games, baking and hot chocolate. What you get up to depends a bit on which country you choose. Take a look at our roundup of unique stays in Scandinavia for inspiration.
Whether you choose a treehouse surrounded by colorful leaves, a cabin with a wood stove, or a glamping tent close to the forest, where you stay is a big part of the experience. Get inspired by our guide to the most beautiful treehouse stays in Scandinavia, and see how glamping works in the cooler months in our guide to the best glamping in Scandinavia.
Forest coziness
Eidsvoll, Norway
2 guests
An autumn adventure in Scandinavia is what you make of it. Whether you're dreaming of mushroom foraging in Danish forests, a mountain hike in Norway, or quiet days by a Swedish lake, there's plenty to explore throughout autumn. Book your stay early, and you'll be ready for your next autumn adventure.
Warm autumn wishes, Marie 👋
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