Romantic Autumn Bucket List
We want to really celebrate autumn this year. With Gilmore Girls, pumpkin spice latte and lots of coziness. Here is our romantic autumn bucket list with 17 experiences that you shouldn't miss this autumn.
Enjoy cozy autumn time
Autumn is the time when the world seems to turn more slowly, more gently. At least in those parts of the world where autumn occurs. It's a transitional season, a golden space between summer and winter. The trees shed their leaves as if whispering secrets only the wind understands. No wonder that in many cultures, this transition is perceived as a veil to the afterlife, to the spirit world . In certain communities, autumn is even celebrated as the most beautiful season. It's the time to snuggle up and get cozy, watch a scary movie or two, or reread Wuthering Heights.
#1 Hiking through colorful autumn forests
Few things are as calming as a walk through forests ablaze with gold, red, and orange hues. Whether in the Black Forest, the Bavarian Alps, along the Moselle River, or in the Harz Mountains – autumn provides the perfect backdrop for extended hikes in nature. Here are our hiking recommendations.
#2 Visit a pumpkin festival
Autumn is pumpkin season! Pumpkins of all shapes and colors are now available everywhere, and many cities host pumpkin festivals with impressive displays and delicious pumpkin dishes. Whether you try your hand at carving or sample pumpkin soup, these events will truly get you in the autumn spirit. A popular destination is the world's largest annual pumpkin exhibition at the Blühendes Barock (Blooming Baroque) gardens in Ludwigsburg.
#3 Experience grape harvest & wine festivals
Autumn is also the time of the grape harvest, and in many wine regions you can experience first-hand how grapes are picked from the vines and processed into fine wines in the wine cellars. Whether on the Moselle, the Rhine or in the Palatinate - many wineries offer tours and tastings where you can learn about the tradition of winemaking. Visit the largest wine festival in the world in Bad Dürkheim, the famous Dürkheimer Wurstmarkt.
#4 Hot air balloon ride in the autumn light
When the trees are ablaze with color and the light gently bathes the landscape, it's the perfect time for a hot air balloon ride. The bird's-eye view of the vast landscape, surrounded by autumnal hues, is an unforgettable experience. Just like this hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia in autumn.
#5 Visit the autumn market
Many towns and villages hold traditional markets in autumn where you can buy regional products such as cheese, sausage, honey and of course fresh fruit and vegetables. In addition to culinary delights, autumn markets often offer handmade products and handicrafts - ideal for taking home a few special souvenirs.
#6 Apple harvest on an orchard
A trip to an orchard and picking your own apples is a typical autumn pleasure. Many farms offer special apple harvest events in the autumn, where you can pick the fruit straight from the tree. Afterwards, you can press fresh apple juice or try out delicious apple pie recipes.
#7 Cozy evening with a book by the fireplace
Autumn not only invites you to do outdoor activities, but also to spend cozy hours indoors. A crackling fire, a hot chocolate or a good book - treat yourself to quiet moments in the cold season and enjoy the cozy warmth of the fire. Here is a hotel recommendation where you can warm up by the fireplace.
#8 Go mushroom hunting
In the fall, mushrooms sprout in the forests, and going mushroom hunting is a great way to explore nature while gathering a delicious dinner. Make sure you do your research beforehand or take a guided tour to make sure you're picking the right mushrooms.
#9 Travelling in autumn: city trips & more
Autumn is also the perfect time of year for a city break. The summer heat is over, and many cities now shine in a special light. Cities like Prague, Vienna, Amsterdam, and Tokyo are particularly charming in autumn, with their parks and squares adorned in autumnal colors. Autumn is also the ideal time to travel to Mediterranean destinations. Here are our top 10 travel destinations for October.
#10 Lantern Procession
A lantern parade in autumn is an unforgettable experience, especially for families with children. The homemade lanterns that are carried through the streets singing create a magical atmosphere. But it can also be a lovely evening as a group of friends, being able to be a child again.
#11 Bake pumpkin bread
The aroma of freshly baked pumpkin bread wafting through the kitchen is the epitome of autumn. The sweet and spicy blend of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves gives the bread a wonderful flavor. It's the perfect treat for cozy afternoons with a cup of tea. Homemade tastes best – and the baking itself becomes a meditative ritual that puts you in the warm, comforting mood of the season. Here's our pumpkin bread recipe.
#12 Cozy film & series evenings
When the wind is rattling the windows outside and darkness is falling early, there is nothing better than a cozy movie night. Cuddle up together in a soft blanket, light candles and treat yourself to your favorite films or discover new classics. Whether it's nostalgic love stories, exciting adventures or scary films to suit the season - autumn is the perfect time of year to become a couch potato in style with a clear conscience with series like Gilmore Girls or Anne with an E.
#13 Make your own autumn wreath
Use the colors of autumn and get creative by making your own autumn wreath. Whether as a door wreath or a decorative wreath for the living room - a self-woven wreath is definitely a visual highlight in your home. With dried leaves, twigs, berries and maybe a few decorative pumpkins or cinnamon sticks, you can conjure up a wonderful piece of nature for your door or table. Making a wreath is not only a beautiful way to bring nature into your home, but also a quiet activity that connects you with the changing seasons.
#14 Time for museums & exhibitions
The cooler days are perfect for cultural exploration. Museums and exhibitions offer the ideal opportunity to find inspiration and immerse yourself in the world of art, history, or science. Whether it's a new exhibition about contemporary artists or a visit to a historical museum, autumn is the perfect time to recharge with knowledge and beauty and escape the everyday routine. One exhibition we'd like to see this autumn is the Titanic exhibition in Ludwigsburg.
#15 Take a warm wellness bath – alone or with someone else?
Things are heating up: As the days grow colder, there's hardly anything more relaxing than a hot bath (perhaps shared). Add a few drops of essential oil, maybe lavender or cinnamon, and let the soothing warmth envelop you. The water melts away the tension of everyday life, ensuring you feel completely refreshed and perhaps even closer. A little time out in your own bathroom can work wonders for restoring harmony to body and mind. If you don't have your own bathtub, check out one of our favorite hotels with a large, freestanding tub.
#16 Have an autumn picnic
Even though the temperatures are dropping, autumn has a special atmosphere for an outdoor picnic. With a warm blanket, a thermos full of tea or hot chocolate and delicious snacks such as cheese, pumpkin bread and fresh fruit, the picnic will be an unforgettable experience.
#17 Time for Pumpkin Spice Latte & Golden Milk
As the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, it's the perfect time for warming drinks. A classic Pumpkin Spice Latte with its blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and a subtle hint of pumpkin brings the taste of autumn straight to your cup. It's more than just a drink - it evokes memories of rustling leaves and bright pumpkin patches.
Healthy soul warmer
For those who prefer something a little healthier, golden milk is an excellent alternative. The soothing drink made from turmeric, ginger, cinnamon and honey is not only delicious, but also has an anti-inflammatory and warming effect. Both drinks are perfect for taking a break in cold moments and consciously enjoying autumn.
Autumn has a special magic in store for us, full of quiet moments and silent farewells. The world fades into golden tones as the days get shorter and the wind tears the last leaves from the trees. It is the time of letting go, when we feel everything slowing down - as do we ourselves. Because even in this quiet, fleeting beauty there is something comforting, an invitation to turn inward and seek warmth - be it in a cup of tea, a good conversation or simply in the silence of our own home. Autumn reminds us that letting go and starting anew always go hand in hand.
Book recommendations for autumn
One of the books I devoured in two days is "The Days in Morisaki Bookstore" by Satoshi Yagisawa. Those who have been reading my articles for a while know that I'm a big fan of Japanese literature . Not much happens in this novel; there's no action or unexpected plot twists, but there's a great deal of atmosphere and endearing characters who love reading and life. Perfect for a rainy autumn day.
The second story also takes place in and comes from Japan. “The Plumage” by Banana Yoshimoto literally feels like a warming, saving soup on cool autumn days. A straightforward, poetic story for the heart.
