Seven autumn destinations in Europe that are truly worth it in October

I'm planning a short October trip right now and stumbled across a Lonely Planet list that got me really curious. Instead of the usual beach destinations, it's about places where autumn itself is the reason to travel.

Three images stuck with me most: Gauja National Park in Latvia, with castles amid golden foliage and canoe trips as long as the river stays ice-free; Exmoor in England, which becomes Europe's first dark-sky reserve at night and even celebrates a Dark Skies Festival in mid-October; and Umbria, where after the summer tourist rush there's finally room again for truffles, chestnuts, Sagrantino wine and the Eurochocolate festival in Perugia.

Then there's Copenhagen with its food scene and Culture Night, Gozo for diving while the water is still warm, Zermatt for the last hikes and the first glacier skiing, and Slovenia for forest bathing between Bohinj and thermal spas.

What I like about the list: it thinks in seasons, not just in sights. Fewer people, better light, and you understand why you should be travelling right now of all times. For now I'm leaning towards Umbria or Slovenia – and keeping Exmoor in the back of my mind for a starry night.

Source: Lonely Planet