8 of the Coziest Places Around the World To Visit This Fall

Feelings of gezelligheid (an untranslatable Dutch concept of coziness) may come to mind when you think about visiting Amsterdam in the fall, but those big Dutch cities can get pretty crowded (and not in a cute and cozy way). With that in mind, head off-the-beaten-path to Nijmegen, a town located along the Dutch-German border.

Situated in the heart of the Gelderland, this Dutch town offers plenty of sights that come into their own during the crisp fall months. Pedal beyond the city limits and enjoy the scenic riverlands, tour historic and haunted castles dating from the Middle Ages, or discover World War II history as you learn about one of the largest airborne operations in history—Operation Market Garden.

As the fall evening draws in, take in the nightly Sunset March at the city’s De Oversteek bridge. Then cozy up in one of Nijmegen’s taverns and enjoy a Dutch ale and warming local meal.

Often overshadowed by the Scandi glamor of Copenhagen, Denmark’s fourth-largest city will charm any traveler looking for a hit of hygge this fall. Tour Aalborg’s cobbled streets and wind through the old town among picturesque half-timbered mansions and the imposing 16th-century Aalborg Castle.

Just keep in mind that the Danish weather can be unpredictable in fall, so head inside if the weather turns and learn more about the city’s ancient history. The Lindholm Høje Museum offers insight into the region’s Viking origins, while the modern Utzon Center showcases Aalborg’s contemporary culture.

Insider tip: As the sun sets, take a culture walk through Aalborg and along the city’s waterfront where the fall colors reflect off the city’s modern buildings.

There's no place quite like Transylvania in the fall when the famous forest landscape is awash with autumnal hues. A hike through the Carpathian Mountains is a must for any seasonal enthusiast when attractions such as Piatra Craiului National Park and Balea Lake enjoy shoulder season tranquility. Meanwhile, if you're a thrillseeker, get your kicks on a climbing excursion to the Turda Gorge or by tracking wildlife in the woods, and of course, Halloween tours at Bran Castle (also known as Dracula's Castle) offer spooks galore.

Meanwhile, old towns such as Sibiu and Brasov also offer an array of fall-time treats, including candlelit tours of Gothic architecture or harvest-time tasting experiences, plus plenty of opportunities to cozy up with a cup of Transylvanian palinca, the region’s famous double-distilled plum brandy.

Related: Know Before You Go: Celebrating Halloween at Dracula's Castle

Deep in the Swiss Alps, the Valais region is a fall-time treasure thanks to its valley vineyards and famed peaks. The Gornergrat foothills are particularly photogenic when bathed in the golden glow of fall and on a clear day, you might even glimpse the crowning gem of the Matterhorn. If you arrive early enough in the season you can still explore on a guided walking tour, while later arrivals can take advantage of the Gornergrat Bahn, which operates year-round, or opt for a paragliding tour.

Back on terra firma, get a taste of the region’s fresh harvest on a food tour, or indulge more specifically in a fall-friendly fondue experience. By late November, Christmas-themed tours in Zermatt can even provide a glimpse of the Swiss fall fading into a picturesque winter.

Related: 7 of the Most Adventure-Filled Day Trips From Zurich

While summer in Spain grabs a lot of travel attention, for those in the know, autumn brings fiestas to the capital of Aragon, making it one of the best times to visit this often-overlooked Spanish city. For 10 days in October, parades, performances, and street parties take place across the city in honor of its patron saint, offering something for every age group.

Don’t forget to pay your respects at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, one of the region’s most important cultural landmarks, before immersing yourself in the buzzing city on a Zaragoza walking tour or traditional food tour. Then, take advantage of market excursions or cooking classes to feast on the season’s fresh harvest; head out of town on a day trip; or visit the Sierra y Cañones de Guara Natural Park, which enjoys particularly fine weather for climbing, hiking, and canyoning for the whole family during the fall.

The rugged northern reaches of Scotland might not immediately strike you as cozy, but dramatic landscapes, ancient ruins, and homely pubs make it a top choice for fall-time adventure. Remote locations such as the Isle of Skye or Cairngorms National Park are particularly evocative during the cold, crisp shoulder season when the hiking and biking trails are also less busy. The shores of Loch Ness are similarly enchanting, as encircling copper thickets reflect upon dark gray waters.

The Jacobite Steam Train—also known as the Hogwarts Express—operates late into October, too, providing nostalgia fitting for the season plus panoramic views of the autumnal region. And when you’re ready to warm up, savor local malts on a whisky distillery tour or immerse yourself in tradition with a dining experience in the cozy home of a native Highlander.

Enjoy fall foliage in Kyoto, best known for its Buddhist temples set among undulating forests and cultivated gardens. The To-ji, Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, Jojakko-ji and Ginkaku-ji temples all come into their own during the season, as does Kyoto's Philosopher’s Path, which sees its famous Japanese maples turn fiery red beneath the autumn sky.

Walking tours or bike excursions through the city can help you to tick off all the top fall-time sights, while cultural experiences are a great way to immerse yourself in Kyoto’s seasonal coziness—try a Mansagama pottery course, traditional calligraphy class, or the artform of Ikebana with a flower arrangement session. Alternatively, visit a local brewery for a taste of warming sake.

Nova Scotia, aka "New Scotland," is a Canadian province known for wine harvests and cozy towns. Get a taste of the region’s agricultural heritage on a vineyard tour of the Annapolis Valley; savor fall fare around Halifax’s farmers markets; or warm up over wines, beers, and ciders on a small-group tour of Halifax’s breweries.

Outdoor enthusiasts can even brave the brisk weather to visit Peggy’s Cove, where the photogenic lighthouse stands ready against a dramatic coastal backdrop. Or, explore the remote Cape Breton Highlands National Park via the Cabot Trail, ideal for road-tripping in fall’s cooler climes. October is also Mi'kmaq History Month, with community events and celebrations taking place across the province—find out more at the Millbrook Cultural and Heritage Centre.

Related: Visiting Nova Scotia for the First Time? Here’s What To See and Do

We all have our own ways of getting cozy when the nights draw in and the temperature plummets, but different cultures around the world take coziness to new heights.

Hygge: If you’ve ever wanted to really experience hygge (pronounced hoo-gah), then Denmark in the fall is the place to be. While the term may bring to mind Scandi design and soft, neutral-hued fabrics, hygge actually describes the qualities of coziness. Activities that give you those hygge vibes should leave you feeling content and centered with friends and family.

Gezelligheid: Untranslatable to any other language, gezelligheid perfectly sums up the Dutch culture. The word varies in meaning depending on its context but is typically used to refer to a feeling of conviviality and coziness, especially during the fall in the Netherlands.