Why you should go to the Carpathians in autumn: 6 reasons to visit the mountains in autumn

Crimson-yellow deciduous forests, white mushrooms in baskets, foggy caps on the mountaintops, and fresh air with a bitter taste. Autumn is a special period for holidays in the Carpathians that you shouldn’t miss. You will find landscapes of incredible beauty, a fresh harvest of local vegetables and fruits, no exhausting summer heat, and mild weather with moderate temperatures.

An autumn holiday in the Carpathians is an opportunity to avoid queues at tourist attractions, save money, and take lots of pictures to amaze social media. This is a “golden time” when you can travel without crowds and get to know the real Ukrainian Carpathians without the tourist fuss and noise. Today, we’re going to tell you what other reasons you should plan your autumn holiday in the Carpathians.

Reason 1: Golden landscapes and unique atmosphere

The drop in air temperature and the amount of sunlight awakens nature’s artistic skills, and the mixed forests of the Ukrainian Carpathians turn into real paintings. Oaks, beeches, maples, and birches shimmer with gold, burgundy and orange colors, while fir and juniper trees are just as green. They are worthy of becoming a desktop screen saver and make you doubt that you are looking at a real picture, not the result of artificial intelligence. 

Also read: The most Instagrammable places and hotels in the Carpathians: 12 locations for perfect photos.

Holidays in the Carpathians in October are a delight for the eyes and a joy for the soul, a special aesthetic and atmosphere. Autumn is a period of calm between lively summer holidays and winter skiing adventures. This is especially true for Bukovel.

Reason 2: Mild weather and comfort for walking

Another good reason to go to the mountains in autumn is the weather. Holidays in the Carpathians in September promise daytime temperatures of up to 15-20°C, in October up to 12-15°C, and in November up to +5°C with night frosts. 

The beginning of autumn is usually not too rainy. Therefore, you can safely spend the whole day outdoors. This way you’ll have time to hike, plan excursions, visit local markets, and explore hiking and cycling routes. 

When making lists of what to take with you to the Carpathians in autumn, keep in mind that mornings and evenings can be cool, so you should take care to have warm clothes that are comfortable to stay active in. The best way out is to wear layers.

Reason 3: Fewer tourists

If you’re looking for a place to go to the Carpathians in autumn to avoid the crowds of tourists, queues, and free walks along the mountain trails, you have no chance of making a mistake with the location. One of the advantages of the “velvet” season is the minimum of people and absolute freedom of movement anywhere and anytime.

If you are looking for peace and quiet, then autumn holidays in the Carpathians are just for you. After an active summer holiday, the crowds of tourists gradually dissipate, so you have every chance of a relaxing holiday and unity with nature. It’s incredible, but you can explore the best trails and routes alone, taking shots without the crowd in the background.

Reason 4: Autumn cuisine of the Carpathians

You can also visit the Carpathians in autumn in search of gastronomic pleasure. Experienced chefs turn fresh local produce into delicious dishes and drinks of national cuisine. Huts, restaurants, and cafes welcome tourists and offer:

• mushroom soup;
• banosh with mushrooms and cheese;
• cabbage rolls
• stewed beans;
• savoury and sweet pies;
• potato pies;
• dried apple and pear jams;
• herbal teas made from mint, thyme, St. John’s wort, and much more.

At local markets, you’ll find plenty of fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables: pumpkins, nuts, berries, dried and fresh mushrooms, cheeses, and dried meat. 

Reason 5: No annoying animals

Autumn holidays in the Carpathians are a time when you don’t need to worry about insects. This applies to mosquitoes, ticks, and horseflies. When the average temperature drops below +12°C, their activity decreases dramatically. In addition, in September and October, many flowers and grasses are no longer in bloom, and there are fewer food sources for bees, wasps, and butterflies.

In September, you can still come across mosquitoes near water, but this is typically only for the first half of the month; in October-November, there are practically no insects. And in the mountains, at an altitude of 1000 m, you don’t have to worry about annoying fellow travelers at all.

Reason 6: It’s the perfect time for wellness and SPA holidays

If you want to spend your holidays and recover with quality, then choose the Carpathians in autumn! Where to go to have a good rest without any hassle? The best option is a hotel in an ecologically clean and safe region, with its own spa and developed tourist infrastructure. entertainment and leisure for children. The Stara Pravda complex is just such a place. Because it is:

• A picturesque area in the village of Polianytsia in Ivano-Frankivsk region;
• 34 different accommodation options in rooms with interesting themes;
• 5 spacious cottages;
• a restaurant with delicious national and European cuisine and an incredible panoramic view;
• playground and children’s room, trampolines;
• own SPA complex—swimming pools, jacuzzi, sauna, massage room;
• gazebos, barbecues, terraces for relaxation;
• a yoga area;
• open-air gymnasium.

Book accommodation at the Stara Pravda complex, and you won’t have to think about what to do in the Carpathians in the rain, because everything you need to organize a good rest and recovery is on one territory. And the aesthetic cottage in the Stara Pravda complex will be a great place for a fun and friendly company or a large family.

When to go to the Carpathians?

Still in doubt about holidays in the Carpathians in autumn? A comparative description will help you navigate faster and make an informed choice.

Advantages and disadvantages of holidays in the Carpathians in different seasons

FAQ

1. Is it cheaper to holiday in the Carpathians in the off-season?

Yes, it is. The off-season is a period when the number of tourists decreases and, to stimulate demand, hotels, restaurants, and shops reduce prices. This is a great time to have a good rest and not overpay.

2. Do all entertainment and attractions work in the off-season?

Entertainment and attractions in the Carpathians depend on weather conditions. That is, cycling and hiking in the mountains in autumn is as accessible as in summer. However, safety restrictions apply in rainy weather, when the slopes are slippery, and the risk of injury increases. The same rule applies to winter activities.

3. When are there the fewest tourists in the Carpathians?

The low season in the Carpathians is the end of October, November, March, and early April. This is the quietest period, when there are no celebrations, and various outdoor activities are limited due to unstable weather.

4. What is the weather like in the Carpathians in autumn?

September in the Carpathians is usually warm and sunny, with temperatures reaching up to +20°C during the day and down to +10°C at night. In October, the temperature during the day stays at +14°C, and at night it drops to 0°C, with frequent rain and fog. November is characterized by coolness and high humidity, with frosts at night.