It’s that time of the year again; the transition from summer to winter started as expected. Our summer here in Austria was more than strange but it seems like autumn will be as usual; a bit chilly with fresh air, clear sky and a sea of colorful trees. Yes, autumn really has arrived … and I’d like to share two of my favorite autumn spots/activities in (and around) Vienna:

• Lainzer Tiergarten & Hermesvilla: The Lainzer Tiergarten used to be a hunting ground for the Habsburger. Today it’s a famous and well visited place for delightful excursions. What’s really lovely about this place is that your trip can either be topped with a yummy lunch/coffee at the café or a visit to the museum in the Hermesvilla (or both of course). Emperor Franz Josef I gave this chalet to his wife Empress Elisabeth (better known as “Sissi”) because she was a huge nature fan and wanted a place for her own. Not bad huh?
• A walk in the Viennese Woods: I’m also a big nature fan and since I’m lucky (to also have a huge chalet … haha) to live near the Viennese Forest, a walk through this colorful setting is one of my favourite autumn activities.

Walking through the Lainzer Tiergarten during Autumn.

Autumn at the Lainzer Tiergarten in Vienna, Austria.

It seems like the trees are talking at the Lainzer Tiergarten...

Autumn at the Lainzer Tiergarten in Vienna, Austria.

Autumn at the Lainzer Tiergarten in Vienna, Austria.

The beautiful Viennese forest just around the corner of our house.

The colors of the leaves are changing in autumn.

The farmers are preparing for winter in Lower Austria...

...and the cows are enjoying the last sunny days on the field.

Autumn is here & I love it!