September is considered one of my favourite months for mountain climbing in Europe. As summer season recedes, the warmth, storms, and crowds fade, leaving gentle temperatures, clear skies, and serene trails.
We spend a lot of the month within the Alps, benefiting from open mountain huts and comfy temperatures, although early mornings typically name for layers or a puffer jacket.
Between mountain climbing adventures, I really like seeing the ceremonial cows coming residence parades. On the finish of the alpine grazing season, cows, goats, and sheep are herded again to their winter stables. In lots of areas, this protected return is a celebratory occasion. Learn our Almabtrieb information to study extra about this distinctive custom and expertise it.
By late September, the hut-to-hut season winds down, with most huts closing for the yr.
Past the Alps, September is ideal for mountain climbing within the Dinaric Alps of the Balkans and Picos de Europa Nationwide Park in Northern Spain, whereas England’s South West Coast Path can also be supreme presently of yr.
1. Bobotov Kuk within the Dinaric Alps
The very best peak in Durmitor Nationwide Park is reached by way of one of the mesmerizing trails in Montenegro.
From begin to end, the route enchants with views of whimsical, jagged peaks, some fang-shaped, others like melting desserts or hovering eagles, at each flip.
The hike begins gently however grows extra demanding, requiring hikers to scramble up steep sections, traverse uncovered ledges secured with ropes, and navigate sprawling boulder fields.
For a neater route, take a look at close by Mount Prustas.
Comply with our 2-Week Montenegro Street Journey for a hiking-inspired journey to the land of the black mountains and glowing seas.
Trailhead | Sedlo Mountain Cross
Distance | 9.9 km out-and-back
Time Wanted | 5:30 hours (It took us 6:15 hours with breaks)
Elevation Achieve/Loss | 939 meters
Issue | Tough
The place to Keep in Žabljak | Lodge Soa (luxurious), Casa di Pino Eco Lodge (midrange), Visitor Home Durmitor Paradise (budget-midrange), or Vacation Houses B&V (midrange). I’ve shared our favourite locations to remain on this Žabljak Lodge information.
Associated Guides | The place to Hike in Montenegro
Be taught Extra: Bobotov Kuk Hike
2. South West Coast Path in England
The South West Coast Path stretches 1,014 km (630 miles) throughout England’s southwest peninsula, from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset.
From village to village, this arresting coastal path scales sea cliffs, curls round secret coves, and wraps round England’s best seashores.
Whereas few try the total distance, mountain climbing a bit affords an unforgettable mixture of rugged coastal surroundings, welcoming inns, and pristine seashores. With baggage transfers and personal rooms on the finish of every stage, this long-distance path is considered one of Europe’s most rewarding and surprisingly comfy adventures.
I hiked the South West Coast Path from Westward Ho! in Devon to St. Ives in Cornwall. Learn my South West Coast Path mountain climbing information to study extra about Europe’s premier coastal path.
3. 2-Day Picos de Europa Trek in Spain
The spectacular Picos de Europa mountain vary spans the Northern Spanish areas of Asturias, Cantabria, and León. Probably the most well-known hikes listed here are Ruta del Cares gorge hike and the Puertos de Áliva path, each unmissable classics.
For a quieter, extra adventurous expertise, hike to Refugio Jou de los Cabrones on a two-day loop via distant high-alpine limestone landscapes hardly ever seen by different guests.
If the dramatic path between Refugio Jou de los Cabrones and Refugio de Urriellu doesn’t make you fall in love with Picos de Europa, nothing will.
Trailhead | Bulnes Funicular Mountain Station, accessible from Poncebos
Distance | 20.6 km circuit
Time Wanted | 2 Days
Elevation Achieve/Loss | 1955 meters
Issue | Tough
The place to Keep in Poncebos Earlier than/After Trek | Hostal Poncebos, Arcea Lodge Mirador de Cabrales, or Lodge Garganta del Cares. Learn The place to Keep in Picos de Europa.
Associated | Finest Hikes in Picos de Europa
Be taught Extra: 2-Day Refugio Jou de los Cabrones Hike
4. Tufteren Excessive Path in Switzerland
The Tufteren Excessive Path is a scenic balcony path connecting Täschalp to Tufteren, excessive above Switzerland’s Mattertal Valley within the Valais Alps.
Alongside the route, the enduring Matterhorn dominates the skyline, guiding you south towards Zermatt.
This Zermatt mountain climbing path is a part of the Europaweg, a 35-km route from Grächen to Zermatt, and in addition marks the ultimate stretch of the Chamonix-Zermatt Walker’s Haute Route.
Comply with our Zermatt Itinerary to plan a memorable journey stuffed with unforgettable hikes, together with this one and the Edelweissweg Hike.
Beginning Level | Täschalp, accessible by shuttle from Täsch
Ending Level | Zermatt
Distance | 12.2 km point-to-point
Time Wanted | 4 hours
Elevation Achieve | 308 meters
Elevation Loss | 878 meters
Issue | Straightforward-Reasonable (T2)
The place to Keep in Zermatt | Haus Zer Weidu (funds), Jolimont Flats (midrange), Lodge Bristol (midrange), Schweizerhof Zermatt (luxurious), and The Omnia (luxurious).
Associated | Finest Hikes in Zermatt
Be taught Extra: The right way to Hike the Tufteren Excessive Path
5. Val Venegia to Rifugio Mulaz within the Dolomites
The Pale di San Martino vary within the Dolomites is a dreamscape for hikers who love excessive fantasy worlds. Forged your eyes on the northern chain and also you’ll be transported right into a land of fae, trolls, and dragons.
Beginning in Val Venegia in Trentino, the path leads deep into the valley to Malga Venegiota earlier than climbing steeply to Passo Mulaz. From the move, it’s a brief descent to Rifugio Mulaz, a managed mountain hut that stays open till late September.
Whereas most day hikers retrace their steps, we advocate returning to Val Venegia by way of Passo di Venegiota, an extended however way more rewarding route.
Throughout our September journey to San Martino di Castrozza, we additionally tackled hikes from Passo Rolle to Baita Segantini, Rifugio Rosetta to Rifugio Pradidali, and Cima della Vezzana (for the true masochists).
Trailhead | Val Venegia, Trentino
Distance | 12.6 km lollipop-circuit
Time Wanted | 6:30 – 7 hours
Elevation Achieve/Loss | 1054 meters
Issue | Reasonably Tough – Tough
Be taught extra: Val Venegia to Rifugio Mulaz Circuit Hike
September Dolomites Climate
Within the Dolomites, September has lengthy been celebrated as probably the most steady month, providing clear skies and temperate situations.
But in recent times, the climate has change into extra unpredictable. In 2023, October was hotter than September, and in 2024, the primary week of November outshone the complete month of September. Normally, there’s at the very least one rogue snowstorm, however except it’s notably chilly, the snow melts rapidly.
The takeaway? September is mostly glorious, however within the mountains, excellent climate isn’t assured.
Associated | September within the Dolomites
6. Vienna Metropolis Climbing Path 1 in Austria
If you happen to’re considering, “metropolis hike, actually?” Completely!! Except, after all, the concept of sipping younger wine in sloping vineyards with sweeping views of Europe’s most stunning metropolis doesn’t enchantment to you.
Vienna’s vineyards cowl 700 hectares, the most important space inside any metropolis worldwide. Whereas Vienna’s wine is probably not the best in Europe (it actually isn’t), its wine tradition is really unmatched.
These fortunate sufficient to go to Vienna in September have the chance to hike via the town’s vineyards while sampling the partially fermented wine referred to as Sturm in pop-up Heuriger wine taverns.
If you happen to observe the Vienna Metropolis Climbing Path 1, the path descends via the Nussdorf vineyards on the finish of the hike. Try the interactive path map in our Vienna Metropolis Climbing Path 1 information to find which seasonal Heurigen you may go to alongside the route.
Particular Occasion | Yearly in late September, the Vienna Wine Climbing Day, sometimes held over two days, is a free occasion open to everybody. Members can select from 4 wine-themed strolling routes via Vienna’s vineyards, the place native winemakers supply wine and snacks alongside the paths, creating one of many world’s most pleasant culinary mountain climbing experiences.
Trailhead |Nussdorf Beethovengang tram station (line D)
Distance | 11.6 km circuit
Time Wanted | 3:15 hours
Issue | Straightforward
Elevation Achieve/Loss | 316 meters
Associated | Visiting Austria in Autumn
The place to Keep in Vienna | The Harmonie Vienna (midrange), or The Amauris Vienna (luxurious). Learn The place to Keep in Vienna.
7. Gosaukamm Circuit Path in Austria
The majestic Gosaukamm is the westernmost subgroup of the Dachstein vary within the Austrian Alps. It’s the mountain that rises to the west of the gorgeous Gosauseen, a trio of alpine lakes.
A 21.6 km path encircles the Gosaukamm, providing a enjoyable and assorted trek that may be accomplished in a single or two days.
Highlights of the route embrace consuming at Gablonzer Hütte, the Schwarzkogelsteig path, the view from Hofpürglhütte, the ascent to Steiglpass, and the stepped karst rockscape on the opposite aspect of the Steiglplass.
Kati and I hiked this route in late October, however it’s best skilled in September, when all of the mountain huts are open and the times are longer.
You can begin the hike at Gosau Lakes within the Salzkammergut (Austria’s Lake District), or in Filzmoos in Salzburg.
Trailhead | Oberhofalm in Filzmoos, or Gosaukammbahn mountain station
Distance | 18.7 km
Time Wanted | 7:15 hours with out breaks. We would have liked 9 hours.
Elevation Achieve | 923 meters
Elevation Loss | 1469 meters
Issue | Tough
The place to Keep in Gosau | Gasthof Gosausee, Frühstückspension Pachler, or Haus Friedrich
The place to Keep in Filzmoos | Bauernhof Krahlehenhof (midrange), Das Anja Alt Filzmoos (midrange), meiZeit Lodge (luxurious)
Associated | Salzkammergut Itinerary and Finest Hikes in Salzburg
Be taught Extra: Gosaukamm Circuit Path
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