I'm planning to travel, alone, to Europe in early October for a 2-week retreat/hiking trip. I would prefer to stay in one place for the entire visit. I have hiked in a number of areas of Europe, but I would love to hear from all of you about any special destinations that would be pleasant at this time of the year. I was looking at returning to Wengen (Bernese Oberland), but many hotels close at the end of September. What about the Pyrenees? Any other ideas?
Thanks-

Hi Schrink - How about the Dolomites?

Not a million miles from the suggestions so far, the Tirol in Austria? Or, if you want something a little less mountainous, the Highlands of Scotland or the Yorkshire Dales? The weather can be delightful in late summer/early autumn.

cinque terre in italy.

Luberon (Provence), France

Isle of Skye (or the highlands in general), Scotland

Iceland (we had a great trip in October of last year)... you'll have the whole country to yourself (if you don't mind some iffy weather).

Thanks for your sugggestions so far. Anyone else? Suggestions for specific towns and/or hotels?

Your second post answered my question which was whether you like to day-hike and stay in hotels.

There are numerous trails throughout the Sorrentine Peninsula and in the hills above the Amalfi Coast towns. Bus service connects the towns on the coastal road. Look at this website for a description of the most well-known path:

http://www.hotelondaverde.com/sentiero_deglidei.htm

The book mentioned at the end of the page is excellent. If you go, try to check with one of the Tourist Info Offices as to the condition of the trails you want to walk. There are also many companies offering guided treks. Just Google "Path of the Gods, Amalfi Coast."

Canary Islands. La Palma and/or La Gomera. Superb walking.

If you're looking for better weather I'd second Jean's suggestion of the Amalfi Coast

Or ... Madeira?

Steve

Les Calanques between Marseille & Cassis, walks on the rocky paths along the mediterranean.

http://s29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...%20Oct%202007/

What about the area near Salzburg, Austria? Never been...

Hi schrink; We are staying in Prades in southern France. Prades is at the foot of Mount Canigou where you can walk for a day or days. Our b&b is castellrose-prades.com ENJOY Iris

How about the National Park of the Abruzzo? (Italy). It is less than 90 minutes out of Rome and a ahlf hour from the Adriatic Coast. They have a terrific website that describes all the walks using one base.
www.initaly.com/regions/abruzzo/parco.htm

We really enjoyed this area and walked right up until mid-November without feeling chilled.

Hi schrink,
By Salzburg... try the Berchtesgaden area. Although we're not hikers, the scenery is outstanding!
We stayed in Ramsau, by Berchtesgaden, twice recently.

www.berchtesgaden.com

www.ramsau.de

We stayed twice at, and can HIGHLY recommend:

www.mayringerlehen.de

I also like Steve_James' idea of the Dolomites.

We have recent pics of these areas at:

www.worldisround.com/home/pja1/index.html

www.worldisround.com/home/pja1/travel11.html

Hope this helps.

Paul

Thanks, everyone, I have decided on Austria, and will post separately about this.