On October 23 of this year I drove through the Allgäu in Germany, into Austria, over Fernpass and Reschenpass, on into the Vinschgau and then to Meran in South Tirol, Italy.
It was an amazing journey. When I left Stuttgart, it was cold and breezy. Once I got to the Allgäu, it was snowing. I stopped by the Autobahn for a few minutes and took this picture.
Soon there was no more Autobahn, and I stopped again at a little rest area:
It was beautiful - but not for sitting!


The view in all directions was stunning, all the fall colors powdered with snow .
By now it was snowing harder, and since I was not dressed for snow, I opted for staying in my nice warm car. Through the Inn Valley in Tirol, everything was snowy. I drove over the Fernpass, and there I was, no more snow!
On into the Unterengadin, because the access road to the Reschenpass was closed for construction and the detour led into Switzerland. Here it was still fall, and not nearly as cold!

Notice the sign that warns of snowy conditions on the road is turned away from the road!

A glimps of the Inn, which flows down the Unterengadin.

Inn up close

This is its actual color! I didn't check, but I'm sure it was COLD!

A little further along the color changes again, and the river is not nearly as peaceful.
From Martina it was on up toward Reschenpass:

All the larches are golden now!
Arriving on the plateau, it was quite misty. You can see that there was snow at that height. 

The road from Nauders to Graun and Reschen. 
The Reschensee is formed by a dam which was built in 1950.


It was built at the site of a village named Reschen. The houses were torn down and everything was relocated on higher ground, even the cemetery:

The only thing that was left standing is the bell tower of the old church:

It was getting on in the day so I didn't stay long. On down the mountain into Italy:

Another view, this one from a war memorial erected to soldiers who died in WWI:

There are castles everywhere in South Tirol! 
By the time I got to Glurns, I was ready for a trip to my favorite bakery: 
and for a cappuccino: 
We are so close to Austria here that coffee is served with water as a matter of course.
I continued on to Prad am Stilfserjoch. Here it was warm! And late summer roses were still in bloom!


The view up into the mountains from Prad.
I got apples at a little store I know: 
and then it was on to my last 50 miles or so to Meran. Sunset comes early in the mountains! 


Comments: 57
Thank you for publishing these beautiful photos. They are fantastic! Thank you again.
Fantastic photo essay.
Blessings
Bon
;-)
Victoria, I am honored! Thank you!
was absolutely gorgeous... so many beautiful pictures...
i felt like i was on the trip with you...
wonderful job... glad you had such a nice time...
Let me congratulate you for being featured young lady. Thank you for
taking me on 'A Trip Over The Alps' this is the only way I get to travel is
by hitching a ride. I've never seen such fantastic views, mountains, the
waters, all so marvelous Cristina. Those 'snowy clouds' were simply so
gorgeous, such sights I've never seen. I am in my glory being here it is
beyond words. Again I thank you for this exquisite journey where the
'Winter Meets Fall Meets Summer' I am left in such great awe. *smiles*
Huggers4U
Just Me
Barbie
It is like walking through different seasons with you, on one single page! Snowing now and autumn now..and late summer ..
Your photographs are exotic...wish I could go to all these places. You have taken us on a most enjoyable trip, Cristina.
Ah...you make me terribly homesick!!!!! The River Inns-ummm.. I miss OEsterreich so much.
Your snaps are totally beautiful- and I am very grateful that you shared them with us. Danke Schoern!!
The Schnee- oh how I love it. I also love the mountains, the lakes, and other such things- like Rose's.
The Apfels-make me want true Apfel Struedel- I know you know what I mean here! Only the best can be had there!
Again- Danke Schoern!
bis denn-
Wolfgang
How beautiful. Stunningly beautiful.
Maybe because I know the area so well and could even smell the coffee and taste the apfel struedel that Johannes spoke about above.
I know what you mean about all those castles...even slept in one...and found it very draughty.
You have a wonderful eye for picking out a scene. You get the centre of focus just right and you chose subjects that just fill the viewer with your holiday experience.
Breathless in awe and just a teeny bit envious. Bless you.
It was an amazing experience to see and experience all of that in one day, and I knew, even as I was seeing it all, that I wanted to share it with all my Gather friends! Thank you!