Road Trips That Make Europe Special
Are you itching to take a drive of a lifetime? Luckily, when it comes to road-tripping, Europe has it all! There’s nature, adventure, and all the other makings of a special and memorable journey. If you’re ready to truly explore Europe the way it's meant to be explored, then set aside some time to discover these 20 breathtaking routes.
1. Autobahn, Germany
The German Autobahn is one of those rare places where you can legally drive as fast as you'd want on certain sections and vehicles. Almost 50% to 70% of the Autobahn is speed-limit-free. The best stretch, we’d say, is the A7, between Hamburg and Flensburg.
2. Route 500, Germany
You may also know this one as the Black Forest High Road. It’s a 60-kilometer stretch with breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the Rhine Valley. The best time to do this drive is early autumn when the forest turns golden and tourist crowds have thinned out.
3. Ring of Kerry, Ireland
It’s popular for a reason. The full loop takes about 4 hours if you don't stop, but that would be missing the point. Start from Killarney and go counter-clockwise (it's better to avoid tour buses). You'll pass beaches, mountains, and some of the greenest scenery you'll ever see.
4. Amalfi Coast, Italy
Fair warning: this 50-kilometer stretch isn't for nervous drivers. The road clings to the cliffs between Salerno and Ravello, with sharp turns and narrow passages. Go during shoulder season (April-May or September-October) to avoid the summer traffic jams. The views of colorful towns perched on cliffs make it worth the white knuckles.
5. Les Corniches, France
There are three different roads here between Nice and Monaco, each at different heights. The middle one (Moyenne Corniche) gives you the best balance of views and driving experience. The upper road has the most dramatic views, while the lower one lets you hop between beaches and towns easily.
Marianne Casamance on Wikimedia
6. La Route des Grandes Alpes, France
This is a serious commitment—684 kilometers through the French Alps, crossing 16 mountain passes. Begin from Lake Geneva and head south to Nice. You'll need at least 3-4 days to do it justice and make sure your brakes are in good shape.
7. Trollstigen, Norway
The name means "Trolls' Path," and it feels like something out of a fairy tale. It's only 55 kilometers long but packs in 11 hairpin turns. The best view is from the visitor center at the top, where you can see the whole road zigzagging down the mountain.
8. Klausen Pass, Switzerland
The 46-kilometer way connects the Swiss cantons of Uri and Glarus. What makes it special is how it holds dramatic mountain scenery with perfectly maintained roads. The pass tops out at 1,948 meters, and there are plenty of spots to pull over and take in the Alpine views.
Guillaume Vachey from Chalon sur Saone, France on Wikimedia
9. Estoril Coast Drive, Portugal
Running from Lisbon to Cascais, this coastal route is more relaxed than other mountain passes. Stop at Estoril's casino (the inspiration for James Bond's Casino Royale), then head to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe. The whole thing can be done in a day, but take your time.
Vitor Oliveira from Torres Vedras, PORTUGAL on Wikimedia
10. Romantic Road, Germany
Don't let the name put you off. It’s a 350-kilometer route from Würzburg to Füssen, packed with medieval towns and castles. The highlight is Neuschwanstein Castle near the end, but towns like Rothenburg ob der Tauber are the real stars. You'll want at least 3 days to do a road trip here properly.
Holger Uwe Schmitt on Wikimedia
11. Great Dolomite Road, Italy
This 110-kilometer stretch through northern Italy is basically a highlight reel of the Dolomites. Running from Bolzano to Cortina d'Ampezzo, you'll see some of the most crazy mountain views in Europe. Spring and fall mean fewer motorbikes on the road. The Pordoi Pass section is particularly spectacular.
12. Furka Pass, Switzerland
Remember the car chase in Goldfinger? This is where they filmed it. At 2,429 meters high, the road connects the cantons of Uri and Valais. The Rhône Glacier viewpoint is a must-stop, though the glacier has sadly shrunk in recent years.
13. Atlantic Road, Norway
The Atlantic Road is just 8.3 kilometers, but what a ride! They shoot films here. Eight bridges hop between islands, with the curved Storseisundet Bridge being the showstopper. Go during rough weather for breathtaking waves (but drive carefully). The fishing spots along the way are also fantastic for a break.
14. Stelvio Pass, Italy
This is, no doubt, one of the greatest driving roads in Europe. With 48 hairpin turns on its northern side alone, you'll see why. At 2,757 meters, it's one of the highest paved passes in the Alps. Drive early in the morning to avoid the crowds and check the brakes.
15. Col de Turini, France
It’s a beautiful pass in the French Alps and is all about the corners. It became famous for its role in the Monte Carlo Rally. The road surface is amazingly well-maintained, making it a driver's dream. The La Bollène-Vésubie to Sospel section is particularly fun.
Alistair Cunningham on Wikimedia
16. Transfagarasan Highway, Romania
Top Gear counts it among the best driving roads in the world. Built in the 1970s as a military route, it runs 151 kilometers through the Carpathians. The best section is between Curtea de Arges and Cartisoara. Try to avoid weekends when it gets packed with locals.
17. São Miguel Island, Portugal
This Azores island is perfect for a circular road trip. The whole loop is about 230 kilometers, and you can do it in a day, but take at least three. Stop at hot springs, waterfalls, and the Sete Cidades volcanic crater lake. But watch out for sudden fog and rain as the weather changes quickly here.
18. Ring Road, Iceland
Route 1 circles the entire island for 1,332 kilometers. You'll see everything from volcanoes to glaciers and waterfalls to black sand beaches. Most people take 7-10 days. Summer gives you midnight sun, but winter offers the enchanting Northern Lights (though some sections might be closed, and a 4x4 vehicle might be required).
Alexander Grebenkov on Wikimedia
19. Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
At 2,500 kilometers, the Wild Atlantic Way is Europe's longest coastal route. It shows off Ireland's wild west coast. You'll want at least a week or two. But don't try to see everything. Just pick a section and explore it properly. The Cliffs of Moher are great, and the smaller stops like Slieve League are just as impressive with fewer tourists.
20. NC500, Scotland
The North Coast 500 is Scotland's answer to Route 66. Starting and ending at Inverness Castle, it's an 830-kilometer loop around the Highlands. The east coast has more villages and distilleries, while the west is wilder with better beaches. Try to go in May or September—fewer midges than summer and better weather than winter.
