9 Epic European Road Trips You’ll Want to Drive at Least Once
Europe is tailor-made for the road trip of your dreams. Whether you crave winding mountain passes, coastal cliff drives, or vineyard-dotted valleys, the continent offers scenic routes that feel like movie sets. From the fjords of Norway to the sun-baked hills of Tuscany, these nine unforgettable road trips promise landscapes, culture, and detours you’ll talk about for years.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
The Amalfi Coast isn’t just a drive—it’s a plunge into postcard perfection. This cliff-hugging road along southern Italy’s Tyrrhenian Sea offers dizzying drops, lemon groves, and pastel-colored villages like Positano and Ravello. Stop for seafood pasta and views that feel unreal. Every bend reveals another cinematic moment. It’s dramatic, chaotic, and breathtaking in equal measure.
North Coast 500, Scotland
Scotland’s answer to Route 66, the North Coast 500 is a rugged loop through the Highlands. Expect lonely beaches, castle ruins, and winding one-lane roads across moors and mountains. It’s ideal for adventurers and solitude seekers. The route starts and ends in Inverness, with detours to whisky distilleries and lochs. You’ll feel like you’ve driven through a fantasy novel.
Trollstigen and Geirangerfjord, Norway
This jaw-dropping route carves through steep switchbacks and plunging fjords in western Norway. Trollstigen, or the “Troll’s Path,” zigzags past waterfalls and towering peaks before opening into the stunning Geirangerfjord. Summer offers the safest conditions, but every season casts a different kind of magic. It’s a place where nature dominates the road and humbles every driver.
Route des Grandes Alpes, France
From Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean Sea, this alpine route crosses some of France’s highest mountain passes. It’s a favorite among cyclists and road trippers alike. Expect tight turns, crisp air, and glacial views. Small mountain villages provide cozy stops along the way. Driving this road is like weaving through the sky.
Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria
Austria’s most famous mountain road winds past the country’s tallest peak, Grossglockner, and through Hohe Tauern National Park. You’ll see marmots, snow-capped summits, and glacier tongues up close. The route is short but intense, open only during warmer months. Every viewpoint invites you to pull over and breathe in the alpine grandeur.
Transfagarasan Highway, Romania
Once dubbed “the best driving road in the world” by Top Gear, the Transfagarasan slices through the Carpathians like a racetrack built by Dracula. Hairpin bends, dark forests, and ancient legends surround you. The climb to Balea Lake is thrilling, and tunnels and viaducts make it feel otherworldly. Few road trips are this hauntingly beautiful.
Ring Road, Iceland
Iceland’s Route 1 circles the entire island, taking you past waterfalls, glaciers, lava fields, and black sand beaches. It’s a loop like no other, where you might encounter sheep traffic jams and the northern lights. Highlights include Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and the Golden Circle. Bring layers, snacks, and curiosity—it’s remote, raw, and unforgettable.
Romantic Road, Germany
This fairy-tale drive winds through Bavaria’s medieval towns, half-timbered houses, and rolling vineyards. From Würzburg to Füssen, you’ll pass castles like Neuschwanstein and storybook villages like Rothenburg ob der Tauber. It’s ideal for a leisurely pace with history, bratwurst, and charm at every stop. Autumn adds golden hues and fewer crowds.
Basque Coastal Route, Spain
Hugging the northern Spanish coastline, this drive reveals the raw beauty of the Bay of Biscay. Start in Bilbao and cruise past fishing villages, dramatic cliffs, and surf towns like Zarautz. Don’t miss San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a dramatic islet with a winding stone bridge. It’s a cultural and culinary road trip that hits all the senses.
