The 7 Most Breathtaking Road Trips in Europe (That Aren’t in Italy)
Italy’s Amalfi Coast and Tuscan lanes are justifiably famous, but Europe is a treasure trove of asphalt ribbons that weave through equally stunning, and often less crowded, landscapes. For the traveler who yearns to shift gears and discover the continent’s raw beauty, here are seven breathtaking road trips that promise an unforgettable adventure behind the wheel.
1. The Atlantic Road, Norway
The Route: Bud to Kristiansund (approx. 8 km / 5 miles of the core section, but part of a longer 36km National Tourist Route)
Highlights: A feat of engineering that dances across islands and skerries.
Often called “The Road in the Ocean,” this short but intensely dramatic drive is an experience like no other. It’s not about the distance; it’s about the sensation of driving across the sea itself. The road consists of eight bridges that leap and curve over the treacherous, yet beautiful, Norwegian Sea.
- Storseisundet Bridge: The most iconic structure, this arching bridge appears to launch drivers into the abyss from certain angles—a photographer’s dream.
- Wildlife Watching: Pull over at the designated rest stops to spot seals, seabirds, and even whales in the waters below.
- The Angry Weather: Part of the allure is the mood. While a sunny day offers brilliant blue contrasts, a stormy day transforms the drive into a thrilling spectacle of waves crashing against the pylons.
Pro Tip: Extend your journey by exploring the entire Geiranger-Trollstigen National Tourist Route, which takes you past the legendary hairpin bends of Trollstigen and the breathtaking UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord.
2. The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
The Route: County Donegal to County Cork (2,500 km / 1,553 miles)
Highlights: Raw coastal beauty, traditional music, and legendary Irish hospitality.
This is the world’s longest defined coastal driving route, a relentless parade of rugged cliffs, empty beaches, and charming villages. It’s a journey for the soul, where the journey itself is the destination.
- Slieve League Cliffs: Often overshadowed by the Cliffs of Moher, these are nearly three times higher and far less crowded. The view from the top is simply awe-inspiring.
- The Ring of Kerry: A classic section of the route, offering a condensed dose of everything Ireland has to offer: mountains, lakes, and stunning coastal vistas.
- Dingle Peninsula: Drive along Slea Head for ancient archaeological sites, Fungie the dolphin’s old haunt (may he rest in peace), and some of the best traditional pubs in the country.
Pro Tip: Don’t rush. Allow at least two weeks to do it justice. Be prepared to stop constantly for photos, a pint of Guinness, and to simply listen to the roar of the Atlantic.
3. The Romantic Road, Germany
The Route: Würzburg to Füssen (approx. 400 km / 250 miles)
Highlights: Fairytale castles, medieval towns, and a journey through a storybook.
This route is a pilgrimage into the Germany of your imagination. It winds through Bavaria’s heartland, connecting pristine medieval towns that seem frozen in time, culminating at the most famous castle in the world.
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber: A perfectly preserved medieval walled town. Walk the ramparts, marvel at the half-timbered houses, and don’t miss the Night Watchman’s tour.
- Neuschwanstein Castle: The fantastical palace that inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. The view from Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge) is the iconic shot.
- Hohenzollern Castle: Another stunning hilltop castle, perched on a bluff with commanding views of the surrounding countryside, offering a more intimate and equally dramatic experience.
Pro Tip: Visit during the Christmas season to experience Germany’s most famous Christmas markets in towns like Rothenburg and Nuremberg.
4. The Transfăgărășan Highway, Romania
The Route: Bascov to Cartisoara (approx. 150 km / 90 miles)
Highlights: A high-altitude thrill ride through the Carpathian Mountains.
Dubbed “the best road in the world” by a certain TV show, this road is a driver’s paradise. Built as a strategic military route, it ascends to over 2,000 meters, featuring sharp hairpin turns, long S-curves, and stunning vistas.
- Bâlea Lake: A glacial lake perched at the highest point of the road. Take the cable car for even more spectacular views.
- The Vidraru Dam: A colossal piece of communist-era engineering that creates a dramatic, artificial lake.
- Poienari Fortress: The real-life “Dracula’s Castle,” a crumbling ruin that requires a climb of 1,480 steps, but rewards you with history and incredible views.
Pro Tip: The road is only fully open from late June to October due to snow. Drive it on a weekday to avoid heavy motorcycle and tourist traffic.
5. The Amalfi Coast’s Rival: The Dalmatian Coast, Croatia
The Route: Split to Dubrovnik (approx. 230 km / 143 miles, via the D8 state road)
Highlights: Azure Adriatic waters, historic stone towns, and island vistas.
This coastal drive offers all the glamour and drama of its Italian counterpart but with a unique Balkan charm. The road clings to the cliffs, with the sparkling sea on one side and rugged mountains on the other.
- The City of Dubrovnik: The “Pearl of the Adriatic.” Walk the ancient city walls for a perspective you can’t get from the road.
- Makarova Riviera: A stunning section of the drive just south of Split, winding through fragrant pine forests and past pebble beaches.
- Detour to Ston: Famous for its ancient defensive walls (the “European Wall of China”) and some of the best oysters and mussels in the world.
Pro Tip: This road can be slow and congested in peak summer. Take your time, make frequent stops at beach coves, and use the car ferries to hop to islands like Hvar or Korčula for a day or two.
6. The Ring Road, Iceland
The Route: Route 1, a circular route around the entire country (approx. 1,332 km / 828 miles)
Highlights: Otherworldly landscapes, glaciers, waterfalls, and geothermal wonders.
This is the ultimate road trip for nature lovers. Iceland’s Ring Road is a journey through a land of elemental forces, where the scenery changes dramatically every hour.
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: Watch icebergs calve from a glacier and float out to sea, often washing up on the nearby “Diamond Beach.”
- Lake Mývatn: A geothermal wonderland with bubbling mud pots, volcanic craters, and pseudo-craters.
- The South Coast: Home to the mighty Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, and the black sand beaches of Vik.
Pro Tip: Allow 10-14 days to complete the circuit comfortably. Always check road and weather conditions, even in summer, and be prepared for strong winds. A 4×4 is recommended if you plan to explore the highland interior (F-roads).
7. The Basque Country & Picos de Europa, Spain & France
The Route: San Sebastián, Spain to Potes, Spain (with a detour through France) (approx. 300 km / 186 miles)
Highlights: Gourmet food, dramatic mountains, and a fusion of cultures.
This route combines the coastal elegance of the Basque country with the raw, towering beauty of the Picos de Europa mountains. It’s a trip for both the palate and the soul.
- San Sebastián: A foodie’s heaven. Explore the Parte Vieja (Old Town) and indulge in world-class pintxos (Basque tapas).
- Bilbao: Home to the stunning Guggenheim Museum, an architectural masterpiece that revitalized the city.
- Picos de Europa National Park: Drive the breathtaking Garganta del Cares route, a road carved into the side of a deep limestone gorge, or take the Fuente Dé cable car for a bird’s-eye view of the peaks.
Pro Tip: Cross the border briefly to experience the chic French Basque town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz or the surfing capital of Biarritz for a delightful cultural contrast.
Before You Go: Essential Tips for Your European Road Trip
- Insurance & Documentation: Ensure your driver’s license is valid and you have an International Driving Permit if required. Always purchase full-coverage rental insurance.
- Vignettes & Tolls: Some countries (like Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia) require a toll vignette (sticker) on your windshield. Others (like France, Spain) have pay-as-you-go toll systems. Research this in advance to avoid fines.
- Manual vs. Automatic: Manual transmission cars are the standard in Europe. If you need an automatic, book your rental car far in advance as they are less common and more expensive.
- Driving Style: Be prepared for narrow lanes, complex roundabouts, and drivers who may be more assertive than you’re used to. Patience and confidence are key.
So, pack your bags, create the perfect playlist, and hit the road. Europe’s most breathtaking drives are waiting to be discovered.
