19 incredible European road trips to add to your bucket list

Road trips may be an American tradition, but Europe has some spectacular drives too. From Germany to France and beyond, Europe has several incredible options for those looking for a great road trip

European road


1. Autobahn – Germany 
The Autobahn is Germany’s famed highway system where there are no speed limits in non-urban regions. It gives drivers the option to really put the pedal to the metal while traveling the beautiful German countryside.


Autobahn


2. Route 500 – Germany
This beautiful drive cuts through the midst of the Black Forest, and offers drivers incredible views along with a smooth journey through the mountains. One thing to know is that Route 500 can get busy, as it is a major road for the region, so plan to make your drive early!


Route 500


3. Ring of Kerry - Ireland
The Irish countryside is noted to be one of the most beautiful in all of Europe, and Ring of Kerry is the best way to drive throughout all that the country has to offer! This 200km loop takes you through the mountains, to the beaches, lakes, and rivers of the Emerald Isle.


Ring of Kerry


4. Amalfi Coast – Italy
South Italy is one of the best vacation destinations in all of Europe, and driving the Amalfi Coast will take any driver back in time, with the beautiful architecture of Italy on full display! From town to town, taking the tour of the Amalfi Coast leads travelers from one incredible destination to another.


Amalfi Coast


5. Les Corniches – France
A set of 3 different drives at 3 different altitudes with 3 different scenic tours of the region, Les Corniches give drivers multiple options to see all that the beautiful French countryside has to offer. Be sure to spend time in Monaco, as all of Les Corniches drives take you to the amazing city.


Les Corniches


6. Trollstigen – Norway 
This beautiful mountain pass road is known as the Troll Route, and is famous for being one of the most scenic drives in Europe. From mountains to waterfalls, drivers will be able to experience the beauty of Norway while traveling from Åndalsnes and Valldalen in the heart of the country.


Trollstigen


7. La Route des Grandes Alpes – France 
The route of the High Alps, this drive takes you throughout the mountains of France. Built solely for tourists that wanted to travel a scenic route through the region, La Route des Grandes Alpes takes drivers through 4 national parks and 16 mountain passes. Make sure to enjoy the incredibly beautiful Geneva Lake, a stop on this scenic drive.

La Route des Grandes Alpes


8. Klausen Pass – Switzerland
An Alpine drive that winds its way through the fabled Swiss mountains, Klausen Pass takes drivers through a long and winding journey of beautiful scenery. And every 4-5 years the Klausenrunnen takes place, a wild car race that travels Klausen Pass. If you are in the area be sure to take in this incredible event!


Klausen Pass


9. Estoril Coast Drive – Portugal 
This beautiful drive takes travelers along the amazing and underrated coastline of Portugal, from Lisbon inwards to Sintra. You have to make a stop at the National Palace in Sintra, as the incredible architecture and history are some of the most amazing in all of Europe.


Estoril Coast Drive


10. Route Napoleon – France 
Following the route taken by Napoleon Bonaparte when he traveled from Elba to Grenoble, Route Napoleon runs through the French Alps. Scenic views abound, as this famed road allows drivers to take a step back in time in rural France.


Route Napoleon


11. Romance Road – Germany 
This road that cuts through the heart of Germany offers a look at the countryside in medieval times, with architecture and art dating back hundreds of years. Make sure to visit during the annual Oktoberfest celebration, as there will be much to see and do!


Romance Road


12. Great Dolomite Road – Italy
A drive through northern Italy on the Great Dolomite Road takes travelers into a different side of Italy, far from the trendy cities and tourist traps. Many of the rural villages along the way have incredible food to offer, so be sure to make a stop and enjoy the culinary delights!


Great Dolomite Road


13. Furka Pass – Switzerland 
This winding pass through the Alps is world famous, and drivers can test their nerves and their vehicles as one hairpin curve leads to another, to another, and to another. Even though incredible beautiful, this road is also incredibly dangerous, especially when wet by rain or snow, and at night.


Furka Pass


14. Atlantic Road – Norway 
Running a little over 8 km, this amazing architectural marvel of a road may be the most incredible road in all of Europe. Going over water via multiple islands, the Atlantic Road is unique and amazing.


Atlantic Road


15. Stelvio Pass – Italy 
Located high in the Eastern Alps, this beautiful and dangerous drive is routinely on the top lists of great driving roads in Europe. Featuring amazing mountain vistas and tight curves that will test any driver’s skill, it may be the best drive for auto enthusiasts in the country, if not in all of Europe.


Stelvio Pass


16. Col de Turini – France 
Famous as the site of both the Tour de France as well as the Monte Carlo Rally, this road is full of incredible hairpin turns and curvy roadways that will have any driver feeling like a professional. This is another road that is incredible dangerous come nightfall, be sure to be off the road while the sun is still shining.


Col de Turini


17. DN7C – Romania
This meandering road travels throughout the Carpathians, and is routinely ranked amongst the world’s best drives. From Transylvania to Wallachia, the road also known as the Transfăgărășan is filled with gorgeous architecture from a time long passed.


DN7C


18. A3055 – England
Located on the beautiful Isle of Wight, A3055 runs from Chale to Freshwater Bay. Also known as the Military Road, the drive captures the incredible coastline in its entire splendor.


A3055


19. A1 – England 

A1



This road takes drivers through gorgeous English countryside and also rewards them with a view of the giant sculpture known as The Angel of the North, created by Antony Gormley, in Gateshead.