While the great American road trip holds a legendary status, Europe offers a formidable rival when it comes to sheer, concentrated scenic drama. Across the Atlantic, journeys are defined by vast, unfolding horizons. In Europe, however, drivers are treated to an ever-changing spectacle of jaw-dropping vistas, where every bend in the road reveals a new postcard-perfect view.
From Iceland's Volcanic Landscapes to Italy's Glittering Coast
If you're dreaming of an epic drive but unsure where to begin, we've curated a list of ten of the continent's most iconic and awe-inspiring road trips. These journeys promise to ignite your sense of adventure and showcase Europe's diverse beauty, from otherworldly Icelandic plains and Norwegian fjords to magical Irish peninsulas and cloud-scraping Alpine passes.
1. Iceland's South Coast: Route 1
The drive from Reykjavík to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is a journey through a stark, volcanic landscape. Covering roughly 236 miles, the route takes four to five hours of driving, but deserves a full day with stops. Key sights include the mighty waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, the brooding Mýrdalsjökull ice cap, and the striking black sand beaches of Reynisfjara and Diamond Beach. The best time to travel is from May to September for long daylight hours, though winter storms can cause closures.
2. Norway's Lysebotn to Sirdal
This short but intense 20-mile drive begins in the tiny village of Lysebotn. The route immediately assaults the cliff face via 27 relentless hairpin bends, before burrowing inside the mountain through the corkscrew-shaped Lysebotn Tunnel. Emerging at the Oygardstol viewpoint, the road then gently descends onto the lunar-like Sirdal plateau. The road is only open from late June to early September and demands caution, especially in poor weather.
3. Ireland's Ring of Kerry & The Gap of Dunloe
Experience Ireland at its most mystical on this 111-mile loop around the Iveragh Peninsula. Starting in Killarney, the route includes an essential detour to the narrow, glacial Gap of Dunloe. Other highlights are the "Ladies View" over Killarney National Park, Moll's Gap mountain pass, and the Skellig Ring loop for views of Skellig Michael island. Allow around eight hours and visit between April and October for the best conditions.
4. France's Route des Grandes Alpes
This 447-mile epic journey climbs from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean. It is a feast of legendary high mountain passes, including the Col de l'Iseran, which, at 9,088 feet, is France's highest paved pass. Drivers can also take a detour to the Cime de la Bonette loop, reaching an altitude of 9,215 feet. The route is typically passable from late June to early October, outside of the snow season.
5. Slovenia's Vršič Pass
A short but spectacular 15-mile drive through the Julian Alps, the Vršič Pass is Slovenia's highest road at 5,285 feet. The route features 50 hairpin bends, almost half of which are cobbled, and passes a poignant wooden chapel built by Russian POWs. The pass offers storybook valley views and a glimpse of the turquoise Soča River. It is best driven between June and October.
6. Scotland's North Coast 500
Beginning and ending at Inverness Castle, the 515-mile NC500 loop is Scotland's ultimate wilderness adventure. Highlights include the French-château-style Dunrobin Castle, the vast Smoo Cave, the striking Kylesku Bridge, and the thrilling switchbacks of Bealach na Bà (Applecross Pass) with views to the Isle of Skye. Plan for four to seven days between May and September, and be prepared for single-track roads and limited services.
7. Italy's Amalfi Coast Drive
The 35-mile stretch from Sorrento to Salerno is the essence of movie-poster Italy. It winds past the iconic cliffside village of Positano, the dramatic Fiordo di Furore gorge, historic Amalfi Cathedral, and the captivating village of Atrani. To avoid intense traffic, travel between April and June or September and October, and always set off early.
8. Croatia's Adriatic Highway
The 143-mile coastal route between Split and Dubrovnik is a dazzle of islands, mountains, and glittering bays. Key stops include the idyllic Punta Rata Beach near Brela and the charming harbour town of Makarska on the Makarska Riviera. The drive takes up to four and a half hours and is best enjoyed from May to October.
9. Austria's Grossglockner High Alpine Road
This 30-mile toll road is a stunning showcase of the Hohe Tauern national park. It wraps around the flanks of the 12,460-foot Grossglockner, Austria's highest peak. Must-see viewpoints include Fuscher Törl and the flagship Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe, which overlooks the Pasterze Glacier. The road is open from early May to early November.
10. Romania's Transfăgărășan Highway
A strong contender for one of the world's best drives, this 56-mile route crosses the Făgăraș Mountains. Drivers encounter the immense Vidraru Dam and a series of switchbacks leading up to the glacial Bâlea Lake at 6,699 feet. The highway is usually only fully open from July to October due to snow, and weekend traffic can be heavy.
Planning Your Ultimate Road Trip Adventure
Each of these European road trips offers a unique blend of natural beauty, engineering marvel, and cultural discovery. When planning, always check local conditions and seasonal closures, particularly for high mountain passes. Book accommodation in advance, especially in peak season, and remember that the joy of these journeys lies as much in the slow exploration of the stops along the way as in the driving itself. So, pick a route, pack your bags, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure on some of the most spectacular roads on the planet.
