Are you ready for some road trip inspiration? Here are seven scenic road trips across Europe you need to drive!
Stelvio Pass: Italy
If you're looking for an adrenaline rush, look no further than the Stelvio Pass in Italy. This road climbs up to 2,757m above sea level, making it one of the highest paved roads in Europe. Along the way, you'll encounter 48 hairpin turns that will test your driving skills and reward you with breathtaking views of the snow-capped Alps. The road is open from June to September, and it's best to avoid weekends and holidays when it can get crowded with cyclists and motorbikes.
Ring of Kerry: Ireland
The Ring of Kerry is one of Ireland's most popular and scenic road trips. It's a loop around the Iveragh Peninsula, covering 180km of stunning landscapes. You'll see rolling mountains, lakes, waterfalls, Celtic ruins and ancient stone circles. You'll also pass through some of Ireland's most picturesque towns and villages, like Waterville, Killarney and Kenmare. The road is well-signposted and easy to follow, but it can get busy in summer, so plan ahead and start early.
Black Forest: Germany
The Black Forest is a fairy tale come true. This road trip takes you through the dense, evergreen forest that inspired the Brothers Grimm stories, like Hansel and Gretel, Snow White and Little Red Riding Hood. You'll see timbered houses, pretty towns and scenic lakes along the way. Flying into Basel is a good option if you fly into the area and pick up a rental. You can start from Freiburg im Breisgau and head north towards Frankfurt. You can stop at places like Triberg, home to Germany's highest waterfall; Baden-Baden, a spa town with thermal baths; and Heidelberg, one of Germany's most romantic cities.
Transfagarasan Highway: Romania
The Transfagarasan Highway is one of the most impressive roads in Europe. It was built by dictator Nicolae Ceausescu in the 1970s as a strategic military route over the Carpathian Mountains. The road climbs up to 2,034m above sea level, with steep curves, tunnels, bridges and amazing views of the valleys and lakes below. It starts near the village of Bascovi and stretches 90 kilometres to the crossroad between the DN1 and Sibiu. The road is open from June to October, depending on weather conditions.
The Atlantic Road: Norway
The Atlantic Road is one of Norway's most famous tourist attractions and engineering feats. It's an 8.3km stretch of road between Kristiansund and Molde, crossing eight bridges and several causeways that link the islands and islets of the Norwegian Sea. The route offers stunning views of the ocean, the mountains and the wildlife, especially during storms and sunsets. You can also stop at various viewpoints, fishing spots and cultural attractions. The road is part of the National Tourist Route. It has been awarded the title "Norwegian Construction of the century".
The King's Road: Finland
The King's Road is Finland's oldest road and dates back to the 14th century. It was used by kings, merchants, pilgrims and soldiers to travel between Finland's two oldest cities, Helsinki and Turku. Today, you can drive along the 200km route and enjoy the scenic and cultural attractions. You'll see idyllic countryside, seaside towns, medieval castles, churches, manors and museums. You can also explore Finland's history, art, cuisine and nature on this road trip. The road is part of the European Cultural Route. It has been designated as a "Cultural Environment of National Significance" by the Finnish government.
Amalfi Coast: Italy
The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy's most beautiful and romantic destinations. This road trip takes you along the Mediterranean coast, from Salerno to Positano, passing through charming villages like Ravello, Amalfi and Praiano. You'll see lemon groves, colourful houses, ancient churches and dramatic cliffs that plunge into the sea. The road is narrow and winding, so be prepared for tight turns and traffic jams. But the scenery is worth it.
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