There are plenty of ideas we can suggest to you to do travel activities/things in a different way, but choosing road trip ideas is the most epic way to create lifelong memories for an adventure backpacker. Last time we discussed the best road trip ideas for the US, but this time we are going to give a clear picture about the best road trip routes in Europe for those who wish to make their first road trip in Europe.
Europe is the 3rd continent holding 44 countries, and surely there are plenty of road trip routes available to us and each one offers different travel experiences and unique scenic journeys. We suggest you to choose either to travel on your own or to rent one (from respected websites or at the airport) according to your conveniences.
These below 10 Best Road Trip Routes in Europe are the most recommended routes which you and your family members can do on road trips to enjoy the most diverse beauty of Europe.
10 Best Road Trip Routes in Europe
1. Wild Atlantic Way- Ireland
If you’re looking to do your road trip in northwestern Europe, choose Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way to start your road trip. This scenic road trip route offers a long stretch of 2,600 km of coastal path which allows every rider to see the epic beauty of sea cliffs, cozy villages and ocean views.
Wild Atlantic Way is considered the most rugged coastal driving route which starts from Donegal in the north to Kinsale/Cork in the south. As a backpacker while traveling in a car between these 2 locations, you’re much blessed to see some of the country’s incredible beauty of attractions. Such as the Cliff of Moher, Ring of Kerry detours, Skellig Michael views, Dingle Peninsula and some picturesque seaside villages. During the same time do not forget to bring your camera to capture the region’s dramatic coastal sceneries.
Make sure that Wild Atlantic Way route contains narrow, winding roads and single track sections in most of its distances. So, be careful while driving and choose a car which is flexible to drive under these road circumstances, however try to leave your starting point (Dongel) early and it helps to avoid sudden weather changes.
Distance: 2,500 km (one way)
Time Required: 7 to 14 days
Best Time to Drive: Late May to September (more warm and long daylight)
2. Romantic Road- Germany
Romantic Road of Germany is another most spectacular road trip route in Europe perfectly designed for those who prefer to do cultural road trips. This scenic inland road trip starts from Würzburg and passes through Bavaria and ends in Füssen.
This 350 km scenic road allows every visitor to see the country’s epic postcard worthy villages, fairytale towns, popular German castles and glimpse of historic charm. While traveling the Romantic Road of Germany don’t forget to take a stop at medieval walled towns like Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Augsburg, Dinkelsbühl, brilliant wine yards, and world famous Neuschwanstein Castle.
If you have time left or looking to indulge in Germany with more local touch, then try to visit half-timbered houses. These are really unique in nature and built according to the styles called “Fachwerk”. Each section of these houses contains half-timbered wood and mud, clay and straw raw materials. Remember sometimes you have to stop your car and need to walk, places like villages or areas where half-timbered houses exist.
Distance: 350 km (one way)
Time Needed: 3-5 days
Best Time to Drive: Between May to September (Even Christmas is ideal, but ready to face the cold season).
3. Stelvio Pass and Dolomites Loop- Italy
Both Stelvio Pass and Dolomites Loop are high alpine passes that offer more epic and challenging mountain driving and soaring landscapes to road trip lovers. Combine these 2 routes in order to start from Bormio via Stelvio pass and Merano to Dolomites loop until you reach Santa Cristina and Cortina. Amidst of its total travel distances bifurcate your travel expeditions into Stelvio Pass and Dolomites Loop separately.
While traveling in Stelvio Pass, you’ll be much fortunate to spot some of the epic natural beauties like Eastern Alps, Stelvio’s hairpins, Albergo Ristorante Tibet and The Ortler Alps. Between Stelvio pass driving (starting from Prato allo Stelvio to Bormio), it is a good idea to stop your car to visit Stelvio National Park and inside the beauty of local charming historic towns.
Drive to the eastern side of the Stelvio through Merano and Bolzano, which ultimately lead to your next leading another best road trip route in Europe, Dolomites Loop. Extensions of Stelvio Pass, Dolomites Loop road trip filled with the most scenic and mountain road trip in Europe, which passes from alpine lakes and high mountains passes. Try to do your outdoor activities like cycling or photography at Pale dolomite peaks, mountain refuges and Sella and Garden Passes along with chill weather at its jagged peaks, tidy alpine and historic villages.
During summer the route may have more motorcyclists and cyclists on the road, so try to avoid summer and don’t forget to cool the car engine so often since long descents. If you would like to do outdoor activities along with scenic road trips, then it is a good idea to choose Dolomites loop and Stelvio Pass.
Distance: 250-400 km (one way)
Time Required to Travel: 3-6 days
Best time to Drive: Late May to September (Make sure passes open during late spring to early autumn).
4. North Coast 500- Scotland
In this list of best road trip routes in Europe, North Coast 500 is the unique 516 miles road trip route that reaches out to major natural, historic and cultural points of the country. This scenic road trip route starts from northern highlands and ends in Inverness and tries to cover a major distance of north of Scotland.
When we talk about its highlights and stopping points, we need to suggest iconic “Dunrobin Castle”, which is a fairy tale known for Scotland’s great houses and its unique 189 rooms. However, take a stop at coastal beaches and Smoo Cave to do beach activities like swimming and kayaking.
Glen Coe detour is a scenic route which passes Glen Coe valley in Scottish highland. Stop your car if you’d like to see Three Sisters viewpoint and Single rock views. Don’t forget to take a perfect glimpse of Bealach na Bà and Torridon mountains which you’ll find while traveling
To learn how to make whisky or prices of “whisky distilleries”, this is one best road trip route in Europe to see. Once you reach Inverness, there are abundance of wildlife/bird species available to see and sometimes even possible to take a photo with it.
Since distance (most of your routes passing high and alpine areas) is long it’s a good idea to keep sufficient fuel and early accommodation booking. Since many times reaching points can’t be predicted according to your time plan.
Distance: 516 miles (one way)
Time Required to Travel: 3- 4 days (including major sights)
Best Time to Do: Between May to September (If you like to do under longer daylights choose June-July)
5. Grossglockner High Alpine Road- Austria
Passing amidst some of Europe’s most beautiful premium high mountain toll roads through Hohe Tauern National Park. The later drive slowly leads to Austria’s highest peak, Grossglockner. Between these 2 locations, riders have plenty of opportunity to take a look at green hills, glaciers, wild series of switchbacks and Krimml falls.
When you ride at highest alpine road in Austria, probably you may encounter some of the brilliant viewpoints such as Kaiser Franz Josefs Höhe viewpoints and Edelweiẞspitze summit. Both are ideal places to take perfect photos to your Instagram stories or family picks. Whilst, keep your eyes on some of Austria’s endangered wildlife’s like Marmots and Ibexes which are more common animals in Kaiser Franz.
Well-Engineered Hairpins and Panoramic Lookouts are major stopping points you can do amidst your journey. These are series of 36 designed switchback curves built by the local engineers. This point is constructed with the feature of stable and flat turning angles which help road trippers or hikers to make mountain climb without any risk. Spend some time at Alpine visitor centre to enjoy sweeping views of surrounding lush landscapes or do hiking to nearby mountains.
Before starting your road trip at Grossglockner High Alpine route, keep in mind that route is only accessible during late spring to autumn. Since the route is a seasonal one, make sure to pay the toll before start and spend more time at major stops and viewpoints to see some of Austria’s seasonal beauties.
Distance Required: 600 km (one way)
Time Needed for Road Trip: 4-8 days
Best Time to Do: June to September for less crowd and warm sea weather
6. Dalmatian Coast Road- Croatia
The Dalmatian Coast of Croatia is one of my favourite road trip routes that I recommend to everybody, especially those who wish to start their first Europe road trip journey. Dalmatian Coast recognised as Europe’s most underrated travel gem which most of the backpackers are unaware about its beauties. Once you start your road trip from Zadar to Dubrovnik (via Split), I promise everybody will surely leave in an awe inspiring situation immediately after see its historic stone towns, clear Mediterranean water, islands and century old towns.
While you feel more leisurely, once reach nearby protected lakes like Plitvice or Lake Varna and Krka or Cetina River, don’t miss to stop your car. These Dalmatian lakes and rivers are probably a more ideal choice to do kayaking and paddleboarding in Europe’s cleanest water. Once you cross Split, there are more chances to witness a number of island hoppings and crystal clear bays.
Some backpackers are curiously seeking to spend their time in the country’s rich history, architecture and cultures. But I’m very happy to say that these road trip routes unlock the region’s best historic beauties. 5 km stone defence walls, the old town of Dubrovnik and St. Lawrence Cathedral is eagerly waiting for those people. Take a stop at seaside Kamerlengo Castle or Cipiko Palace to take perfect photos.
Throughout your Dalmatian Coast Road journey, allows yourself to see a glimpse of Croatia’s incredible Vineyards, oyster farms and century old villages, not just for photography or natural views, but to build close connections with locals for better cultural exchanges.
Distance: 600 km (one way)
Time Required to Travel: 4-8 days
Best Time to Do: From May to June, ideal weather and less crowd (July to Aug peak season).
7. Amalfi Coast- Italy
Maybe most of the travelers have been to Amalfi Coast once in their travel journey and someone wants to visit in future. Undoubtedly Italy’s most eye-catching destination often welcomes those who love to see cliffside towns and sweeping views of the ocean. Perhaps enjoying these natural beauties with your family could be a life changing moment.
Road trip routes of Amalfi coast are short but most loved road trip routes in Europe by the previous road trippers. Thanks to striking views of local villages, vast areas of Mediterranean bay and great spots to stop the car to make dinner with family. The route starts from Sorrento and passes via Positano and Amalfi, which finally reach Vietri sul Mare (gateway to Naples). Most of your driving covers a spectacular stretch of cliff huggings roads and Sorrentine Peninsula, primarily at SS163.
Just because it is a shortest route trip, it doesn’t mean the Amalfi Coast offers limited attractions. When you start your car at Sorrento, the place itself has great history, and beautiful cliffside views. Once you move slowly, Positano and Ravello towns are eagerly waiting to welcome you. Towns’ lemon groves, cliffside road views, and historic churches motivate you to stop the car and step out from it to see and take photos of its natural and historic beauties. Take a stop at Pompeii to the ancient side of the Roman city.
Once you reach Amalfi we recommend you make some lunch or dinner with your family at any of the coastal restaurants. May known for multiple purposes, but eating delicious seafood, pasta al limone or local lemons along with enjoying cliffside views is a really spectacular one.
Compared to the rest of the Italian road trip routes, Amalfi Coast roads are very narrow and usually busy during peak season. So, park your car at right parking spaces either in a large town or reserved parking spaces.
Distance: 60-80 km
Time Needed to Trave: 2 to 4 days
Best Time to Visit: April to June or September to October (don’t choose July to August busy and feel more hot weather).
8. Atlantic Road- Norway
As the name suggests, your road trip route to Norway must be done at Atlantic Road. Don’t feel like an order but this road trip route features the Atlanterhavsverien and many fjord side drives. Atlantic road linking the western coast of Averoy island with the mainland, stretch of route 64 where plenty of the country’s best islets and fishing spots await new road trippers.
Once you understand how beautiful Atlantic road and the attractions you’ll meet, surely you’ll recognise why Atlantic Ocean Road is one of Europe’s best road trip. Throughout your Atlantic Road trip, we insist on just slowing down your car at Storseisundet Bridge. Known as eight bridges, these curved bridges create a crazy impression to riders like a car plunges into the ocean. However, there are plenty of Ingenious bridges you’ll spot throughout your journey and be aware during storms, more chances to hit bridges and even more chances of sweeping water across the bridges.
Please have time to spend some time at fishing villages like Bud, Veiholmen or Haholmen. All these 3 are located just close to your route where you’ll have more chances to see old timer wharf houses, local fishing communities and local seafood restaurants.
EldhusØya Islet is the most popular stopping point, its interesting features like Svevestien, walkways, fine spots to enjoy aerial views of the oceans makes every rider stop his/her cars to indulge its beauty. If you’re photo enthusiastic, we would like to add things like local bird species expeditions and northern lights to your road itinerary. Finally don’t miss out on spotting sea life throughout your journey, which is very important.
Before starting your car, please ensure the weather is perfect or not. Atlantic Road often witnesses versatile weather conditions and wind effects can change rapidly, so be careful while driving along the bay and bridge areas.
Distance: 350 km (one way)
Time Needed: 3-4 days
Best Time to Do: June to August, weather is more mild and roads are clear along that perfect time to enjoy viewpoints too.
9. Loire Valley Chȃteaux- France
Loire Valley Chȃteaux is another Europe’s most exciting gentle and cultural rich driving route which passing along the Loire River, passing via Chȃteaux and Saumur to Angers. Stretching west of Orlens to Atlantic road trip try to open up France’s historic cities, vineyards, epic countrysides and the beauty of Chȃteaux.
Since you’re an enthusiastic history lover we recommending you to visit Chȃteau de Chambord and Chȃteau de Chenonceau. These are 2 famous French Castel’s highlighting the country’s rich royal history and renaissance architecture. It’s inside a double helix central staircase, surrounding garden and parks, elegant rooms or Leonardo da Vinci influenced paintings makes you appreciate how beautiful it is. Both will be located at Loire Valley and while you pass near, just stop your car and don’t forget to explore.
If you haven’t found any wine tasting regions in your previous road trip, maybe this one will help you to find it. Yes, places like Sancerre and Chinon and Vouvray are the most famous wine stops. You can try regional sparkling and red cabernet Franc wine options here.
Each time when you passing at Loire Valley Chȃteaux road it exhibits more beautiful scenic riverside villages in both the side. If you like to see French Churches and slate roofed stone houses, stop your car at Candes Saint Martin. For mediaeval hillside villages or scenic riverside walking paths choose to stay at Lavardin or Montresor village.
Since it is one of the shortest road trip routes in Europe, make a perfect itinerary to visit major places and villages. Don’t forget to try local wines and feel local vibes.
Distance: 200-300 km (one way)
Time Needed: 2-5 days
Best Time to Do: April to June or September (Witnessing mild weather and blooming season)
10. Transfăgărăsan Road- Romania
If you want to travel through the Fagras Mountains or at the height of 2134 meters from sea level, probably you need to hear about Transfăgărăsan Road. Riding between Curtea de Argesto Sibiu via Transfăgărăsan pass allows you to cover most of the country’s mountain ranges, the same as Transalpina.
It doesn’t matter how you travel, but choosing a place you haven’t been before is crucial. In the same way, Transfăgărăsan Road helps you to find places like Balea Lake and Vidraru Dam.
Balea Lake is the highest point in the entire Transfăgărăsan Road journey nestled just next to the Romania tunnel, but there are multiple reasons to stop your car here, but Glacier Lake and ice hotel are really spectacular. Glacier Lake spread across 4.6 hectares and don’t miss the coffee at winter season ice hotel to appreciate rebuilt ice blocks.
Hairpin Turns another must visit point while driving. This is a most dramatic cascading switchback where riders have an opportunity to see cliffs, curves, mountain views and stand in the peak elevation. Don’t miss to visit Poenari Castle which is close to Vidraru Dam. Try to exhibit the brutal history of Vlad who captured his enemies and killed them very brutally. Don’t miss trying to hike its 1,480 concrete steps to see aerial views of Transfăgărăsan.
Despite being one of the world’s thrilling drives, Transfăgărăsan route is only accessible during the summer season. Due to heavy snow and extreme cold weather it is difficult to drive during winter.
Distance: 90 km (one way)
Time Needed: 1-2 Days
Best Time to Do: Late June to late September, (roads are closed during winter season and early spring).
You Can also Seek other Articles About Europe;
Best Places to Visit in Europe.
How Enjoy Bernina Express Train Journey in Italy?
