Ten Notable European Road Trip Routes

Europe offers some of the most breathtaking drives on the planet, winding through mountains, along dramatic coastlines, and past charming villages that feel frozen in time.

Whether you crave hairpin turns high above the clouds or peaceful stretches beside the sea, the continent delivers unforgettable adventures behind the wheel.

Pack your playlist, grab some snacks, and get ready to explore routes that turn ordinary travel into extraordinary memories.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational and travel inspiration purposes.

Road conditions, seasonal access, and visitor experiences may vary based on weather, local regulations, and individual travel circumstances.

Readers are encouraged to verify current conditions and driving requirements before planning travel.

North Coast 500, Scotland

Scotland’s answer to Route 66 loops through some of the most remote and rugged terrain in the British Isles.

Starting and ending in Inverness, this 516-mile circuit takes you past ancient castles, hidden beaches, and lochs that shimmer like polished silver.

Travelers often spot Highland cows grazing beside the road, their shaggy coats blowing in the wind.

The route feels like stepping into a fantasy novel where every turn reveals another chapter of Scotland’s wild beauty.

Start point: Inverness Castle is at Castle Wynd, Inverness IV2 3EG, United Kingdom.

Finish point: Inverness Castle is at Castle Wynd, Inverness IV2 3EG, United Kingdom.

Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

Stretching over 1,500 miles along Ireland’s western edge, this coastal journey delivers drama at every mile marker.

Waves crash against towering cliffs while fishing villages dot the shoreline like colorful confetti.

The drive captures the atmosphere often romanticized in Irish folk songs.

Stop for fresh seafood chowder in a cozy coastal café, and it becomes clear why locals say the Atlantic whispers stories to those who listen closely enough.

Start point: Malin Head is at Malin Head, County Donegal, F93 V6RR, Ireland.

Finish point: Kinsale Tourist Office is at 16 Pearse Street, Kinsale, County Cork, P17 KR60, Ireland.

Route Des Grandes Alpes, France

Connecting Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean, this alpine masterpiece crosses sixteen mountain passes through the French Alps.

Though the switchbacks demand focus, the views reward every careful turn with meadows bursting with wildflowers and peaks piercing the clouds.

Traditionally tackled in summer when the highest passes open, the route feels like nature’s own theme park.

Picture yourself pulling over for fresh cheese at a mountain farm, the kind of moment that makes travel memories stick forever.

Start point: Kilomètre Zéro is at Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville, 74200 Thonon-les-Bains, France.

Finish point: Office de Tourisme Menton is at 8 Avenue Boyer, 06500 Menton, France.

Transfăgărășan, Romania

Built as a military route through the Carpathian Mountains, this engineering marvel features more curves than a roller coaster.

Jeremy Clarkson once called it the best road in the world, and one glance at the serpentine pavement explains why.

Glacial lakes and ancient forests frame the journey, while tunnels carved through solid rock add an element of adventure.

Open only from late June to October, catching this route requires planning but delivers thrills that justify every bit of effort.

Start point: The southern access point is near Bascov at DN7C, Bascov 117045, Argeș County, Romania.

Finish point: The northern access point is near Cârțișoara at DN7C, Cârțișoara 557075, Sibiu County, Romania.

Stelvio Pass, Italy

With 48 hairpin bends on the northern side alone, this Italian icon challenges drivers and cyclists who love testing their skills.

Rising to 9,045 feet, the pass connects Lombardy and South Tyrol through landscapes that shift from green valleys to snowy peaks.

Motorcyclists make pilgrimages here like surfers chasing perfect waves, seeking that perfect combination of speed and scenery.

Stop at the summit café for espresso and strudel while watching others tackle the famous switchbacks below.

Start point: Passo dello Stelvio is best entered from Bormio at Via Milano, 23032 Bormio SO, Italy.

Finish point: Passo dello Stelvio is best exited toward Prato allo Stelvio at 39026 Prato allo Stelvio BZ, Italy.

Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria

Austria’s most spectacular mountain road climbs past glaciers, waterfalls, and meadows where marmots pop up like curious neighbors.

The 30-mile route includes 36 bends and reaches heights where snow lingers even in August.

Named after Austria’s tallest mountain, the drive offers viewpoints where the Grossglockner itself dominates the horizon like a giant wearing a white crown.

Families love the visitor centers that explain alpine ecology in ways that make geology feel like discovering hidden treasure.

Start point: Mautstelle Ferleiten is at Ferleiten 1, 5672 Fusch an der Glocknerstraße, Austria.

Finish point: The southern toll gate (Mautstelle Heiligenblut) is at Winkl 39, 9844 Heiligenblut, Austria.

Atlantic Ocean Road, Norway

Connecting islands via eight bridges that seem to leap across the Norwegian Sea, this five-mile stretch feels more like riding a wave than driving a car.

When storms roll in, waves crash over the pavement in displays that belong in adventure movies.

Fortunately, calm days offer equally stunning views of fishing villages and seabirds diving for dinner.

Architects designed the route to showcase nature’s power, creating an experience that highlights how small humans are beside the ocean’s might.

Start point: Kårvåg is at 6530 Averøy, Norway.

Finish point: Vevang is at 6494 Hustadvika, Norway.

Amalfi Drive, Italy

Carved into cliffs above the Mediterranean, this Italian treasure winds past lemon groves, pastel villages, and views that inspire countless postcards.

The narrow road demands attention, but pullouts let you pause for gelato or photos of Positano tumbling down to the sea.

Honestly, driving here feels like starring in your own Italian vacation movie, complete with scooters zipping past and church bells echoing across the water.

Time your trip for late spring when bougainvillea blooms in riots of pink and purple.

Start point: Sorrento is at Piazza Tasso, 80067 Sorrento NA, Italy.

Finish point: Amalfi is at Piazza Duomo, 84011 Amalfi SA, Italy.