Road Trippin’ Through the Heart of Europe: Best Scenic Routes

28 May 2025

Who doesn’t love a good road trip? Picture this: you, your favorite playlist, and miles of open road ahead, winding through charming villages, breathtaking mountain passes, and serene coastlines. Europe is a road-tripper’s paradise, offering some of the most picturesque routes on the planet. If you're ready for an adventure, fasten your seatbelt—we're about to hit the best scenic roads across the heart of Europe!

1. The Romantic Road, Germany

Distance: 350 km (217 miles)
Highlights: Fairytale castles, medieval towns, the Bavarian Alps

Kicking off with a classic, Germany’s Romantic Road is straight out of a storybook. This route stretches from Würzburg to Füssen, passing through postcard-perfect villages and medieval castles along the way. Neuschwanstein Castle, the fairytale inspiration for Disney’s Cinderella Castle, is the star of the show here.

Cruising through Rothenburg ob der Tauber feels like stepping back in time—half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, and a medieval charm that pulls you in. End your journey with jaw-dropping views of the Bavarian Alps. If you’re a sucker for charming villages and enchanting landscapes, this road trip is a must.

2. Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria

Distance: 48 km (30 miles)
Highlights: Snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, Glacier Pasterze

Short but spectacular, the Grossglockner High Alpine Road is Austria’s crown jewel of scenic drives. Rising to an altitude of over 2,500 meters, this winding route offers spectacular views of the surrounding Alps.

The thrill of navigating hairpin turns with glaciers looming in the background is unmatched. Want to stretch your legs? Stop at Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe for a panoramic view of the Pasterze Glacier and Austria’s tallest mountain, Großglockner. Just be prepared—this road is open only from May to October due to heavy snow in winter!

3. The Route des Grandes Alpes, France

Distance: 700 km (435 miles)
Highlights: High mountain passes, stunning lakes, charming alpine villages

If you want to dive deep into the French Alps, this route is your golden ticket. Starting in Lake Geneva and stretching all the way to the French Riviera, the Route des Grandes Alpes takes you through some of France’s highest mountain passes.

Expect plenty of switchbacks, dramatic cliffs, and alpine wonderlands. The Col de l'Iseran, the highest paved road in the Alps, is a bucket list stop for any road trip enthusiast. By the time you reach the Mediterranean coastline of Nice, you’ll have experienced the best of France—from snow-capped summits to sunny shores.

4. Transfagarasan Highway, Romania

Distance: 90 km (56 miles)
Highlights: Winding mountain roads, breathtaking valleys, Dracula’s Castle nearby

Dubbed "the best road in the world" by Top Gear, Romania’s Transfagarasan Highway is a road trip experience like no other. Tightly hugging the Carpathian Mountains, this serpentine road twists and turns through unspoiled wilderness.

Driving here feels like an adrenaline rush—with sharp bends, steep climbs, and surreal landscapes. Make sure to stop at Balea Lake, a gorgeous glacial lake sitting at over 2,000 meters. And if you're into legends, Bran Castle (often tied to Dracula) is just a short detour away!

5. The Amalfi Coast Road, Italy

Distance: 50 km (31 miles)
Highlights: Clifftop villages, turquoise waters, Italian seafood feasts

Italy knows a thing or two about scenic roads, and the Amalfi Coast Road (SS163) is proof of that. Nestled along the edge of cliffs, this coastal drive serves up jaw-dropping views of the Mediterranean at every turn.

The road weaves through famous towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello—each packed with colorful buildings, sun-kissed beaches, and mouthwatering Italian cuisine. Parking can be a nightmare, but who cares when you’re feasting on fresh seafood pasta while gazing at the sea? Take it slow and soak in la dolce vita!

6. The Trollstigen, Norway

Distance: 106 km (66 miles)
Highlights: Dramatic waterfalls, rugged mountains, exhilarating hairpin bends

Norway’s Trollstigen (or "Troll’s Path") is a road trip straight out of a fantasy novel. This steep, winding road snakes through jagged peaks and plunging waterfalls, delivering an adrenaline-pumping experience.

Driving up its famous 11 hairpin turns is no easy feat, but the reward is worth it. Pull over at the viewing platform at the top for a heart-stopping panorama of the valley below. If you're lucky, you might even spot the mythical trolls said to roam these lands (or at least a few adorable Norwegian sheep).

7. The Ring of Kerry, Ireland

Distance: 179 km (111 miles)
Highlights: Coastal cliffs, rolling green hills, ancient ruins

The Ring of Kerry is a quintessential Irish road trip—green landscapes as far as the eye can see, rugged coastal cliffs, and charming Irish villages. Taking you along the Iveragh Peninsula, this circular route offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Along the way, stop at Killarney National Park for a stroll through lush forests and waterfalls. Don't miss Skellig Michael, a dramatic island with ancient monastic ruins (and a filming location for Star Wars). Just remember to drive on the left and keep an eye out for the ever-present Irish sheep!

8. The Black Forest Scenic Route, Germany

Distance: 60 km (37 miles)
Highlights: Dense forests, cuckoo clocks, fairy-tale villages

Germany’s Black Forest Scenic Route (Schwarzwaldhochstraße) is a short but enchanting drive through thick, misty woods and rolling hills. It’s the kind of place that inspired Hansel and Gretel, so don’t be surprised if it feels straight out of a fairy tale.

Along the route, you’ll find cute little towns like Triberg (the home of cuckoo clocks) and Baden-Baden (famous for its thermal baths). Treat yourself to a slice of Black Forest cake—because no road trip is complete without delicious food stops!

9. The Swiss Alps’ Furka Pass, Switzerland

Distance: 31 km (19 miles)
Highlights: High-altitude thrills, glaciers, James Bond filming location

For a thrilling ride, buckle up for the Furka Pass in Switzerland. This high-altitude road winds through the heart of the Swiss Alps, offering jaw-dropping views at every turn. If it looks familiar, that’s because it appeared in the James Bond film Goldfinger.

The Rhône Glacier is the highlight here, with a short walking trail leading to an ice cave carved into the glacier itself. Just get ready for some tight corners and steep drops—this one’s not for the faint-hearted!

10. The Dalmatian Coast Road, Croatia

Distance: 200 km (124 miles)
Highlights: Mediterranean vibes, crystal-clear waters, historic coastal towns

Last but not least, Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast Road (D8) is a dream drive for sea lovers. With the Adriatic Sea glistening on one side and rugged cliffs on the other, this road is a feast for the senses.

Pass through historic towns like Zadar, Split, and Dubrovnik, each offering a mix of ancient history and beachside relaxation. Want to take a detour? The nearby islands are just a short ferry ride away. Sunsets along this route? Absolutely magical.

Final Thoughts

A road trip through Europe is the ultimate way to experience the continent’s breathtaking beauty. Whether you're weaving through mountain passes, hugging coastal cliffs, or navigating medieval towns, these scenic routes promise adventure, unforgettable sights, and plenty of wow moments. So, grab your map (or GPS), pack some snacks, and start planning your next European road trip—because the open road is calling!