Best scenic drive destinations in Europe
Best scenic drive destinations in Europe
Winding alpine mountain passes and scenic coastal highway tracks in Europe
Europe has no shortage of famous drives, with countries packed closely enough together that a single road trip can cross several borders in a week.
Norway's coastal roadsmwind past fjords and small fishing villages on a route unlike almost anywhere else in the world. Italy's Amalfi Coast offers a very different style, with tight cliffside curves overlooking the Mediterranean and a steady stream of small towns to stop in along the way. Ireland's rugged west coast is a real favorite for road trippers too, with narrow roads winding past cliffs, small harbor towns and green countryside that barely lets up for miles at a time. Mountain routes through the Alps add another option entirely, for drivers who prefer switchbacks and high passes to coastal views.
The destinations on our list for Europe reflect that same range, from striking fjords to cliffside coastal roads.
Lists by region
Region in Italy
Amalfi Coast
Italy's Coastal Gem
Carved into steep cliffs above the Tyrrhenian Sea, this coast has a narrow road with hairpin bends. Lemon terraces and pastel villages such as Positano and Praiano appear around the curves. Traffic is heavy in summer, so many drivers start early. Parking is limited in the villages, so patience helps.
Region in United Kingdom
Scottish Highlands
Rugged Beauty and Ancient Legends
General Wade built military roads across the Highlands in the 1700s after the Jacobite risings. Today the road through Glen Coe is one of the most scenic drives in Scotland. Single track roads with passing places are common in the remote west. Stags and sheep often stand near the road.
Mountain in Bolzano
Passo dello Stelvio
Majestic alpine vistas and historic passes
Cyclists and motorcyclists gather on this pass each summer to climb its tight hairpin bends. The road reaches 2,757 metres, which is among the highest paved passes in the Alps. Signs along the Prato side number each hairpin bend. It is usually open only from June to October.
Town in Ireland
Killarney
Ireland’s Adventure Gateway Town
Rain falls often in County Kerry, so views change quickly between sun and cloud. The Ring of Kerry loop begins here and covers about 179 kilometres. Many drivers go clockwise to avoid tour buses, which usually go the other way. Ladies View and Moll's Gap are classic viewpoints.
Town in Germany
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Half-timbered streets and a walkable town wall
Compared with Munich or Nuremberg, this walled town is small enough to cross on foot in under half an hour. It is a popular stop on the Romantic Road, which runs about 350 kilometres from Würzburg to Füssen. Fields, vineyards and half timbered villages are common along the route.
Town in Switzerland
Zermatt
Alpine Magic and the Matterhorn
As a car free resort, this Swiss village is reached by shuttle train from Täsch. The drive up the Mattertal valley follows a river through small villages. The Matterhorn is visible from many points near the village. Parking in Täsch is paid and fills early in busy seasons.
Landmark in Sibiu
Transfăgărășan Highway
Scenic mountain route through Romania's heart
This high mountain road is usually open only from about July to October. It crosses the Făgăraș Mountains between Transylvania and Wallachia with many hairpin bends. The route reaches about 2,040 metres near Bâlea Lake. The road was built in the 1970s for military use.
Town in Austria
Zell am See
Lakes, Mountains and Alpine Charm
Relaxed and lively, this Austrian lake town is a short drive from the Grossglockner High Alpine Road. The toll road is about 48 kilometres long and climbs above 2,500 metres. It is usually open from May until early November. Viewpoints face Austria's highest peak, the Grossglockner.
Island in Norway
Lofoten
Dramatic Peaks and Northern Lights
Fishermen have hung cod on wooden racks to dry here for centuries. Many of the racks still stand beside red fishing cabins called rorbuer. The E10 road links the main islands with bridges and tunnels. Beaches and sharp peaks line the route. The midnight sun is visible in summer.
City in United Kingdom
Inverness
Highland Gateway, Castles and Loch Ness
Serving as the capital of the Highlands, this city is where many road trips begin. The A82 runs along Loch Ness to Fort William in about two hours. Culloden battlefield and Moray Firth beaches are a short drive east. Car hire is easy at the airport and station.
Village in Norway
Flåm
Fjord Dreams and Railway Magic
Quiet and green, this small village sits at the end of the Aurlandsfjord, a branch of the Sognefjord. The Aurlandsfjellet Snow Road climbs to a bare plateau and is usually open only in summer. Roads here pass through long tunnels, including the Lærdal Tunnel, which is about 24 kilometres long.
City in Switzerland
St. Moritz
Alpine Glamour and Winter Magic
Set at about 1,800 metres in the Engadin valley, this Swiss resort town overlooks a lake. The Bernina Pass road climbs south towards Italy past glaciers and turquoise lakes. The Albula Pass road to the north is quieter and full of curves. The Maloja Pass road leads down towards Lake Como.
Village in Switzerland
Andermatt
Alpine Adventure Awaits You
Traders and soldiers have crossed the Gotthard Pass for centuries. Today this Swiss village is a base for several famous mountain roads, including the Furka and Susten passes. Most passes close in winter and reopen in early summer. Each drive has hairpin bends and wide alpine views.
Nature Reserve in Ireland
Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve
Starlit horizons over Ireland’s rugged coast
Compared with the busy daytime roads of the Ring of Kerry, this protected dark sky area is calm after sunset. It covers part of the Iveragh Peninsula and has very little light pollution. Drivers often stop near Cahersiveen and Waterville to watch the stars. Clear nights in autumn and winter are often good for stargazing.
Road in United Kingdom
North Coast 500
Scenic cliffs and rugged coastlines
Looping around the far north of Scotland, this route covers about 516 miles. It passes Applecross, Durness and John o' Groats on the way. Sections such as Bealach na Bà are steep and narrow, with sharp turns. Many roads are single track, so drivers should use passing places.
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