The Best European Road Trips in 2019
- Germany: Autobahn
- Germany: Route 500
- Ireland: Ring of Kerry
- Italy: Amalfi Coast
- France: Les Corniches
- France: La Route Des Grandes Alpes
- Norway: Trollstigen
- Switzerland: Klausen Pass
- Portugal: Estoril Coast Drive
- France: Route Napoleon
- Germany: Romantic Road
- Italy: Great Dolomite Road
- Switzerland: Furka Pass
- Norway: Atlantic Road
- Italy: Stelvio Pass
- France: Col de Turini
- Romania: Transfagarasan (DN7C)
- Portugal: São Miguel Island
- Portugal: The Algarves
- Iceland: Ring Road
1. Autobahn, Germany
The Autobahn is Germany’s famed highway system where there are no speed limits in non-urban regions. It gives drivers the option to really put the pedal to the metal while traveling the beautiful German countryside.
2. Route 500, Germany
This beautiful drive cuts through the midst of the Black Forest, and offers drivers incredible views along with a smooth journey through the mountains.
This picturesque route from Feldberg to Waldkirch is almost 70 km long and on a clear day offers awe-inspiring views that reach from the Northern Black Forest across the Rhineland Plain to the Vosges mountains in Alsace and on to the Swiss Alps.
3. Ring of Kerry, Ireland
The Irish countryside is noted for its rugged beautiful, and Ring of Kerry is the idea European road trip. This 200 km loop takes you through the mountains, to the beaches, lakes, and rivers of the Emerald Isle.
When you fly to Ireland, you can arrange to pick up a car rental near the airport and hit the road. Visit charming villages along the way and be sure to take in a view of Skellig Michael island off the coast, which featured prominently in the recent Star Wars movies.
4. Amalfi Coast, Italy
South Italy is one of the best vacation destinations for a European road trip. Driving the Amalfi Coast will take any traveler back in time, with the beautiful architecture of Italy on full display. From town to town, taking the tour of the Amalfi Coast leads travelers from one incredible destination to another. It’s the mix of history, architecture, food and scenery that makes this one of the best road trips in Europe.
5. Les Corniches, France
A set of three different drives at three different altitudes with three different scenic tours of the region, Les Corniches give drivers options for a European road trip where you can see all that the beautiful French countryside has to offer. Be sure to spend time in Monaco, as all of Les Corniches drives take you to the amazing and distinctive city.
6. La Route des Grandes Alpes, France
The route of the High Alps, this drive takes you throughout the mountains of France. Built solely for tourists that wanted to travel a scenic route through the region, La Route des Grandes Alpes takes drivers through 4 national parks and 16 mountain passes. Make sure to enjoy the incredibly beautiful Geneva Lake, a stop on this scenic drive.
7. Trollstigen, Norway
This beautiful mountain pass road is known as the Troll Route, and is famous for being one of the most scenic European road trips. From mountains to waterfalls, drivers will be able to experience the beauty of Norway while traveling from Åndalsnes and Valldalen in the heart of the country.
8. Klausen Pass, Switzerland
An Alpine road that winds its way through the fabled Swiss mountains, Klausen Pass takes drivers through a long and winding journey of beautiful scenery on one of the best road trips in Europe.
Every four to five years the Klausenrunnen takes place, a wild car race that travels Klausen Pass. If you are in the area be sure to take in this incredible event!
9. Estoril Coast Drive, Portugal
This beautiful drive takes travelers along the amazing and under-rated coastline of Portugal, from Lisbon inwards to Sintra. You can start your trip with a great deal on Lisbon hotels by booking here.
On the trip, you have to make a stop at the National Palace in Sintra, as the incredible architecture and history are some of the most amazing in all of Europe.
10. Route Napoleon, France
Following the route taken by Napoleon Bonaparte when he traveled from Elba to Grenoble, Route Napoleon runs through the French Alps. Scenic views abound, as this famed road allows drivers to take a step back in time in rural France. Connect with this historic region on your European road trip.
11. Romantic Road, Germany
This road that cuts through the heart of Germany offers a look at the countryside in medieval times, with architecture and art dating back hundreds of years. Make sure to visit during the annual Oktoberfest celebration, as there will be much to see and do! Germany’s excellent road network makes it the ideal location for a European road trip.
12. Great Dolomite Road, Italy
A drive through northern Italy on the Great Dolomite Road takes travelers into a different side of Italy, far from the trendy cities and tourist traps.
Many of the rural villages along the way have incredible food to offer, so be sure to make a stop and enjoy the culinary delights!
13. Furka Pass, Switzerland
This winding pass through the Alps is a world-famous European road trip, and drivers can test their nerve and their vehicles as one hairpin curve leads to another, to another, and to another. A challenging drive, but an extremely rewarding one, which is why it’s one of the best road trips in Europe.
14. Atlantic Road, Norway
Running a little over 8 km, this amazing architectural marvel of a road may be the most incredible road in all of Europe. Going over water via multiple islands, the Atlantic Road is unique and amazing.
Plan your trip from Oslo by booking a great hotel deal.
15. Stelvio Pass, Italy
Located high in the Eastern Alps, this beautiful and dangerous drive is routinely on the top lists of great driving roads in Europe. Featuring amazing mountain vistas and tight curves that will test any driver’s skill, it may be the best drive for auto enthusiasts in the country, if not in all of Europe.
16. Col de Turini, France
Famous as the site of both the Tour de France as well as the Monte Carlo Rally, this road is full of incredible hairpin turns and curvy roadways that will have any driver feeling like a professional.
This is another road that is a challenging drive, however the thrill of tackling the famous roads with a strong connection to the history of motorsports makes this a memorable European road trip.
17. Transfagarasan (DN7C), Romania
This meandering road travels throughout the Carpathians, and is routinely ranked amongst the world’s best drives. From Transylvania to Wallachia, the road also known as the Transfăgărășan is filled with gorgeous architecture from a time long passed.
18. São Miguel Island, Portugal
This island is located in the Azores, an archipelago of volcanic islands found in the North Atlantic Ocean. To get here, you’ll need to take a 2.5-hour plane ride from Lisbon.
From there, you’ll need to pick up your car rental at the airport grab a map of the island, and explore to your heart’s content. Some must-sees include the Sete Cidades volcanic crater, the Lagoa do Fogo, and the Furnas hot springs.
19. The Algarves, Portugal
Three hours south of Lisbon is the Algarve region, which is home to breathtaking cliffs, blue waters, and mosaic-filled historic centers. Driving is the best way to explore this region. Simply fly into Faro Airport, pick up your car rental, and head west towards Sagres. The entire drive itself is only three hours, but you’ll want to make stops at Albufeira, Portimao and Lagos.
20. Ring Road, Iceland
A visit to Iceland is not complete with a drive on the famous Ring Road. Take this road if you want to see all that Iceland has to offer, including a visit to the city of Reykjavik, a drive on the Golden Circle sightseeing route, and a stopover at the picturesque Snæfellsnes Peninsular. Drivers may even be blessed with a view of the aurora borealis on this route.
