There’s nothing quite like a good road trip. While other modes of transport might get you to your holiday destination quicker, seasoned road trippers know that the road trip is the holiday. Offering the flexibility to go wherever you wish whenever you want, road trips can be tailored to multivarious travelling styles.
Indeed, the same road trip can feel entirely different depending on the way you choose to take it; simply switch up the pace or swap out the car and accommodation. Traversing the French Riviera in a SUV with kids in tow is a world away from undertaking the same road trip in a Fiat with a friend.
Regardless of your setup, the best road trips in Europe make for the ideal way to experience the continent’s sights. From fjords and icebergs in Iceland to historic gems in Romania, these are the roads worth travelling.
1. Route One/Ring Road, Iceland
For landscapes that look like they were plucked straight out of a fantasy novel, look no further than Iceland. Running the perimeter of the island, Ring Road weaves through a plethora of impressive waterfalls, lichen fields, geysers, and hot springs, with numerous unnamed photogenic locations along the way. While the entirety of Iceland’s Ring Road can be travelled in 13 hours if one were to drive without stopping, we’d recommend taking around a week and a half to absorb the sights. The view from the road itself is pretty alluring, though we’d wager you’ll want to stop more than a few times a day; plus, there are several hikes along the way, should that take your fancy.
Distance: 1322km
Time: 9-10 days
Best for: breathtaking nature, fantasy landscapes, Game of Throne fans
Do it in a: Jeep Wrangler or Ford Ranger
2. Ring of Kerry, Ireland
Another recommendation for those in search of fantastical landscapes, the Ring of Kerry is a 179km route that sweeps through some of the most majestic locations in southeast Ireland. Weaving through the lush greenery and glittering lakes of Killarney National Park, the picturesque Gap of Dunloe, and the colourful fishing town of Portmagee, it’s an easy way to spend a long weekend.
Distance: 179km
Time: 1-2 days
Best for: rugged nature, dramatic coastlines, Game of Throne fans
Do it in a: Mini Countryman
3. Bucharest, Romania to Vienna, Austria
Culture, history, and architecture fiends will be well appeased by a road trip from Bucharest to Vienna. Stepping off the well travelled roads of western Europe, start from Bucharest and take the Transfăgărășan Highway. Weaving its way through the Carpathian Mountains—an area inextricably linked to Bram Stoker’s Dracula—the Transfăgărășan Highway is the most scenic road in Romania. Laden with hairpin bends, it’s also exceedingly fun to drive. Explore the castles of the historic village of Sibiu before weaving through valleys and waterfalls as you ascend into the mountains where you’ll find Bâlea Lake.
Set course for Budapest and take a couple of days to enjoy the hot springs and the many ruin bars in the city, before making your way towards the culture and arts (not to mention coffee) mecca that is Vienna.
Distance: approx. 1100km
Time: 7-10 days
Best for: windy roads, vampiric energy, beautiful nature, history, architecture
Do it in a: Jaguar E-Type
4. Paris to Brittany, France
A road trip ideally suited to the whole family. After having your fill of the best petit dejeuner in Paris, make your way to the seaside town of Brittany, via Normandy. Stop at Rouen, the capital of Normany, where you’ll be met with gothic architecture and gastronomic delights — although the town is best known for its mediaeval history, it’s also home to some of the best cheese in France. Continue onto Brittany and stay a night to explore the port village of Saint-Malo and the seaside town of La Baule.
Distance: approx. 500km
Time: one day
Best for: seaside, countryside, family friendly
Do it in an: Aston Martin DBX707
5. The Romantic Road, Germany
It’s called The Romantic Road for a reason. Travelling from Würzburg to Füssen through southern Germany, this route laces through fairytale towns, rolling countrysides, and lush vineyards. You’ll pass through the storybook village of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a spectacular display of mediaeval glory with its numerous spires, gothic churches, cobblestone pathways, and Alsatian houses. There’s no shortage of charming villages in which to enjoy a beer or two in, such as Nördlingen and Steingaden. A must-see (and it’s hard to miss) is Neuschwanstein, an imposing castle rising up from the rugged mountaintops and overlooking a vast glistening lake.
Distance: approx. 355km
Time: one day
Best for: storybook villages, lush greenery, Bavarian food culture
Do it in: any Porsche. Duh.
6. The Atlantic Road, Norway
Who knew one of the best road trips in Europe could be completed in under 10 minutes. The Atlantic Road in Norway encapsulates the ethos of quality over quantity, with its 8.3km length encompassing rollercoaster-style bridges that span the west coast of the country. Don’t stop, just enjoy the drive. And if you’re longing for more, you can always drive backwards.
Distance: 8.3km
Time: 10-15 minutes
Best for: coastal scenery, vibes
Do it in a: Ferrari 360 Modena. Then turn around, put it in neutral, and enjoy the scenery while rolling back.
7. Northern Lakes, Italy
The lakes of Italy have long been a popular destination, but there’s something magical about experiencing them on a road trip. Start from Milan and weave your way through Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, Bellagio, Varenna, Lake Garda, and Sirmione. The benefit to seeing the Northern Lakes through a road trip is the ability to choose your own adventure; bypass the hotspots on Lake Como in favour of equally luxurious gems in Bellagio, linger over espresso in cafes not on Google Maps, and find your own picturesque vantage points. While it doesn’t take long to traverse the Northern Lakes in terms of distance, you’ll want to take your time everywhere you set tyre, so we’d recommend dedicating at leave five days to your trip.
Distance: approx. 400km
Time: 5-7 days
Best for: beautiful scenery, beach hopping
Do it in a: Fiat 500
Words by John Deckard
Feature image courtesy of Matt Piatek
