Taking a scenic drive or road trip while in Europe can be an exciting experience. When it comes to beautiful picturesque landscapes and picture perfect backgrounds, Europe will not disappoint. There are a number of amazing roads that you can enjoy cruising along in Europe. You can either cruise the coast or enjoy the heart of the countryside and experience some of the most scenic drives in Europe. On your next trip, plan a drive on any one of these scenic roads to make your trip extra special.
1. Route 500, Germany
In Germany, the Black Forest High Road, or more commonly called B500, is a road full of myths and legends. The Black Forest High Road runs from north to south through mountains and plains. It connects the spa town of Baden-Baden on the north to the Swiss border on the south.
Credits WikimediaThe area is more known for its Cuckoo clocks, typical Black Forest houses, Bollenhut hats, and ham. However, the B500 is a popular holiday and touristy road to travel due to its scenic views along the drive. You can see the picturesque roads, amazing landscapes, and even castles as well.
2. Ring of Kerry, Ireland
If you happen to be in Ireland, then you can probably take a drive on the Ring of Kerry. The Ring of Kerry is a famous road the encompasses Ireland’s Iveragh peninsula. By taking this route you will be able to view remarkable landscape views of the island.
Credits: WikimediaYou will also be able to enjoy the scenery of the Killarney National Park. The park itself is home to multiple beautiful lakes and green hills. You also can’t help but notice the monstrous Macgillicuddy’s Reeks mountain range that sits towering.
3. Amalfi Coast, Italy
Southern Italy is one of the best places to vacation in the world and the drive through the area is just as amazing. The drive along the Amalfi Coast is full of stunning architecture that help to illustrate the full beauty of Italy. The coastal route is dotted with beautiful beaches and colorful fishing fishing villages.
You will pass by large villas, beautifully landscaped vineyards, and rows of lemon groves along your drive on the coast. The picturesque Amalfi Coast has even been deemed as one of the best examples of Mediterranean landscape in the world by Unesco. A drive here just may prove to be one of your most memorable and scenic drives experienced in Europe.
4. Trollstigen, Norway
When in Norway you must take a drive on Trollstigen, or Troll’s Path in English. The Trollstigen is an old mountain road that offers some spectacular views and landscapes that can be easily seen from viewing platforms along its route. With plenty of tight hairpin turns, beautiful waterfalls and gorgeous mountains, this drive will keep you with camera in hand.
Beware though as the road is rather narrow and lined with jagged rocks. You will eventually come up to the 1,050ft-high Stigfossen waterfall, which is a very popular tourist attraction. Also, a plateau that sits about 2,300ft has been known to offer some of the best and most scenic views available. There on the top of the plateau, you can park and stretch your legs as you check out the visitor center that’s located there.
5. Romantic Road, Germany
Take a drive through the heart of Germany on the scenic Romantic Road. When you take a drive on Romantic Road it’s just like something out of a fairytale. There are palaces, castles, and huge walled towns that can be seen while cruising the road.
Taking a drive on Romantic Road is like taking a drive back through history. Along your drive, you will pass by picturesque medieval villages and towns including the walled city of Dinkelsbühl. Your drive will also take you into a 15½-mile crater formed by a giant meteorite 15 million years ago.
6. Atlantic Road, Norway
Having been called the most beautiful drive in the world, the Atlantic Road in Norway delivers eye-popping scenic views. The Atlantic Road connects the island of Averøy to the Mainland via multiple small island and islets including eight bridges.
Having won a number of International awards with its construction, The Atlantic Road offers amazing views of the natural landscape combined with architecture. No matter if the seas are nice and calm or dark and stormy, the views available will be nothing less than breath-taking on this scenic road.
7. Transfagarasan, Romania
In Romania, the Transfagarasan Highway is as fun to drive as it is to enjoy the scenery. Built by Romania’s communist-era leader Nicolae Ceausescu, its purpose was to help to evacuate the city in the event of a Soviet invasion. Although that never ended up happening, the highway has been used to the pleasure of many motorists.
The extraordinary highway is constructed of a series of tunnels, viaducts and bridges with a number of hairpin turns located in the central section of the highway. The numerous engineering marvels add a different feel to the picturesque scenery and is definitely worth a drive.
8. Ring Road, Iceland
No trip to Iceland is truly complete until you have taken a drive on Ring Road. Ring Road is an 800-mile loop and one of the most famous drives to take when in Iceland. The road itself is perfect for exploring key areas of Iceland to see what the country is all about and circles the whole country.
Credits: Jennifer Boyer, FlickrAlong your drive, you will pass by volcanoes, blue icebergs, and cascading waterfalls. If you are lucky enough, you can even occasionally see the aurora borealis on this route.
Anytime you are traveling and go out on a road trip while in Europe, seldom is there a dull moment. Often with so many other methods of public transportation available not too many tourists embark on road trips when visiting Europe. However, keep in mind that during the regular travel season there will be other people on the road as well but not so much in the off-season. Overall there are some truly spectacular beautiful drives throughout Europe that will offer some of the best scenic views available anywhere.
