5 Epic European Road Trips That Will Take Your Breath Away!

Sometimes, there is no destination. There’s no hurry to go anywhere. The only agenda is to let the road guide you. Sometimes, it’s all about the journey. There are few things as liberating as a road trip, no? And what better place to hit the road than Europe. Exploring Europe by road is an altogether different experience. It’s a great way to beat the typical touristy paths, explore the countryside, and discover regional cuisines all at your own pace. So why wait? You don’t need a reason to plan a road trip, only an excuse! Here are 5 dreamy European road trips to get you planning.

Named after the highest peak in Austria, the Grossglockner Hohenalpenstrasse is one of the highest mountain passes in Austria. This stunning road starts at Bruck in the Salzburg Valley, passing through the High Tauern National Park before ending at Carinthia. The Grossglockner Hohenalpenstrasse climbs up to 2,504 meters high and has 36 challenging, spine chilling hairpin bends. But what draws road trippers to this road are the breathtaking views of 37 mountains along the way. To top it, this 48-kilometer long alpine road passes across pine-clad mountains, rocky cliffs, glaciers, lush meadows and postcard like lakes surrounded by the mighty Alps.

When you reach Kaiser Franz Josefs Höhe, the foot of Mount Grosslockner, stop to soak in the magnificence of the Alps. From here, follow the 30-minute long hiking trail to the captivating Pasterze glacier. It’s totally worth it! En route this road trip, you can also visit the Alpine Nature Show Museum focusing on the regions ecosystems and the Building of the Road exhibition which showcases the challenges braved by the men who built this exceptional road in 1935!

The best time to drive on this road is during June to September. Driving on this route is risky during winters and it remains closed from November until May.

Ethereal mountain views, serpentine roads with 11 tight hairpin turns, and gushing waterfalls, make Trollstigen one of the most dramatic drives in Europe. Literally translating to Troll’s Ladder or Path in English, this 6-kilometer route is the northernmost section of the road connecting Andalsnes and Valldal in Norway. This twisting and winding road precariously climbs its way up along steep mountainsides. An arched stone bridge takes you to the stupendous 1,050 feet high Stigfossen Waterfall, a must visit. Along the way, take pit stops at various viewing platforms offering stupendous views. To enjoy panoramic vistas continue driving along the narrow road to the 2,300 feet plateau with an observation deck. These are the perfect spots to click gorgeous photos your Instagram fans will go gaga over.

Closed during autumn and winter, this drive is best experience between May and September.

A trio of three splendid coastal roads, Les Corniches is the best way to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the French Riviera. Hugging the cliffs from Nice to Menton, these three routes offer brilliant views of the Mediterranean. Running parallel to each other, Les Corniches take you into the heart of the French Riviera through charming little villages and lush countryside landscapes. These three roads include Grande Corniche at the top, Moyenne Corniche in the middle and Basse Corniche (also known as Corniche Inferieur) along the coast.

Built by Napolean I, Grande Corniche follows the ancient Roman route of Via Julia Augusta. Running over 500 meters above sea level, this road offers the most spellbinding views of the Mediterranean. This iconic is featured in the popular James Bond film Golden Eye and in Alfred Hitchcock’s To Catch a Thief. At the hilltop village of La Turbie, you can find the Tropaeum Alpium, Roman Emperor Augustus’s monument to celebrate his victory in the Alps.

The 31 kilometers long Moyenne Corniche was built in 1920 to connect Nice with Italy. The route takes you through the medieval French towns of Roquebrune and Eze.

Starting from Nice, Corniche Inferieure stretches alongside the Mediterranean Sea passing through the seaside resort towns like St-Jean-Cap Ferrat, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Cap d’Ail, the Principality of Monaco, and finally ending at Menton. This route is lined with stylish 19th century villas.

Marketed to boost tourism in Germany, Romantische Strasse (Romantic Road) is a 350-kilometre-long highway connecting Wurzburg with Fussen in South Germany. Built in 1950, the route is dotted with picturesque towns, fairy-tale castles, and stunning landscapes along the way. While on this route, you can stop by to stroll in the vineyards of Tauber or experience the German culture and scenery in Pfaffenwinkel. Burg Harburg and Neuschwanstein are two castles on this route that deserve a visit.

Situated in southern Italy, Amalfi is one of the country’s most serene destinations. Twisting roads on steep cliffs, colourful little villages, and dazzling views of the Mediterranean Sea make a road trip along Amalfi’s 40-kilometer coast an unforgettable experience. Make sure to stop by the quaint villages of Positano, Ravello, and Sorrento. Needless to say, gorging on copious amounts of fresh pizzas, pastas, and seafood will make your drive even more beautiful!

Go on, hit the road and explore Europe on the driver’s seat!