Europe is a gearhead’s paradise, packed with roads that are the stuff of driving legends. From dramatic mountain passes to coastal cliff-hangers, this continent offers iconic routes that every car enthusiast must tackle at least once. We’ve shifted into high gear and compiled a bucket list of 10 epic drives across Europe – routes that combine thrilling curves, stunning scenery, and a dash of cultural flavor. Whether you’re in a classic Jaguar or a modern Lamborghini, these roads promise an unforgettable drive. Buckle up and let’s hit the highlights!
- Stelvio Pass – Italian Alps, Italy 🇮🇹
What’s the buzz: Often topping lists of the world’s greatest roads, the Stelvio Pass (Passo dello Stelvio) is a snake of asphalt with 48 hairpin bends climbing to 2,757 meters (9,045 ft) above sea level. It’s Italy’s highest paved mountain pass and a rite of passage for any driving enthusiast. This road is so legendary that even on TV, Top Gear once declared it the best driving road – until they found another on our list (keep reading!).
The drive: Picture yourself zigzagging up the Alps, executing switchback after switchback like a pro rally driver. Each tight turn rewards you with a more jaw-dropping view – think craggy peaks, distant glaciers, and ribbon-like roads you conquered minutes before. In summer, you’ll share the road with enthusiastic cyclists (give ’em a friendly honk and wide berth), while in early autumn the crowds thin out, and it’s just you and that glorious tarmac. Pro tip: Drive it early in the morning or late evening to avoid congestion and enjoy a smoother run. Catch the sunrise at the summit and you’ll understand why so many have fallen in love with Stelvio.
Highlights & stops: At the summit, treat yourself to an espresso (you’re in Italy, after all) at the mountain café and snap that must-have photo with the road snaking below. On the Bormio side, consider detouring to the Umbrail Pass (in Switzerland) for an extra dose of alpine driving magic.
- Transfăgărășan Highway – Carpathian Mountains, Romania 🇷🇴
What’s the buzz: This tongue-twister of a road (pronounced trans-fah-gah-rah-SAHN) is the one that stole Stelvio’s crown. Jeremy Clarkson of Top Gear famously proclaimed, “We were wrong!” about Stelvio – the Transfăgărășan is “the best road in the world!”. High praise, and well earned. Built as a strategic military route in the 1970s, it slices through the rugged Carpathians and connects Transylvania with Wallachia (yes, Dracula country).
The drive: Imagine 90 km of asphalt draped across mountains, complete with hairpins, S-curves, and long sweeps through pine forests. One moment you’re darting through tunnels and over viaducts, the next you’re cresting a ridge by the glacial Bâlea Lake, surrounded by peaks. The road peaks at about 2,042 meters (6,700 ft), and on a clear day the views are straight out of a fantasy novel – distant valleys, emerald lakes, and ancient fortress ruins in the distance.
Highlights & stops: Check out Poenari Fortress, the real castle of Vlad the Impaler (the inspiration for Dracula), perched high above a canyon – you’ll see it on the north end. At Bâlea Lake, park and take a breather. There’s usually a market with local cheeses and meats (perfect road snack material). Don’t be surprised if you encounter a shepherd herding sheep or even the occasional brown bear near the road (seriously, keep your eyes peeled!). And if you’ve got time, also drive the nearby Transalpina road – Romania’s highest, it’s equally spectacular.
- Grossglockner High Alpine Road – Austrian Alps, Austria 🇦🇹
What’s the buzz: Austria’s star drive is the Großglockner Hochalpenstraße (try saying that three times fast). This toll road is a 48 km masterpiece of engineering featuring 36 twists and turns, climbing up to 2,504 m (8,215 ft) at the Hochtor Pass. It’s named after the country’s highest mountain, the Grossglockner, and it was specifically built to be a scenic tourist route back in the 1930s. Think of it as a rollercoaster for cars, with the Alps as your amusement park.
The drive: Smooth tarmac, banked curves, and panoramic viewpoints galore – this road is pure driving joy. As you ascend, you transition from lush meadows and marmot-filled hillsides to a moonscape of rocks and snow near the top. The route is typically open only May to October (it closes in winter due to heavy snow), so plan accordingly. Along the way, each hairpin is conveniently numbered – a fun countdown (or count-up) as you conquer them. It’s like the Alps are cheering you on: “Only 5 hairpins to go!”
Highlights & stops: Don’t miss the Franz-Josefs-Höhe visitor center, a detour spur road that leads to a viewing platform facing the Pasterze Glacier and the Grossglockner peak. It’s a perfect spot to stretch your legs and maybe spot some wild ibex. There are also small museums and exhibits about the road’s construction – a nice break (and excuse to let your car cool down). Pack a jacket – even in summer, it can be chilly up top. And if you fancy, try a slice of Apfelstrudel at the Edelweissspitze lodge (at 2,571 m, a slight detour up a cobbled path to the highest viewpoint reachable by car). Dessert with a view? Yes, please.
- Amalfi Coast Road – Campania, Italy 🇮🇹
What’s the buzz: The Amalfi Coast Drive (officially part of route SS163) is Italy’s most famous coastal road, often cited as one of the world’s most beautiful drives. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and a living postcard of the Mediterranean: turquoise seas, pastel-hued villages clinging to cliffs, and lemon groves perfuming the air. This ~50 km (30 mile) stretch from Vietri sul Mare to Positano (or further to Sorrento) will test your driving skills with its narrow curves – and maybe test your nerve when a local bus comes barreling around a tight corner!
The drive: If you love thrilling scenery, this road delivers at every turn – literally. Sheer drops to the sea on one side, towering cliffs on the other. You’ll be navigating hairpins that reveal a new charming village at each bend: Maiori, Minori, Amalfi, Praiano, Positano… Each one beckons to be explored. The road is winding and often crowded in summer, so patience is key. Embrace la dolce vita by taking it slow and pulling off at viewpoints. Early morning or off-season drives are more relaxed if you crave a bit less traffic.
Highlights & stops: Definitely stop in Amalfi town – once a mighty maritime republic, now a perfect place for gelato and a stroll by the cathedral. Ravello, perched high above (a short detour up the mountain), offers tranquil gardens and unreal panoramic views – worth the climb. In Positano, treat yourself to a seafood lunch by the beach (after navigating its steep one-way road down). And if you need a break from driving, catch a ferry back along the coast at day’s end – you can often take in the route from the water, admiring the crazy road you just conquered.
- North Coast 500 – Scottish Highlands, UK 🏴
What’s the buzz: Say hello to Scotland’s Route 66. The North Coast 500 (NC500) is a 516-mile (830 km) loop around the wild north of Sc-L150】, starting and ending in Inverness. Launched in 2015, it quickly gained fame as one of the world’s most scenic drives. Expect everything from lonely moors and dramatic coastlines to fairy-tale castles and maybe a Highland cow or two blocking the road. It’s less hair-raising than Alpine passes, but the beauty and variety make it a must-drive.
The drive: Typically done clockwise from Inverness, you’ll head west to Applecross first – tackling the Bealach na Bà, a notoriously steep and narrow mountain road (with epic views over to the Isle of Skye). Then it’s a journey through quaint fishing villages, along turquoise-water beaches that look Caribbean (no really, Google Achmelvich Beach!), and up to the rugged northerly tip at John o’ Groats. Swinging back down the east coast, the scenery shifts to gentler farmlands and historic sites. The roads range from single-track lanes (with passing places – use them courteously) to more open highways where you can actually catch third or fourth gear for a spell.
Highlights & stops: So many. Applecross for its remoteness (and a great inn). Ullapool for fresh fish and chips. Durness to see Smoo Cave and stunning beaches. Don’t miss Dunrobin Castle on the east coast – it’s like a French château dropped into Scotland. Plan for at least 5-7 days to do this route justice; it’s tempting to do it faster, but then you’d miss the magic. Remember, part of NC500’s charm is the journey – stop often, chat with locals, maybe enjoy a wee dram at a distillery (when you’re done driving for the day, of course).
- Trollstigen (Troll’s Path) – Western Norway 🇳🇴
What’s the buzz: If the name “Troll’s Path” doesn’t intrigue you, the photos will. Trollstigen is a famous serpentine mountain road in Norway, consisting of 11 tight hairpin bends that scale a steep mountainside. Waterfalls tumble alongside as you climb. It’s part of the Norwegian National Tourist Routes and is often paired with the Atlantic Ocean Road (another gem we’ll get to next). Driving Trollstigen feels like entering a fantasy – wouldn’t be surprising if actual trolls peeked out.
The drive: Starting near the town of Åndalsnes, Trollstigen’s road clings to the mountain, with sturdy stone walls separating you from some serious drop-offs. As you ascend, the Stigfossen waterfall gushes to your left, and each turn gives a dramatic new angle of the valley you’re leaving behind. It’s typically open late spring to fall (closed in winter). At the top, there’s a wonderful viewing platform. Step out (your legs might be jelly from the drive) and look back at the route – you’ll be amazed that you just drove that! The road can be busy with tourists and the occasional bus, so caution is key. But Norway’s excellent engineering means it’s safe as long as you drive sanely.
Highlights & stops: At the summit, enjoy the visitor center (with toilets, café, and troll souvenirs aplenty). The viewpoint platform is a short walk and 100% worth it for that postcard shot of the snaking road and valley. If you continue on Highway 63 toward Geiranger, you’ll hit another bucket-list drive: the Eagle’s Road overlooking Geirangerfjord (more hairpins and jaw-dropping fjord views). Pro tip: Pair Trollstigen with the Atlantic Ocean Road (about 2-3 hours drive between them) for a day of contrasts – from mountains to ocean.
- Atlantic Ocean Road – Norway 🌊
What’s the buzz: Short but spectacular, the Atlantic Ocean Road (Atlanterhavsveien) is an 8.3 km stretch of road that skips across an archipelago of small islands via causeways and eight b3-L61】. This engineering marvel was honored as Norway’s “Construction of the Century” i1-L59】. Driving it feels like skimming over the sea – especially on the famous curved Storseisundet Bridge that almost looks like a rollercoaster in photos. It’s been featured in movies, commercials, and undoubtedly countless Instagram feeds.
The drive: Though it’s just a few miles long, you’ll want to drive back and forth a couple of times, guaranteed. The road zigzags over the ocean, bringing you thrillingly close to the water. On a calm day, it’s serene with gentle waves and idyllic views of the Norwegian coast. During a storm, it’s dramatic, with waves crashing and spray hitting the roadway (exciting to witness, but maybe park in a safe spot to watch rather than drive through the biggest waves!). Fortunately, there are multiple pull-off points and parking areas to stop, take photos, or try your luck at fishing.
Highlights & stops: The Storseisundet Bridge (the tallest bridge, with that crazy curve) is the highlight – there’s a viewing lay-by where you can get a great shot of its wild shape. Also check out the small visitor areas like Eldhusøya, which has a suspended walking path around an islet – a nice leg stretch. Consider timing your drive for sunrise or sunset; the lighting can be magical, with the sky reflecting on the water all around. While in the area, the coastal towns of Kristiansund or Molde are charming bases to explore more fjords and coastal scenery.
- Route Napoléon – France 🇫🇷
What’s the buzz: Looking for a drive with history and twists? The Route Napoléon is for you. This 325 km journey follows the path that Napoleon Bonaparte took in 1815 on his return from exile in Elba – from Golfe-Juan on the French Riviera up to Grenoble in the Alps. Today, it’s part of France’s N85 highway and is beloved by drivers for its sweeping bends, mountain vistas, and picturesque towns. You’ll see eagle markers along the way commemorating Napoleon’s route, but the real reason to drive it is the sheer joy of the road itself.
The drive: Starting near Cannes with palm-fringed Mediterranean views, the road quickly winds into the Maritime Alps. It’s a rollercoaster of well-engineered curves, climbing and descending through Provence’s scenic countryside. Verdant valleys, rocky peaks, and forests line the way. The tarmac is smooth and wide enough to enjoy spirited driving (within speed limits, naturellement). There are sections like the ascent to Col de la Croix-Haute that are particularly exhilarating with a series of tight turns. If you love a road that flows – this is it.
Highlights & stops: The beauty of Route Napoléon is the mix of nature and culture. Stop in Grasse (perfume capital) early on for a whiff of history and maybe a tour of a parfumerie. Farther north, Castellane is a lovely medieval town under a dramatic cliff – a perfect coffee break spot. You’ll pass near the Verdon Gorge (Europe’s Grand Canyon) – if time permits, detour to witness its stunning turquoise river. Near Sisteron, you can see the citadel and the rock gateway. And as you reach Grenoble, you’ve got the Alps at your doorstep – perhaps continue on to Alpe d’Huez or other famed mountain roads if you’re not ready to quit driving.
- Black Forest High Road – Germany 🇩🇪
What’s the buzz: The Schwarzwaldhochstrasse (try that for a German lesson) is a classic German scenic drive. Stretching about 60 km through the Black Forest region, this “High Road” (B500 highway) is known for gentle curves, panoramic overlooks, and dense forest scenery. It may not be as white-knuckle as a mountain pass, but it’s pure driving bliss in a different way – think grand touring mode: cruise, enjoy the fresh pine-scented air, and perhaps stop for some Black Forest cake in a charming village.
The drive: Starting near Baden-Baden (a spa town known for its thermal baths and old-world elegance), the B500 ascends into the Black Forest. The road is smooth and well-maintained (German engineering, of course), with long sweepers that glide through the trees. You’ll catch vistas of the Rhine Valley to the west, and on a clear day, even the distant Vosges mountains in France. It’s the kind of road where you settle into a rhythmic drive – windows down, engine humming contentedly (be it a purring classic or a modern cruiser). The speed limits are reasonable, and traffic is usually light outside of weekends.
Highlights & stops: There are numerous pull-offs for views. Mummelsee, a mountain lake, is a popular stop – you can walk around it and grab souvenirs or snacks (try the local ham or cherry schnapps). If you fancy a bit of hiking, the Black Forest is crisscrossed with trails accessible from the road. In winter, parts of this road transform as it’s near ski areas – a drive after a fresh snow is like a fairy tale (if roads are clear). End your drive near Freudenstadt or loop back. And yes, find that slice of authentic Black Forest gâteau in a café – you earned it.
- Col de Turini – Alps, France 🇫🇷 (with a side of Monaco)
What’s the buzz: Rally fans, this one’s for you. The Col de Turini is an iconic mountain pass in the south of France, famous as a stage in the Monte Carlo Rally. It’s a playground of hairpins amid pine forests and has been the proving ground for many a driver. At 1,607 m (5,272 ft) high, it links the Riviera with the Alps. Driving it, you can almost hear the echo of rally cars and smell the burning rubber of racing tires. It’s often combined with a loop that takes you to or from Monaco – hence, a taste of F1 glamour with rally grit.
The drive: Starting from sea level near Nice or Monaco, you wind up through a series of villages before the road gets tighter and twistier. The real fun begins as you approach Turini – a succession of hairpin switchbacks (some numbered, like the famous turn called “Camp d’argent”). The road is decently narrow with sheer drop-offs at times, so take care. The thrill is undeniable as you snake through the forest. In winter, it can be snowy (the rally often runs it at night in treacherous conditions), but in good weather it’s sports car heaven. Descending towards Sospel or Lantosque on the other side provides more great driving before you eventually loop back toward the coast.
Highlights & stops: At the top of Col de Turini, there’s a small cluster of hotels/restaurants – grab a coffee and take in the air. There’s usually a sign or marker noting the pass height – a selfie moment for sure. If you have time, explore the tiny medieval village of Peïra-Cava nearby for a dose of local life. Once you descend, consider swinging by Monaco. Driving into Monte Carlo in the same day you tackled Turini – talk about contrast! Cruise a bit of the Formula 1 circuit (at sane speeds) along the harbor just to say you did. It’s the ultimate enthusiast day: rally roads in the morning, F1 streets in the afternoon.
Whew! That’s a lot of road and a lot of adventure. From Alpine peaks to coastal breezes, Europe’s iconic routes offer something for every kind of car lover. How many of these have you ticked off, and which is calling your name next? Whether you conquer one or all ten, each drive is guaranteed to leave you with white-knuckle moments, epic photos, and stories to dine out on for years.
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