If you spend a lot of time behind the wheel, it’s easy to stop noticing all the beauty that surrounds you. That’s especially true if you regularly drive the same routes. But if you take the time to appreciate your surroundings, you might be surprised by what you find.
But there’s plenty more beauty to find outside of the roads you drive every day. And Europe is lucky to have some of the most scenic routes in the world. So whether you’re planning your next road trip, or just looking for some inspiration, here are our picks (in no particular order) for 7 of the most beautiful routes to drive in Europe.
Nestled in the Alps (at 3,798 meters above sea level), this stunning route winds through 48 kilometers of natural beauty. You’ll see meadows, mountains, cliffs and more as you follow along its 36 bends and climb to the Hochtor Pass.
If you want to experience this road for yourself, be sure to visit between May and October, when the road is open.
For a dramatically different experience than the Alps, try exploring the Amalfi Drive. This 80-kilometer stretch of road follows the famous Amalfi Coast, from Salerno to Positano. Follow this ancient route (originally built by the Romans) as it carves through seaside cliffs and takes you through breathtaking pastel towns.
Be prepared for narrows roads, hairpin turns, and traffic – but also for amazing views and an unforgettable journey.
This route begins in the town of Baden-Baden and ends in Freudenstadt, taking you on a 60-kilometer journey through the famous Black Forest in Germany. This is Germany’s oldest scenic route, and it’s easy to see why it was chosen. You’ll see gorgeous lakes, the Vosges mountains, waterfalls, forest views, and towns full of interesting architecture and history.
The Jadranska Magistrala stretches for almost 650 kilometers along the Adriatic Sea. But one stretch in particular is truly remarkable: the section around the Bay of Kotor. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Bay of Kotor offers stunning views, Venetian architecture, and winding roads that are hard to beat elsewhere in Europe.
The road can be very narrow at times, and full of twists and turns that force you to drive slowly. But you won’t mind, because you’ll want to be driving slowly to enjoy the incredible views.
Another road in the Alps makes the list, this time in France. If you drive this road, you might feel a sense of déjà vu – that’s because this road is a popular destination for car manufacturers who want to do photoshoots for their new vehicles.
It’s easy to see why: beautiful stone arches, clean air, green forests, and mountains surround you on your journey though the Maritime Alps.
This is another road you might recognize: it’s been used in many films and movies due to its unique snake-like look. This 13-kilometer-long road was built in the 1930’s without the use of any machinery. The fact that it was built manually is even more impressive when you see all of its hairpin turns.
While it’s not a road for the faint of heart, the surrounding atmosphere and view of the Mediterranean in the background makes this Mallorca road one you don’t want to miss.
This mountain road connects the northern and southern parts of Switzerland at an elevation of 2,106 meters above sea level. If you drive this route, you’ll climb 300 meters over a series of 24 hairpin turns via a cobblestone road. Originally constructed in 1827, the road offers excellent views of the Swiss mountains and an exciting driving experience.
There are definitely more than 7 beautiful roads in Europe, and we’d love to hear your opinion. Head on over to our Facebook page Truck Stars and share your favorite drives with us!
