High above the coast with fantastic views, across beautiful landscapes or past imposing buildings: TRAVELBOOK has put together nine spectacular road trips in Europe.
When it comes to road trips, many people immediately think of the United States. Of course, in the States the roads are particularly long and lead through deserts, prairies and national parks. But there are also a number of spectacular driving routes outside the US that are ideal for a tour. Here are nine unique road trips in Europe.
The best road trips through Europe
1. Amalfitana, Italy
The Amalfi coast road is located in the southern Italian region of Campania and runs for over 50 kilometers from Meta to Vietri sul Mare. The view of the cliffs and the Gulf of Salerno is spectacular. Along the way you pass many interesting towns and villages, some of which are located in small bays below the road, such as Positano and Praiano. There are also some beautiful hiking trails above the coast road. If you have enough time, you should travel the entire west coast of Italy – it’s worth it!
But be careful: the Amalfi is so popular with tourists that residents often do not come to the doctor, work or supermarket, especially in the summer months, due to long traffic jams. To remedy the situation and halve the traffic on the Amalfi Coast, the so-called license plate system was introduced in June last year. This stipulates that cars are only allowed to drive on the coastal road every other day during peak traffic hours in the high season. According to the rule, cars with number plates ending in odd digits can only use the coastal road on even days. On even days the situation is reversed, writes the ADAC.
This year the regulation should apply to the whole month of August and to the weekends between mid-June and the end of September. The exceptions apply only to residents’ vehicles and, inter alia, to public transport and taxis. Rental cars, on the other hand, are affected by the temporary driving ban.
However, according to the ADAC, there is a ban on caravans and motorhomes all year round, every day from 6:30 to midnight.
2. Burgenstrasse, Germany and the Czech Republic
Castles, palaces, churches, monasteries – the Castle Road stretches over 1400 kilometers from Mannheim to Prague in the Czech Republic. There is an abundance of insights, history and stories everywhere. Bad Wimpfen, Guttenberg Castle, Lehen Castle in Bad Friedrichshall or Hornberg Castle – these are just a few examples of how the German Castle Road runs through the Neckar valley. In addition to the castle ruins, there are residential complexes and castle hotels within a radius of a few kilometres. To the west is Schwetzingen with its palace complex and large park. And of course, just a few kilometers away, Heidelberg with its many students and castle ruins towering above the Neckar. There is certainly a lot to see on this journey through Europe.
Also of interest: 8 spectacular road trips across the United States
Third ring road, Iceland
Anyone traveling to Iceland should definitely drive the 1500 kilometer ring road, but please use the right vehicle. Because despite being the most important road in the country and carrying the number 1, it is not entirely paved. Along the way there are spectacular waterfalls, glacial tongues, wild and romantic fjords and numerous lakes and sulfur springs.
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4. A82, Scotland
This trip to Europe is especially for lovers of nature and wild landscapes: from the Scottish city of Glasgow, the well-developed A 82 country road leads north. It forms part of a circular route that takes you over 300 kilometers past lochs and switchbacks through the Scottish highlands. At Glencoe, where Loch Leven is located, you turn south towards Oban and return to Glasgow via Inveraray, passing Loch Lomond, Scotland’s largest loch.
Also interesting: You should have seen these 7 places in Scotland!
5. Rhine Route, Germany – Road trip from Cologne to Mainz
One of the most beautiful car routes in Germany leads from Cologne to Mainz. Along the Rhine you will pass cities, castles, palaces and wine villages that are worth seeing. Particularly impressive is the Rhine valley between Koblenz and Bingen, deeply incised between high gorges. There is also a lot to discover along the way: along the way you will find attractions such as the Loreley, the Deutsches Eck of Koblenz, the Marksburg and the highest cold water geyser in the world.
Also interesting: The 9 most spectacular road trips through Germany
6. Alsace Wine Route, France
This trip to Europe is aimed primarily at wine lovers: the Alsace Wine Route winds its way along more than 170 kilometers of country roads through the Alsace wine region, touching more than half of the region’s 119 wine-growing communes. Many wineries are open for wine tastings along the way, and numerous wine festivals are held in the villages in the summer and fall.
Tip: The path along the foothills of the Vosges is the southern continuation of the German Wine Route. If you like it and have enough time, you should definitely walk the whole route!
Also interesting: the best route for a trip on the French Atlantic coast
7. Adriatic Highway, Croatia and Montenegro
The winding coastal road, which winds over 1200 kilometers through Croatia and Montenegro along the Adriatic Sea, is one of the most beautiful in Europe. To the right is the sea with many small bays, beautiful sandy beaches, thousands of islands and pretty coastal towns, to the left is a wild mountain landscape with many national parks.
Another interesting thing: that’s why my trip through Croatia was a real experience
8. Romantic Road, Austria
The Austrian Romantic Road connects the cities of Salzburg and Vienna over 380 kilometers and passes through impressive mountain panoramas, lakes, castles and palaces. This European journey takes you through the Salzkammergut, the Wachau and the Pre-Alps among others; The highlights are Bad Ischl, where Sisi and Emperor Franz once got engaged, the Mondsee and the Wolfgangsee – and of course Salzburg and Vienna, where you should stay a few days.
Another interesting thing: that’s why you should spend your holidays in Istria this year
9. Atlantic Road, Norway
The Atlantic Way along the western coast of Norway is only about 8 kilometers long, but its construction in the rocky landscape is so spectacular that it was once voted “Structure of the Century” and is one of Norway’s most famous sights. The road crosses a total of eight bridges, the most impressive of which is the 23-metre-high Storseisund Bridge, which allows ships to pass. The crossing is a real adventure, especially in autumn when violent storms rage. And don’t worry: the Atlantic Road isn’t the only attraction in the region.
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