Over the past few decades, Europe has really made a name for itself as the road trip destination of choice.
Offering a combination of beautiful scenery and smooth open roads, Europe is an adventurers paradise – and all you need is your map and a set of wheels! With so much variety on offer, however, you could find yourself spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a destination.
Luckily, we’ve assembled this helpful guide with the help of Motorparks Grange, who specialise in prestige used cars. Maybe you’ll even end up visiting more than one of these driving holiday hotspots!
Stelvio Pass – Italy
It’s not hard to see why this stunning stretch of road was once voted the best driving road in the world by BBC Top Gear. The road is one of the highest and most dramatic mountain routes in the European Alps, offering beautiful views and a once in a lifetime driving experience.
Even the most experienced drivers will have their skills put to the test here, as the roads, 48 switchback turns can prove a little tricky. It’s recommended that you pull over occasionally to collect your thoughts, take in the sights and enjoy this lovely stretch of road to the fullest.
Of course, as one of the most iconic routes in Europe, this road is prone to traffic jams during the busiest times of the day. This means that in order to get the most out of your drive, you’ll want to get on to the road as early as you can. on to the road as early as you can. Also, never forget about motorbike insurance if it is the case that you like to ride using a motorcycle. You can feel confident about your first rides and your ability to drive, but accidents are quite common, and no one is exempt from them. Your safety is your priority.
Route 500 – Germany
Germany’s Black Forest region is home to the renowned Route 500. This sweeping stretch of road combines smooth elevated sections through the forest with thrilling switchback turns all the way through to Baden Baden.
It should be noted that there are several different trails to choose from in the Black Forest, with some being better than others, so it’s worth doing your research before heading out.
We recommend travelling via the Schwarzwald Hochstrasse. This stretch of road is consistently wide and easy to drive on – it’s also home to some fantastic views on both sides and an exciting drive through dense forests. It should be noted, however, that as one of the country’s most popular roads, this route can be prone to traffic during peak hours of the day – therefore, we recommend that you start your journey early to avoid queues.
Route One – Iceland
One of the most impressive roads on the continent and circumnavigating the entire country is Iceland’s Route One. This 800 miles long stretch of road is guaranteed to impress, as it offers so much in the way of variety and scenery, allowing you to see everything that makes Iceland so popular with tourists from all over the world.
Here, you’ll find an incredibly beautiful and diverse landscape, from lava fields to snow-covered mountaintops. As Iceland is a little wilder than other European destinations, you will also encounter some rather tough terrain on your journey, so it’s recommended that you choose a sturdy vehicle such as a Land Rover or other 4X4 to travel in.
Grossglockner High Alpine Road – Austria
The Grossglockner High Alpine Road takes you all the way down from the highest mountain in Austria. This road is known locally as the Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse (a bit of a tongue-twister for non-locals)!
You’ll certainly have time to take in the scenic mountain terrain – at over 2,500 meters above sea level, this is quite the journey! As one of the number one destinations for motorbike and sports car enthusiasts all across the world, this route can be challenging, with a number of hairpin curves to keep you on your toes.
For those of you who prefer to take your time and appreciate all that this route has to offer, why not stop in at the Alpine Nature Show Museum or the Hohe Tauern National Park?
Route Napoleon – France
If you enjoy taking in a spot of history on your holidays, France’s Route Napoléon lets you follow the same route taken by Napoléon Bonaparte all the way back in 1815, on his march to overthrow Louis the 18th. It is the historical aspect of the road which makes it even more exciting, Napoleon passed through the famous route through the Alps hundreds of years ago, leading to fabulous views and scenery.
Spanning over 150km, all the way from Grasse to Grenoble, this famous road will take you past both the Alps and the Alps Maritimes. Driving enthusiasts will find the road to be perfectly designed for speed and smoothness, so you can really appreciate the performance of the car. This along with the scenery makes for a truly stunning drive with many opportunities to stop and take photographs along the way.