Whirlwind Tour of Europe: Best Road Trip Routes
A road trip through Europe is an opportunity to feel free on your journey. No need to wait for trains, keep track of bus schedules, just drive wherever your eyes take you.
We've put together five routes that are definitely worth exploring by car!
Alpine Time: Austria — Switzerland
This route is designed for those who dream of fabulous alpine landscapes, cozy villages, and picturesque lakes.
Route: Hallstatt → Salzburg → Innsbruck → Lucerne → Zurich
Travel time: about 12–14 hours (excluding stops)
What to see:
- Lake Hallstatt (Austria) — one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
- Hohensalzburg Fortress — a perfectly preserved medieval fortress in Salzburg.
- Alpine Zoo in Innsbruck — a great place for walks with children to stretch your legs after a long drive and see local fauna.
- Mount Pilatus (Switzerland) — ascent by cogwheel train or cable car with panoramic views of the Alps.
Safety: excellent roads, clear markings, many rest areas.
Mediterranean Dream: France — Italy
A route for those who want to enjoy the sun along the way, drink coffee in a cup by the Mediterranean Sea, and simultaneously take in the architecture.
Route: Nice → Cinque Terre → Pisa
Travel time: about 7 hours (excluding stops)
What to see:
- French Riviera — a paradise to start your trip! Well, who wouldn't want to visit Nice?
- Cinque Terre (Italy) — five colorful villages on cliffs with unique architecture.
- Visit Pisa. To be in Italy and leave without a photo with the Leaning Tower of Pisa is almost a crime!
Safety: good roads, but many winding roads and narrow streets.
Scandinavian Saga: From Norway to Denmark
Feeling a special mood and craving some Scandinavian beauty? No problem!
Route: Oslo → Bergen → Stavanger → Gothenburg → Copenhagen
Travel time: about 15–17 hours (excluding ferries and stops)
What to see:
- Geirangerfjord (Norway) — a place with impressive waterfalls and gorges. It looks great in photos, but in real life, it's a hundred times better!
- Stavanger — a cozy town, a must-visit in warm weather. The architecture and nature of this place will surely be remembered for their authenticity.
- Tivoli in Denmark — the oldest amusement park for children and adults. The best place for those not tempted by Disneyland.
Safety: excellent roads, comfortable hotels along the entire route.
Balkan Adventure: Croatia — Montenegro — Albania
Route: Zagreb → Plitvice Lakes → Dubrovnik → Kotor → Tirana
Travel time: about 13–15 hours (excluding stops)
What to see:
- Plitvice Lakes (Croatia) — a cascade of waterfalls and turquoise lakes. This location alone is worth the entire trip to Croatia!
- Dubrovnik Old Town (Croatia) — a magnet for Game of Thrones fans.
- Bay of Kotor in Montenegro — a picturesque fjord on the Adriatic. An important nuance — be prepared for winding roads!
Along the Atlantic Coast: Portugal — Spain
Route: Lisbon → Sintra → Porto → San Sebastián → Bilbao
Travel time: about 12–14 hours (excluding stops)
What to see:
- Belém Tower (Lisbon, Portugal): this tower was built in the 16th century to commemorate the discovery of the sea route to India.
- Porto Old Town: many boats, cozy shops, and the incredible facade of Capela das Almas.
- Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao: an important stop in the Basque Country, Spain. In this museum of modern art, perhaps the most significant object is the museum building itself. But the interior will also delight those who want to slow down a bit and reflect on important things.
We wish you a smooth ride and no unnecessary adventures!
