Are you ready to hit the road and explore Europe's most breathtaking landscapes? There's no shortage of epic road trip routes in Europe waiting to be discovered. From winding coastal highways to mountain passes, here are 10 must-do road trips that promise an unforgettable road trip:

Best European Road Trip Routes

1. The Transfagarasan Highway, Romania

The Transfagarasan Highway belongs on any list of epic road trip routes of Europe. You might not know what to expect of Romania but winding through the mountainous terrain of Transylvania will leave you in awe.

Before you head to the mountains, begin your journey by immersing yourself in the charm of authentic Transylvanian cities like Sighisoara and Sibiu that will transport you back in time.

After a taste of city life, begin your road trip along the Transfagarasan Highway. Stop along the way up the mountain pass to soak in the panoramic views and explore the pristine wilderness of the Fagaras Mountains. There are plenty of hiking trails to choose from, we chose to do a hike from Balea Lake up to Carpa Lake and we had truly stunning panoramic views. 

It's not just the scenery that makes the Transfagarasan Highway unique. Keep your eyes peeled for the region's famous inhabitants – the bears. These 'wild' animals are pretty tame around humans because tourists have been known to feed these majestic creatures, making the bears rely on them for food rather than trying to stay away.

It's important to admire them from a respectful distance and refrain from feeding them. Don't be surprised if you spot them while driving near the Vidaru Dam, adding an extra element of excitement to your journey.

And no visit to Transylvania would be complete without a stop at Bran to visit Dracula's Castle and the charming city of Brasov. Explore the legendary fortress perched on a hilltop and wander the cobblestone streets of Brasov's old town.

Ideal amount of time: 4 days

2. The Adriatic Highway, Croatia

Croatia – a country known for its stunning coastal resorts but there’s even more to discover if you take on a road trip here. With a vehicle at your hand, you'll have the freedom to discover secluded beaches and camp spots tucked away on Croatian islands. 

Croatia isn't just about its coastline; it's also home to many ancient walled cities and picturesque old towns that are perfect to explore between the beautiful beaches.

Wander through narrow cobblestone streets of Split and Dubrovnik, and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture. Make sure to check out some lesser known Croatian cities like Trogir, Sibenik and Primosten. 

We spent six weeks road tripping through Croatia in the summer of 2022 and it was one of our favourite parts of our Europe travels.

Ideal amount of time: At least a week

3. The North Coast 500, Scotland

The North Coast 500 – a road trip that has become synonymous with adventure in the UK. While it may no longer be a hidden gem, it promises to surpass all your expectations of what the UK has to offer and is absolutely one of the best road trips in Europe.

From pristine white sand beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters to majestic Munro's piercing the sky, the landscapes of Scotland are nothing short of breathtaking. 

Another thing that sets the NC500 apart is how Scotland embraces wild camping, making it the ultimate destination for road trippers seeking freedom and adventure. 

The North Coast 500 was the road trip that really ignited our love of road trips. The wild beauty of the Scottish Highlands and the freedom to immerse yourself in nature is something that everyone should experience. 

Ideal amount of time: 2 weeks

4. Salzkammergut, Austria

Welcome to the Austrian lake region of Salzkammergut, where stunning lakes, majestic mountains, and picturesque towns await you. This corner of Europe is a paradise for summer adventures, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and Austrian charm.

Imagine spending your days swimming in crystal-clear lakes, surrounded by lush greenery and towering peaks. Whether you prefer a leisurely dip or an adrenaline-pumping water sports adventure, like wind surfing, Salzkammergut's lakes have something for everyone.

And when you're ready to explore on land, lace up your hiking boots and set off on scenic trails that wind through the breathtaking Alpine landscape, like Gosau lakes. 

Salzkammergut is also a perfect region to explore charming towns and cities with their traditional architecture, quaint cafes, and vibrant markets. Located close to Salzburg, if you want a taste of Austrian city life, you can easily take a day trip there. 

And then there's Hallstatt, often called the most beautiful village in Europe. While its beauty is clear, we believe that some of its lesser-known neighbors have even more charm. But we'll let you discover those hidden gems for yourself – a little spontaneous find adds to the adventure.

Ideal amount of time: 1 week

5. Lofoten Islands, Norway

Lofoten – I’m not sure if words can do this place justice. With rugged mountains jutting seemingly straight from the sea, Arctic beaches resembling tropical paradises, and quaint red fishing villages dotting the coastline, it's no wonder this place is on so many bucket lists.

Road tripping here might even be the best road trip route of Europe..  It’s also an incredible place to witness some of nature's most captivating phenomena. From the mesmerising dance of the Northern Lights painting the night sky to the surreal experience of the midnight sun casting an otherworldly glow over the landscape, Lofoten is like no other. 

There is no better way to experience Lofoten than on a road trip through Norway. The country's "right to roam" allows travellers to explore and stay overnight in nature, as long as they respect local communities and the environment. 

Ideal amount of time: 10 days

6. The Dolomites, Italy

The Dolomites is hands down one of the best travel routes through Europe for  mountain scenery. With its unique peaks like Seceda and Tre Cime, the Dolomites boast a landscape that is simply too spectacular to miss.

While the towering mountains steal the spotlight, the glacial lakes of Lago di Braies and Lake Sorapis offer a beautiful contrast to the rugged terrain. 

What makes the Dolomites truly special is the ease with which you can explore it. Despite its vast expanse, you don't need to cover much distance to encounter breathtaking views. Whether you're hiking through alpine meadows, marveling at dramatic rock formations, or simply soaking in the tranquility of a mountain lake, the Dolomites never fail to impress.

It’s also perfectly situated not far from Venice and Milan so you can easily combine your mountain adventures with a short city-break, experiencing the best of both worlds in one unforgettable trip.

Ideal amount of time: 1-2 weeks

7. Netherlands and Belgium 

The Netherlands and Belgium, two countries renowned for their flat terrain yet rich in beauty. From quaint gingerbread houses to picturesque canals and charming cities, every corner should be explored.

A road trip here is especially convenient for travellers from the UK, as it offers easy access from Calais, where many ferries dock. Begin your journey in Belgium and immerse yourself in the quaint city of Bruges, with its colourful town square painting a vivid picture of history.

Venture to the architectural marvel of Ghent, where lively streets pulse with energy and stories of the past. Finally, don't miss the vibrant capital of Brussels.

As you cross into the Netherlands, Amsterdam is a must-visit with its iconic canals and bustling streets. However, the beauty extends far beyond the capital. Make a stop at the sandy shores of Zandvoort for sunset.

Take in the sight of traditional windmills in Zaanse Schans, a picturesque village reminiscent of the past. And don't forget to wander the charming streets of Haarlem filled with independent shops and cozy cafes.

Ideal amount of time: 1 week

8. Slovenia, Triglav National Park 

Nestled within the majestic Julian Alps lies an absolute gem for nature lovers – Triglav National Park. Here, rugged peaks tower into the sky and crystal clear rivers carve their way through valleys.

You'll discover the enchanting beauty of the Soca River, a true natural wonder that leaves you in awe, partly because it is absolutely freezing to swim in.

Triglav National Park is perfect travel route for a road trip, with its compact size and breathtaking views at every turn. Whether you're drawn to cascading waterfalls, magical gorges, serene mountain lakes, or simply crave the solace of picturesque mountain scenery, this place has it all.

However, while it may seem like the perfect spot for wild camping or spending a night under the stars in your vehicle, it's important to note that such activities are illegal here, so bear this in mind when planning your adventure. 

Ideal amount of time: 5 days

9. Bernese Oberland, Switzerland

Switzerland – a country so picturesque, it feels like stepping into a scene from a fairytale. With its lush green meadows, turquoise glacial lakes, and towering snow-capped mountains, this Alpine country is too good to be true. Even if you're not an avid hiker, the sheer beauty of Switzerland's mountain landscapes is guaranteed to leave you in awe.

One of the best ways to experience Switzerland's natural beauty is by taking a road trip through the Bernese Alps nestled in the heart of the country. Begin your journey in the enchanting village of Lauterbrunnen, where waterfalls tumble down sheer rock faces.

From there, venture to the pristine turquoise waters of Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, where you can find a peaceful corner to soak up the peace. Lastly, close to these two stunning areas is Grindelwald. Home to the majestic peak of Jungfrau, known as the "Top of Europe," Grindelwald is a popular mountain resort for outdoor enthusiasts.

Ideal amount of time: 1 week

10. Atlantic Coast Portugal 

Imagine driving along the stunning Atlantic coast of Portugal, lined with rugged cliffs and sandy beaches that stretch for miles. For us, this coastline stands out as one of the most beautiful we've encountered in all our travels. From the turquoise waters of the Algarve to the untamed waves of the west coast, which bring surfers from all corners of the globe, Portugal offers a coastal road trip like no other.

Portugal is another country where it’s important to be respectful and responsible to their rules. While wild camping is permitted in Portugal, there are strict regulations to ensure the preservation of the natural environment, particularly along the coastline.

Be sure to familiarise yourself with the rules and regulations governing wild camping, and always stay a respectful distance away from nature reserves and protected areas.

Ideal amount of time: 2 weeks

Get on the road!

We hope this list of truly epic road trip routes in Europe has inspired you to take a European trip this summer and shown you all of the beautiful places that there are to visit. There is so much variety on this continent, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

If you are looking for more inspiration on where to visit on your road trip this summer, check out our tried-and-tested travel routes.