A European road trip is undoubtedly one of the best travel adventures you can take on.
Make the most of your journey by exploring the majestic Italian Alps, or carving a route through Germany’s famous Black Forest. This helpful guide will take you through the top European road trip destinations for 2020.
Route One – Iceland
Route 1 or the Ring Road is a national road in Iceland that runs around the island and connects most of the inhabited parts of the country. This 800 mile 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.
You’ll encounter diverse landscapes here, majestic lava fields mix with snow-capped mountains and ash deserts, making for a truly unforgettable experience. As Iceland is a little more wild 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 Range Rover or other 4X4 to travel in.
Route Napoleon -France
The Route Napoléon is the route taken by Napoléon in 1815 on his return from Elba. 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.
The route itself spans all the way from Grasse to Grenoble (over 150km away), and traces through 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.
Grossglockner High Alpine Road – Austria
The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is the highest surfaced mountain pass road in Austria. You won’t be disappointed when it comes to scenic views and at over 2,500 meters above sea level, you’ll certainly have plenty of time to enjoy them! 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. The road has something for everyone, so non-thrill seekers can make a few stops on the way down at The Alpine Nature Show Museum, Hohe Tauern National Park and Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe — home to the Pasterze Glacier.
Route 500 – Germany
The Schwarzwaldhochstraße, (literally the Black Forest High Street but also the B500), is one of the oldest and best-known roads in Germany. This sweeping stretch of road combines smooth elevated sections through the forest with thrilling switchback turns all the way through to Baden Baden.
The only downside is that as this is a popular stretch of road in Germany, it can be prone to traffic build-ups at peak times – it’s therefore recommended that you set off early to enjoy the road to its fullest. In addition, 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 the Schwarzwald Hochstrasse, one of the most beautiful elevated sections of highway in the Black Forest region. 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.
Finally, before you head off on the adventure of a life time, you need to make sure that you’ve packed the essentials. You should have a first aid kit, car battery charger, and repair tools on hand before heading off. You just can’t beat the hitting the open road with friends and family to explore the outdoors and towns and cities along the way!
