Roads in Europe
35 roads found in Europe
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Amalfi Coast Road
🇮🇹 Italy
The SS163 Amalfitana is a 50-kilometer stretch of coastal road carved into the cliffs of the Sorrentine Peninsula in southern Italy, connecting Vietri sul Mare to Positano. Built in the mid-19th century by the Bourbon dynasty, it hugs sheer limestone cliffs hundreds of meters above the Tyrrhenian Sea, passing through a series of tunnels, tight switchbacks, and picturesque villages that cling to the mountainside. The road connects some of Italy's most celebrated coastal towns including Amalfi, Ravello, Praiano, and Positano, each with its own distinct character. The drive is famously narrow in places, with barely enough room for two vehicles to pass, and local bus drivers navigate the hairpins with remarkable skill. Despite the challenges, the scenery is extraordinary: terraced lemon groves, pastel-colored houses cascading down to the sea, and sweeping Mediterranean views at every turn. The UNESCO-listed Amalfi Coast is one of Europe's most iconic driving destinations.
Atlantic Ocean Road
🇳🇴 Norway
The Atlantic Ocean Road (Atlanterhavsveien) is an 8.3-kilometer stretch of highway that connects the island of Averoy with the mainland in More og Romsdal county, Norway. Built on several small islands and skerries connected by eight bridges, causeways, and viaducts, the road is widely considered one of the most beautiful drives in the world. It was completed in 1989 after six years of construction during which builders endured twelve hurricanes. The most famous section is the Storseisundet Bridge, a dramatic cantilevered structure that appears to launch cars into the sky when viewed from certain angles. This optical illusion has made the bridge one of the most photographed road structures in the world. The road hugs the edge of the Norwegian Sea, and during storms, waves crash spectacularly over the bridges and barriers, giving drivers a thrilling experience of nature's raw power. The Atlantic Ocean Road is part of Norwegian County Road 64 and was designated a Norwegian Cultural Heritage Site in 2005. Beyond its engineering marvel, the route offers exceptional opportunities for whale watching, seal spotting, and sea bird observation. Fishing from the bridges is also popular, and several rest stops along the way provide panoramic views of the open ocean and the surrounding archipelago.
Black Forest High Road
🇩🇪 Germany
The Schwarzwaldhochstrasse (Black Forest High Road) is one of Germany's oldest and most scenic tourist routes, running 60 kilometers along the ridgeline of the northern Black Forest from Baden-Baden to Freudenstadt. Established in the 1930s as the B500 federal road, it traverses elevations between 800 and 1,164 meters, weaving through dense coniferous forests, past glacial lakes called tarns, and alongside panoramic viewpoints that stretch across the Rhine Valley to the Vosges Mountains in France. The route passes landmarks including the Mummelsee, a dark glacial lake steeped in legend, and the Hornisgrinde, the highest peak of the northern Black Forest at 1,164 meters. Unlike many alpine roads, the gradients here are gentle and the road is wide, making it accessible to all drivers. The surrounding forest is crisscrossed with hiking and cross-country skiing trails, and traditional Black Forest guesthouses offer regional cuisine and the famous Black Forest cake.
Bolu Mountain Pass (D655)
🇹🇷 Turkey
The Bolu Mountain Pass road in northwestern Turkey crosses the Bolu Mountains between Ankara and Istanbul, climbing to approximately 1,500 meters through dense forests of black pine, fir, and beech. While the modern O4 motorway now tunnels beneath the mountains, the old D655 road over the pass remains one of Turkey's most enjoyable mountain drives, winding through Abant Nature Park and the Bolu Mountain forests. The region around Bolu is known as one of Turkey's greenest areas, with a climate more reminiscent of Central Europe than the dry Anatolian steppe. The road passes through the Yedigoller (Seven Lakes) National Park, where seven small lakes formed by landslides sit in a forested valley. The autumn colors here rival those of New England, with the mixed deciduous and coniferous forest creating a spectacular palette of reds, oranges, and golds. Bolu is also famous throughout Turkey for its cuisine and its culinary school, making it a destination for food lovers as well as drivers.
Col de Turini
🇫🇷 France
The Col de Turini is a mountain pass in the French Maritime Alps, located in the Alpes-Maritimes department at an elevation of 1,607 meters. It connects the towns of Sospel and La Bollene-Vesubie and is world-famous as a stage of the Monte Carlo Rally, where it is driven at night through forests and fog, earning it the nickname "The Night of the Long Knives" for the blinding headlights cutting through the darkness. The rally has used this pass since the event's inception in 1911. The road features a superb series of sweeping curves, tight hairpin bends, and dramatic elevation changes as it winds through dense forests of beech and spruce. The approach from Sospel to the south is considered the most engaging driving stretch, with smooth asphalt and well-sighted corners that flow beautifully one after another. The descent toward La Bollene-Vesubie on the north side is equally rewarding, with wider roads and longer curves through a more open landscape. The Col de Turini is accessible year-round, though snow can occasionally close the upper sections in winter. Unlike many Alpine passes, it remains relatively quiet outside of rally events, making it an excellent road for enthusiasts seeking a pure driving experience. The village of Turini at the summit offers a few small restaurants and hotels. The pass is often combined with other routes in the Maritime Alps, including the Col de la Bonette and the Route des Grandes Alpes, to create extended touring itineraries.
D8 Coastal Road (Jadranska Magistrala)
🇭🇷 Croatia
The D8, known as the Jadranska Magistrala or Adriatic Highway, is Croatia's famous coastal road stretching approximately 650 kilometers from Rijeka in the north to Dubrovnik in the south. Built in the 1960s, it follows the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea, hugging the coastline through a landscape of rocky coves, pine-forested headlands, and ancient walled towns. The road passes through some of the Adriatic's most celebrated destinations: the island-dotted waters around Zadar, the historic city of Split with Diocletian's Palace, the Makarska Riviera beneath the towering Biokovo mountain, and finally the walled city of Dubrovnik. For much of its length, the sea is visible on one side while the Dinaric Alps rise on the other. The road is well maintained but can be extremely busy during the summer tourist season, particularly around the Split and Dubrovnik sections. Several ferries connect the mainland road to Croatia's many islands.
E10 Lofoten Islands Road
🇳🇴 Norway
The E10 through the Lofoten Islands in northern Norway is a 170-kilometer road connecting the mainland at Bjerkvik with the fishing village of A at the southwestern tip of the archipelago. The road crosses the dramatic island chain via a series of bridges, tunnels, and causeways, passing through a landscape of jagged granite peaks rising directly from the Norwegian Sea, sheltered fishing harbors, and white sand beaches. The Lofoten Islands sit above the Arctic Circle yet enjoy a relatively mild climate thanks to the Gulf Stream. The E10 threads through villages where traditional red wooden fishing cabins (rorbuer) line the harbors, and where fish-drying racks (hjell) are loaded with cod in the spring. The road passes through several undersea tunnels, and the bridges spanning the narrow channels between islands offer spectacular views. In summer, the midnight sun bathes the mountains in golden light around the clock, while winter brings the northern lights. The final stretch to the village of A, with its preserved cod-liver oil factory and stockfish museum, is particularly atmospheric.
E65 Tara Canyon Road
🌍 Montenegro
The E65 road through the Tara River Canyon in northern Montenegro follows the edge of the deepest canyon in Europe and the second deepest in the world after the Grand Canyon, with walls reaching 1,300 meters in depth. The road runs from Mojkovac to Zabljak, passing through the Durmitor National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of limestone peaks, glacial lakes, and primeval forest. The most dramatic section is near the Tara River Bridge (Durdevica Tara Bridge), a five-arched concrete span built in 1940 that crosses the canyon at a height of 172 meters above the river. The bridge was partially destroyed during World War II to prevent enemy crossing and was rebuilt after the war. The road itself clings to the canyon walls, passing through tunnels carved from raw rock and offering dizzying views down to the emerald-green Tara River below. The river is renowned for its extraordinary water clarity and is popular for white-water rafting. The surrounding Durmitor National Park offers hiking, skiing, and some of the wildest landscapes in the Balkans.
Furka Pass
🇨🇭 Switzerland
The Furka Pass is a high mountain pass in the Swiss Alps, reaching 2,429 meters above sea level and connecting the cantons of Valais and Uri. The road stretches approximately 38 kilometers from Gletsch to Hospental and passes close to the Rhone Glacier, the source of the Rhone River. The pass gained cinematic fame when it was featured in the James Bond film Goldfinger in 1964, with the famous car chase scene filmed along its sweeping curves. The road climbs through a landscape that transitions from lush green valleys to stark alpine terrain. The Rhone Glacier, once easily visible from the road, has been retreating significantly due to climate change, though it remains one of the area's main attractions. An artificial ice grotto is carved into the glacier each year, allowing visitors to walk inside the blue ice. The Hotel Belvedere, perched above the glacier at a hairpin bend, has become an iconic landmark, though it has been closed in recent years. The Furka Pass is part of a popular touring circuit that includes the Grimsel Pass and the Susten Pass, known collectively as a magnificent Alpine triple pass route. The road is open from June to October and features well-maintained asphalt with proper guardrails. The Furka railway tunnel provides a year-round alternative for crossing the pass, while the historic Furka Steam Railway operates a nostalgic steam-powered train service over the pass during summer months.
Gotthard Pass
🇨🇭 Switzerland
The Gotthard Pass (Gotthardpass) is one of the most historically important Alpine crossings, located in the Swiss canton of Uri at an elevation of 2,106 meters. For centuries, it served as the primary route connecting northern and southern Europe, facilitating trade between the Germanic and Italian-speaking regions. The modern road, rebuilt multiple times since the original mule track was established in the 13th century, features a famous cobblestone section on the southern approach known as the Tremola, with over 24 hairpin bends descending toward Airolo. The Tremola (old road) on the southern side is a masterpiece of 19th-century road engineering, with its granite cobblestone surface still intact. This historic section, completed in 1830, zigzags down the mountainside in a series of tight switchbacks and is now preserved as a cultural monument. While the modern road and the Gotthard Road Tunnel (opened in 1980) carry most traffic, the old pass road remains open to drivers seeking a historic and scenic experience. The pass played a crucial role in European history, from medieval trade routes to Napoleon's military campaigns and World War II defense strategies. The Gotthard region is also the watershed for four major European rivers: the Rhine, Rhone, Reuss, and Ticino. At the summit, the National St. Gotthard Museum documents the pass's rich history, and a small hospice founded in the 14th century still operates. The pass road is open from June to October and offers panoramic views of the surrounding high Alps.
Great St Bernard Pass
🇨🇭 Switzerland
The Great St Bernard Pass (Col du Grand-Saint-Bernard) is one of the oldest Alpine crossings, situated at 2,469 meters on the border between Switzerland and Italy. Connecting Martigny in the Swiss canton of Valais with Aosta in Italy's Aosta Valley, the pass has been used since the Bronze Age and was famously crossed by Napoleon Bonaparte with his army of 40,000 men in May 1800 during the Marengo campaign. The Great St Bernard Tunnel, opened in 1964, now carries most traffic, leaving the pass road as a scenic historical route. The pass is home to the Great St Bernard Hospice, founded in 1049 by Bernard of Menthon as a refuge for pilgrims and travelers. The hospice is still operated by Augustinian monks and is the origin of the famous St. Bernard rescue dogs, which were bred here for centuries to find and rescue travelers lost in snowstorms. A museum at the hospice tells the story of the dogs and the pass's history, and a kennel maintains a breeding population of St. Bernards. The road on both sides features well-graded switchbacks through alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers in summer. The Swiss approach passes through the picturesque village of Bourg-Saint-Pierre before climbing to the windswept summit, where a small lake marks the border. The Italian descent is steeper and more dramatic, with views of the Aosta Valley far below. The pass is open from June to October and is popular with cyclists and motorcycle tourers as part of extended Alpine routes.
Grimsel Pass
🇨🇭 Switzerland
The Grimsel Pass at 2,164 meters connects the Hasli Valley in the Bernese Oberland with the upper Rhone Valley in Valais, Switzerland. The 38-kilometer road crosses a stark, granite landscape of hydroelectric reservoirs, barren rock faces, and glacial terrain that feels almost lunar in character. The pass has been an important trade route since the Middle Ages, when it served as a connection between the German-speaking and French-speaking parts of Switzerland. The road passes the impressive Grimselsee and Raterichsbodensee reservoirs, their turquoise waters held back by massive concrete dams. The landscape is notably different from other Swiss passes, dominated by smooth granite slabs polished by ancient glaciers, with very little vegetation at higher elevations. The Grimsel Hospiz, a historic inn at the summit, has served travelers for centuries. The pass forms part of the classic Swiss three-pass circuit together with the Susten and Furka passes, a loop that many consider the finest day's driving in Switzerland.
Grossglockner High Alpine Road
🇦🇹 Austria
The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is Austria's most famous alpine highway, climbing to 2,504 meters at its highest point, the Edelweissspitze. Built between 1930 and 1935, this 48-kilometer toll road connects Bruck in Salzburg province to Heiligenblut in Carinthia, passing through the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park. The road features 36 hairpin bends and offers unparalleled views of the Grossglockner, Austria's highest peak at 3,798 meters, and the Pasterze Glacier. The road is a masterpiece of engineering and one of Europe's most visited tourist attractions, drawing nearly a million visitors annually. A detour to the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Hohe viewpoint provides a dramatic panorama of the glacier and surrounding peaks. Along the route, several exhibition points explain the alpine ecology, geology, and history of the region. The road is well maintained with wide lanes, but the sheer number of switchbacks and the altitude demand respect from drivers.
Inlandsvagen (Inland Road)
🌍 Sweden
The Inlandsvagen (Inland Road) is a 1,300-kilometer route running through the Swedish interior from Gothenburg in the south to Karesuando on the Finnish border in the north. Following the old Inlandsbanan railway corridor, it traverses the heart of Swedish Lapland and some of the most sparsely populated landscapes in Europe, passing through vast boreal forests, alongside crystal-clear lakes, and across the Arctic Circle. The route is a journey through Sweden's wilderness, far from the coastal cities. It passes through the Sami heartlands of Jokkmokk, famous for its winter market held since 1605, and the old mining town of Gallivare. The road crosses the Arctic Circle near Jokkmokk, marked by a roadside monument. In summer, the midnight sun illuminates the landscape around the clock, while winter brings deep snow and the northern lights. The forests are home to moose, reindeer, bears, and wolverines. The Inlandsvagen offers a meditative driving experience through one of Europe's last great wildernesses.
Kotor Serpentine
🌍 Montenegro
The Kotor Serpentine is a dramatic mountain road that climbs from the medieval walled town of Kotor on the Bay of Kotor to the village of Njegugi and onward to Cetinje, the old royal capital of Montenegro. The road ascends 1,000 meters through 25 tight hairpin bends carved into the limestone mountainside above one of the most beautiful bays in the Mediterranean. The views from the switchbacks are extraordinary, looking down over the deep blue waters of the Bay of Kotor, the red-roofed old town, and the surrounding mountains. The road was originally constructed in the 19th century under Austro-Hungarian rule and retains its narrow, dramatic character. At the top, the landscape transforms into the karst plateau of the Lovcen National Park, a strikingly different environment from the Mediterranean coast below. The contrast between the lush coastal vegetation and the barren mountain top makes this one of the most visually diverse short drives in Europe.
Lysebotn Road
🇳🇴 Norway
The Lysebotn Road (Lysevegen) is a dramatic mountain road in Rogaland county, Norway, connecting the tiny village of Lysebotn at the head of the Lysefjord with the highland plateau above. The road climbs approximately 900 meters over just 8 kilometers, featuring 27 hairpin bends and a 1.1-kilometer-long tunnel with a complete spiral turn inside the mountain. This engineering marvel allows the road to gain elevation within the mountain itself before emerging at a higher point on the cliff face. The road descends to Lysebotn, a remote settlement accessible only by this road or by ferry through the spectacular Lysefjord. The village sits at the innermost point of the fjord, surrounded by near-vertical cliff walls rising over 1,000 meters. The area is best known as the location of Kjeragbolten, a boulder wedged between two cliff faces 984 meters above the fjord, and Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), one of Norway's most famous natural landmarks, though the latter is accessed from the opposite end of the fjord. The road is only open from June to September due to extreme winter conditions, and its narrow width and steep gradient make it unsuitable for large vehicles. The combination of the spiral tunnel, tight switchbacks, and the stunning fjord scenery below makes Lysebotn Road one of the most unique driving experiences in Scandinavia. The final descent offers extraordinary views of the fjord and the surrounding mountains.
Lysevegen (Road 500)
🇳🇴 Norway
Lysevegen (Road 500) is a 30-kilometer mountain road in Rogaland county, Norway, connecting the Lysefjord with the Sirdal valley. The road climbs from sea level at the Lysebotn ferry terminal to 920 meters in altitude through 27 hairpin bends, including a dramatic section where the road passes through a tunnel that spirals 360 degrees inside the mountain to gain elevation. The spiral tunnel is unique in Norway and adds an element of engineering wonder to an already dramatic drive. At the top of the climb, the road emerges onto a high plateau of lakes, bogs, and open heathland, a stark contrast to the deep, narrow fjord below. The Lysefjord itself is famous for the Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), a flat-topped cliff 604 meters above the water, and Kjeragbolten, a boulder wedged in a mountain crevice. Lysevegen provides the most dramatic road access to this landscape, though the Lysefjord can also be reached by boat.
Meteora Roads
🇬🇷 Greece
The roads winding through the Meteora rock formations in central Greece connect the town of Kalabaka with the six remaining active monasteries perched atop towering sandstone pillars. These massive stone columns, some rising over 400 meters above the Thessalian plain, were formed by millions of years of erosion and became home to Eastern Orthodox monks from the 14th century onward. The driving route is approximately 17 kilometers in a loop, climbing and descending between the rock pillars on a well-paved but winding road. Each turn reveals a new jaw-dropping perspective of the monasteries seemingly floating in the sky, with the vast Thessalian plain stretching to the horizon below. The road narrows as it passes between the rock formations, and several viewpoints offer opportunities to stop and absorb the scale of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The combination of natural geological wonder and human spiritual achievement makes this one of the most unique driving experiences in Europe.
N2 (Estrada Nacional 2)
🇵🇹 Portugal
The Estrada Nacional 2 (EN2) is Portugal's longest road, running 738 kilometers from Chaves on the northern Spanish border to Faro on the Algarve coast in the south. Often called Portugal's Route 66, it traverses the entire length of the country through its rural heartland, passing through 35 municipalities and 11 districts, including some of the most remote and undiscovered landscapes in Western Europe. The road winds through the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley, the cork oak forests of the Alentejo, the granite villages of the Serra da Estrela (mainland Portugal's highest mountain range at 1,993 meters), and the rolling plains of the southern interior. Much of the route follows roads that have served as trade and pilgrimage paths for centuries. Unlike the modern motorways that connect Portugal's coastal cities, the EN2 passes through a slower, traditional Portugal of small towns, family-run restaurants, and landscapes largely unchanged for generations.
North Coast 500
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
The North Coast 500, often called Scotland's Route 66, is a 516-mile (830-kilometer) circular route around the Scottish Highlands starting and ending at Inverness Castle. Launched in 2015, it follows the coastline through some of the most remote and spectacular scenery in the British Isles, taking in the counties of Sutherland, Caithness, Ross-shire, and Wester Ross. The route traverses a landscape shaped by some of the oldest rocks on Earth, past white sand beaches that rival the Caribbean in clarity if not in temperature, through dramatic mountain passes like Bealach na Ba (the Pass of the Cattle) which climbs to 626 meters with Alpine-style switchbacks. Highlights include the castle of Dunrobin, the stacks of Duncansby, the vast sandy beach of Sandwood Bay, and the geological wonders of Knockan Crag. Single-track roads with passing places are common, requiring patience and courtesy from drivers.
Nufenen Pass
🇨🇭 Switzerland
The Nufenen Pass (Passo della Novena) at 2,478 meters is the highest road pass in Switzerland that is entirely within Swiss territory. The 37-kilometer road connects Ulrichen in the upper Valais with Airolo in Ticino, crossing the watershed between the Rhone and the Po river basins. Despite its status as Switzerland's highest pass, it remains relatively unknown to international visitors. The road climbs from the German-speaking Goms valley through increasingly sparse vegetation to a barren, windswept summit where a small lake marks the pass. The descent into the Italian-speaking Bedretto Valley on the Ticino side is longer and more winding, with tighter hairpin bends. The contrast between the two sides is striking, both linguistically and geographically. The Nufenen was the last of the major Swiss alpine passes to be opened as a paved road, completed only in 1969. Its high altitude means a short opening season, typically mid-June to mid-October, and snow can fall at the summit even in summer.
Port d'Envalira (Pas de la Casa)
🌍 Andorra
The Port d'Envalira at 2,408 meters is the highest paved road in the Pyrenees and the highest paved through-road in Europe that is open to general traffic. The CG-2 road in Andorra connects the capital Andorra la Vella with the French border at Pas de la Casa, climbing through the tiny principality's dramatic mountain landscape. The ascent from Andorra la Vella follows the Valira d'Orient valley, passing through the ski resort of Soldeu before reaching the treeless summit plateau. The road is well engineered with modern surfaces and safety features, as it serves as a major commercial route for Andorra's duty-free trade. Despite the engineering, the altitude and exposure make it challenging in winter when heavy snowfall and strong winds can close the pass. The Envalira tunnel provides an alternative route beneath the summit. At the top, the stark high-altitude landscape gives way to sweeping views of the surrounding Pyrenean peaks, and the descent into France via Pas de la Casa enters a dramatically different landscape.
Ring Road (Route 1)
🇮🇸 Iceland
Iceland's Route 1, known as the Ring Road, is a 1,322-kilometer national highway that circumnavigates the entire island, connecting virtually all the inhabited parts of the country. Completed in 1974 when the last bridge over the Skogar River was finished, the road passes through some of the most otherworldly landscapes on Earth: vast lava fields, glacial lagoons, volcanic deserts, geothermal areas, and dramatic fjords. The route passes near many of Iceland's most famous natural attractions including Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, the Myvatn geothermal area, and the Eastfjords. Most of the road is now paved, though some sections in the north and east remain gravel. The Ring Road is the backbone of Icelandic tourism, with most visitors spending 7 to 10 days completing the full circuit. Weather conditions can change rapidly, and winter driving requires serious preparation including studded tires and awareness of road closures.
SH8 Llogara Pass
🇦🇱 Albania
The Llogara Pass sits at 1,027 meters on the SH8 road in southern Albania, connecting the town of Vlora with the Albanian Riviera along the Ionian coast. The pass cuts through the Llogara National Park in the Ceraunian Mountains, a dense forest of black pines and Mediterranean vegetation, before descending in a series of dramatic hairpin bends to the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea. The descent from the pass to the coast is one of the most spectacular drives in the Balkans. The road drops steeply through more than 20 hairpin bends, with views over Dhermi Beach, Drymades, and the island of Corfu in the distance. The Albanian Riviera beyond the pass features pristine beaches and small coastal villages that remained largely cut off from the outside world until the road was improved in the early 2000s. Albania's roads have improved dramatically in recent years, and the SH8 is now well paved, though the hairpins are tight and the drop-offs are significant. The combination of mountain forest, coastal drama, and unspoiled villages makes this one of Europe's hidden driving gems.
Sa Calobra
🇪🇸 Spain
Sa Calobra is a legendary winding road on the northwest coast of Mallorca, Spain, descending from the Coll dels Reis pass at 682 meters to sea level over just 9.4 kilometers. The road features a remarkable 270-degree turn where it loops under itself in a knot-like formation, one of the most photographed road features in Europe. Built in 1932 by Italian engineer Antonio Parietti, the road was an extraordinary engineering achievement for its time. The road descends through the rugged Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering dramatic views of limestone cliffs plunging into the turquoise Mediterranean Sea. With its twelve major hairpin bends and steep gradients of up to 7%, Sa Calobra is a favorite challenge among road cyclists. The annual Sa Calobra cycling event draws thousands of riders who test themselves on the punishing climb back to the summit. At the bottom, the road ends at a small cove where the Torrent de Pareis gorge meets the sea. This deep limestone gorge, one of the most impressive natural features of Mallorca, can be explored on foot through a series of short tunnels cut through the rock. The beach at the mouth of the gorge is popular with swimmers and hikers. The road itself is narrow and busy in summer, so early morning drives are recommended to enjoy the experience without heavy traffic.
Shipka Pass
🌍 Bulgaria
The Shipka Pass at 1,185 meters crosses the Balkan Mountains (Stara Planina) in central Bulgaria, connecting the Rose Valley town of Kazanlak with the city of Gabrovo on the northern side. The pass is one of the most historically significant mountain crossings in the Balkans, the site of fierce battles during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-78 that led to Bulgaria's liberation from Ottoman rule. The road climbs through dense beech and oak forests with 17 hairpin bends on the southern approach. Near the summit stands the Freedom Monument (Shipka Memorial), a 31.5-meter stone tower commemorating the Bulgarian and Russian soldiers who held the pass against the Ottoman army. The views from the monument stretch across the Rose Valley, famous for its damask rose cultivation and the production of rose oil. On the northern side, the road descends through the Uzana area, a popular recreation zone. The Shipka-Buzludzha road is one of Bulgaria's most rewarding drives, combining dramatic mountain scenery with layers of history.
Silvretta High Alpine Road
🇦🇹 Austria
The Silvretta High Alpine Road is a 22.3-kilometer toll road in the Austrian Alps connecting Partenen in the Montafon valley with Galtur in the Paznaun valley across the Silvretta range. The road climbs to the Bielerhöhe pass at 2,036 meters, where the striking turquoise Silvretta reservoir (Silvrettasee) sits at the foot of the Piz Buin, Vorarlberg's highest peak at 3,312 meters. Built between 1938 and 1954, the road features 30 hairpin bends and traverses a high alpine landscape of glaciers, mountain streams, and alpine meadows. The Bielerhöhe at the summit is a popular starting point for hikes and mountaineering in the Silvretta range. The reservoir's unnaturally vivid turquoise color, caused by glacial silt, creates a dramatic contrast with the surrounding grey granite and white glaciers. The road is less crowded than Austria's more famous Grossglockner road but offers equally impressive alpine scenery in a more intimate setting.
Stalheimskleiva
🇳🇴 Norway
Stalheimskleiva is one of northern Europe's steepest roads, descending 400 meters over just 1.5 kilometers with a gradient of up to 20 percent. Located in Voss municipality in western Norway, the old road drops from the Stalheim Hotel into the Naerodal valley through 13 hairpin bends, offering dramatic views of the Stalheimsfossen and Sivlefossen waterfalls cascading down the valley walls on either side. The road was originally built in 1846 as part of the main route between Oslo and Bergen and served as the primary highway until a modern tunnel bypassed it in 1980. Today it functions as a one-way tourist road (downhill only) during the summer months. The hairpins are extremely tight with retaining walls of mortared stone, and the road surface is a mix of old cobblestones and worn asphalt. The views into the narrow Naerodal valley, a branch of the Sognefjord system, are vertigo-inducing. It is considered a living monument to 19th-century Norwegian road engineering.
Stelvio Pass
🇮🇹 Italy
The Stelvio Pass (Passo dello Stelvio) is the highest paved mountain pass in the Eastern Alps at 2,757 meters above sea level. Located in northern Italy near the Swiss border, it connects Bormio in the province of Sondrio with the Adige Valley and Merano. The road features a staggering 48 numbered hairpin bends on the northern side from Prad and 34 on the eastern side from Bormio, making it one of the most technically demanding drives in Europe. Originally constructed between 1820 and 1825 by the Austrian Empire under engineer Carlo Donegani, the Stelvio Pass was built as a vital trade and military route connecting the Austrian province of Lombardy with the rest of the empire. The road climbs through alpine meadows, past glaciers, and along precipitous cliff edges. It has been a regular feature of the Giro d'Italia cycling race since 1953, where it is considered one of the most punishing climbs in professional cycling. The pass is typically open from June to September, depending on snow conditions. The northern approach from Prad is considered the most spectacular, with its seemingly endless series of switchbacks visible from above like a concrete ribbon draped across the mountainside. At the summit, a small settlement offers restaurants, hotels, and the Stelvio Pass Museum, which documents the road's history and its role in World War I, when fierce fighting took place in these mountains.
Susten Pass
🇨🇭 Switzerland
The Susten Pass (Sustenpass) at 2,224 meters is one of Switzerland's most beautiful alpine passes, connecting Innertkirchen in the Bernese Oberland with Wassen in the canton of Uri. The 45-kilometer road was built between 1938 and 1946 and is considered one of the finest examples of Swiss mountain road engineering, with sweeping curves, modern tunnels, and excellent surface quality throughout. The western approach from Innertkirchen is the more dramatic side, climbing through the Gadmental valley past waterfalls and the retreating Stein Glacier, which until recently was visible from the road. Near the summit, the road passes through a short tunnel before emerging at the pass where a restaurant and parking area offer views of the surrounding peaks. The eastern descent to Wassen features long, flowing curves through alpine meadows. Unlike the more famous Swiss passes, the Susten carries relatively little through-traffic since the Gotthard route handles most north-south travel, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts for its quiet roads and exceptional scenery.
Transalpina (DN67C)
🇷🇴 Romania
The Transalpina, officially DN67C, is a 146-kilometer mountain road crossing the Southern Carpathians in Romania, reaching a peak elevation of 2,145 meters at the Urdele Pass. Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor the Transfagarasan, the Transalpina is actually the highest paved road in Romania and offers a wilder, less crowded driving experience through equally dramatic mountain scenery. The road connects Novaci in Gorj County to Sebes in Alba County, passing through the Parang Mountains and the Sureanu range. Originally built as a military route during World War II by German forces, it was largely neglected until a major reconstruction project paved the entire route by 2012. The landscape transitions from dense beech forests through alpine meadows to barren rocky terrain above the tree line. Herds of sheep and their guardian dogs are commonly encountered, and the road passes several traditional sheepfolds where travelers can buy fresh cheese.
Transfagarasan
🇷🇴 Romania
The Transfagarasan Highway (DN7C) is a spectacular mountain road that crosses the Fagaras Mountains in central Romania, connecting the historic regions of Transylvania and Wallachia. Stretching 151 kilometers from Pitesti to Sibiu, the road reaches its highest point at 2,042 meters at Balea Lake. It was famously declared "the best road in the world" by Jeremy Clarkson on the BBC's Top Gear in 2009, bringing it to international attention. The road was built between 1970 and 1974 under the orders of Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceausescu as a strategic military route following the 1968 Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia. The construction was carried out primarily by military personnel and claimed the lives of an estimated 40 workers. The road was carved through some of the most challenging terrain in the Carpathian Mountains, requiring extensive tunneling, bridge-building, and blasting through solid rock. The northern descent from Balea Lake is the most dramatic section, featuring a series of tight switchbacks, a 900-meter tunnel, and views of the Balea waterfall and glacial lake. The road is surrounded by dense forests, alpine meadows, and rocky peaks, with the Fagaras range providing a stunning backdrop. Due to heavy snowfall, the upper sections are closed from late October through June, though the exact dates vary by year. When open, the road offers an unforgettable driving experience through wild, pristine mountain scenery.
Trollstigen
🇳🇴 Norway
Trollstigen, meaning "The Troll's Path," is one of Norway's most iconic and dramatic mountain roads. Located in Rauma Municipality in More og Romsdal county, this serpentine road climbs 858 meters through eleven hairpin bends carved into the mountainside. The road was completed in 1936 after eight years of construction and has since become one of Norway's top tourist attractions, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The road ascends alongside the spectacular Stigfossen waterfall, which plunges 320 meters down the rock face. At the summit, a viewing platform designed by Reiulf Ramstad Architects juts out over the valley, offering breathtaking views of the zigzagging road below and the surrounding peaks of Bispen, Kongen, and Dronningen. The gradient reaches 9% in places, and the road is narrow enough that large vehicles must take extreme care navigating the hairpin turns. Trollstigen is only open during the summer months, typically from late May to October, as heavy snowfall makes the route impassable in winter. Due to the steep grade and tight switchbacks, vehicles over 12.4 meters in length are prohibited. The road forms part of the Norwegian Scenic Route Geiranger-Trollstigen, one of eighteen designated scenic routes in Norway that showcase the country's most extraordinary natural landscapes.
Vrsic Pass
🌍 Slovenia
The Vrsic Pass is the highest mountain pass in Slovenia at 1,611 meters, connecting the town of Kranjska Gora in the upper Sava Valley with the Soca Valley and the town of Bovec. The road features 50 numbered hairpin bends, 24 on the northern approach and 26 on the southern side, many of them surfaced with original cobblestones laid by Russian prisoners of war during World War I. Built between 1914 and 1916 by over 10,000 Russian POWs under Austro-Hungarian command, the road has deep historical significance. An avalanche in March 1916 killed over 300 of these prisoners, and the Russian Chapel near the summit stands as a memorial to the fallen. The northern approach climbs steeply through forests of spruce and larch, while the southern descent into the Soca Valley reveals views of the Julian Alps and the emerald-green Soca River, renowned as one of Europe's most beautiful rivers. The cobblestoned hairpins demand careful driving, especially when wet.
Wild Atlantic Way
🌍 Ireland
The Wild Atlantic Way is a 2,500-kilometer signposted coastal route along Ireland's western seaboard, stretching from the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal in the north to Kinsale in County Cork in the south. Launched in 2014, it is one of the longest defined coastal routes in the world and showcases the raw, dramatic beauty of Ireland's Atlantic coastline. The route passes through extraordinarily varied landscapes: the towering Cliffs of Moher rising 214 meters above the sea, the lunar-like limestone karst of the Burren, the wild beaches of Connemara, the rugged headlands of Donegal, and the sheltered harbors of West Cork. Along the way are 188 designated discovery points where travelers can stop to explore. The roads range from modern dual carriageways to single-track lanes with grass growing up the middle, and the weather is famously changeable. Traditional pubs, fishing villages, and ancient stone forts provide cultural richness throughout the journey.