Embarking on European road trips is an excellent way of exploring the continent and its beauty. While air and rail travel may have the perk of commuting people between cities swiftly, they do not offer travelers the opportunity to engage with the amazing destinations that fall along the route. With road trips, this is very feasibly possible. Following are some examples of the best European road trips to consider for your next bucket list trip to Europe
1. Edinburgh to Inverness
Although a straight road journey connecting Edinburg to Inverness lasts only four hours (subject to variation based on traffic and road conditions), you can choose to follow a more scenic route to make your trip more memorable. Making stops in St Andrews and Dundee might require getting off the tracks a bit, but it is truly worth it.
Your European road trip begins in Edinburgh. Before getting on the road to St Andrews, remember to spend a day or two exploring Edinburgh’s many offerings. You should hike up Arthur’s seat to enjoy an excellent panoramic view of the city, walk through the ancient Blackness Castle walls, and stroll through the Old Town.
Once you are done with these, hop into your car and arrive at St Andrews- the first stop in your road trip. Plan to spend a day here (there are very good accommodation options available here!) and visit the medieval St Andrews Cathedral and St Andrews Aquarium. Other exciting things can be done here, including taking guided tours to St Andrews’s notable locations rumored to be haunted and the old golf course. You should also indulge in the fine dining experience of St Andrews by eating at its local eateries.
The next morning, you should hop back into your car and leave for Dundee, another fantastic stop for your road trip. There is a lot to do when it comes to Dundee. The multiple attraction spots in the city ensure that its visitors are thoroughly amused and entertained. For starters, you can visit the Broughty castle, which is a 15th-century historic landmark. Not only is this castle well-preserved, but it is also home to its very own museum and gallery filled with documentation of the heritage of local people.
Besides the castle, you can also take a walk in the Camperdown Country Park (Dundee’s biggest public park), explore McManus Galleries, and visit the Dundee Contemporary Art Gallery.
Following this stop, you can head to your intended destination- Inverness. Indulge in your planned activities here, and make sure that you have cruising the Caledonian Canal and biking around the waterways of Inverness on your list, for they are two of the most fulfilling activities in town.
2. Rovaniemi to Copenhagen
Rovaniemi to Copenhagen is undoubtedly a very long, across a country border, road trip. Although several people prepare to take a flight from the former to the latter, it is highly suggested that you consider the road route if you have enough time, for it is one of the best European road trips. This way, you can connect with Europe’s local beauty and make stops in Stockholm and Denmark, two amazing European cities. Plus, there are some amazing and affordable hotels along the way for you to stop and rest. So, there is no reason for you to ignore this road trip!
Your Europe road trip begins in Rovaniemi. This city is very fondly known as the hometown of Santa Claus, and rightfully so. There are many activities and attractions in the city that make you feel that you are in Santa’s city. You can visit the Santa Claus Village and see the Christmas Cottage as well. This is where Mrs. Claus bakes her gingerbread cookies, and Santa explains how he gets his yearly work done.
The Arctic Circle is also situated here, so you can boast in front of friends that you stepped over it. You can also visit the Snow Village, participate in skiing, and relax in a sauna, among other things. When you are done with these, it is time for you to embark on a trip to Stockholm, the first formal stop of your road trip.
You should plan to stay here for at least two nights to let your body relax from the traveling and explore this gem of a city properly. Some of the key sites you should not miss in Stockholm include the gorgeous and colorful Old Town, the Vasa Museum, and the Royal Palace. You can also sign up for a boat trip, which serves as a memorable experience.
Following your stay in Stockholm, you should again jump into your car and drive to Denmark. Although you can choose to drive for seven hours to get to Denmark, we suggest you make a brief stop in Jönköping. The city has nice lodging options for you to rest in, some remarkable eateries, and several attractions like the Sofia Church. If you wish, you can explore this town a bit before continuing your journey.
Beyond this point, you can continue your trip to Copenhagen. It is one of the best road trips in Europe because the route is gorgeous- you will be able to take in the scenic beauty while you travel. Once you get to Copenhagen, there are a plethora of things you can do there. The city is an incredibly popular spot for visitors from all over the world. We suggest that you explore the Tivoli Gardens, visit Nyhavn, and go to the city’s national museum.
3. The Romantic Road, Germany
While it is usually the stops you make during your journey that count as road trip rewards, that is not the case with the Romantic Road. The journey itself is your reward. This 350km road stretch through Bavaria takes you through pristine nature, picturesque towns, historical castles, and much more. Although initially a trade route, the Romantic Road has since then be revamped as a major attraction while preserving the old-world charm.
Although you can get on the road from any point, it is best to follow the historical path that begins in Wurzburg and ends in Fussen. Spend the first day of your trip exploring Wurzburg’s remarkable town that is renowned for its historical architecture, which has elements of both French and Baroque influences. Visit the Hofkirche and the Wurzburger Dom. You should also follow the trek through scenic mountains surrounded by beautiful vineyards and reward yourself with a glass of Riesling once you are done.
Follow the Romantic Road route to get to the picturesque village of Tauberbischofsheim, also known as the “lovely Tauber valley.” With timber-framed houses painted in pastel colors and charming streets, the village provides a calming escape to one’s mind. You can also visit the 12th-century church located in the region. You can stay here for a few hours or a night and then get back on the road to head to Bad Mergentheim, which is another excellent stop along the Romantic Road that you should consider making.
Although it is one of the best sites for relaxing spas in Germany, you should know that there is so much more to this destination than just baths and spas. For example, after enjoying a spa day, you can explore the local museum, the medieval castle, and the monastery. After this stop, get back on the Romantic Road and continue driving to the south.
Along your way, you will find excellent scenic and historical towns and sites that you may want to stop at. While each site is remarkable in its way, you can pick and choose based on your preferences and time constraints. A few of the important stops include Creglingen, Rothenburg (one of the most popular stops on the Romantic Road and for many travelers the highlight of a visit to Germany), Dinkelsbuh, Norflingen, Harburg, and Schwangau.
Keep following the gorgeous trail until you get to its southernmost tip in Fussen, which is home to the German Alps, popular German castles, and city centers. There is a lot here that would keep you engaged and entertained. If your adventurous soul is yearning for some exhilarating sports, you can participate in activities planned in and around the German Alps. These include skiing and paragliding. On calmer days, you can explore the local architecture, eat in restaurants, and meet locals in the city centers.
4. Lisbon to Cascais, Portugal
The Lisbon to Cascais road trip falls under the shorter road trips, with travel time being under an hour. However, you can make a meaningful stop in Estoril to explore the unique offerings it has in store for its visitors. This road trip will let you experience the essence of Portugal- from sandy beaches to awe-inspiring architecture- you will find everything here.
Lisbon is increasingly being regarded as the metropolis that challenges London. With a lot of fun and engaging activities that you could do here, Portugal’s capital is an excellent place to begin one’s European road trip. You should plan to spend a day or two in this city to explore its offerings. Of the many places that you must consider visiting, Torre de Belem tops the list. A remarkable amalgamation of Mudejar, Moorish, Gothic, and Romanesque architectural designs, it is a landmark that cannot be missed. Other than this, Alfama District, St George’s Castle, and Oceanarium also make excellent sites that would mesmerize you completely.
After you are done exploring Lisbon, get into your car and head straight to Cascais. However, do not miss the amazing opportunity to stop at Estoril. Estoril has plenty to offer to its visitors- from glorious beaches to fancy casinos to remarkable architecture. Therefore, it is an excellent destination to stop and explore. Enjoy a relaxing walk along the coast and view the gorgeous waters of the sea. After your walk, you can dine in one of the fine restaurants along the promenade and let your tastebuds enjoy one of their most tantalizing experiences. You can also explore Chalet Barros- an imposing palace that stands on Estoril’s beachfront and is regarded as a symbol of Estoril’s wealth.
After spending a few hours in this region, you should finally get back into your car and drive to Cascais. The Cascais region is as glamorous as it can be. It is said that ever since the Portugal royal family came to vacation here in the 20th century, the glamour of the destination has not faded. The municipality is rich with stunning nature, marvelous architecture, and attractive town centers. Therefore, there is a lot to keep you pleasantly occupied. You can start with the region’s beaches, known for their pleasant weather, golden stretches of sand, and gorgeous blue waters. Stretch back and relax on the beaches or maybe participate in exhilarating watersports. You should also explore sites like Santa Marta Lighthouse and museum, Boca do Inferno, and Museu Condes de Castro to make your stay more enjoyable.
5. Vienna to Graz, Austria
The Vienna to Graz is one of the best European road trips. If you wish to witness how Austria manages to juxtapose modern and historical elements of its society in a harmonious knit of culture, you should visit Vienna and Graz, two very important cities in the country. And while you are traveling between the cities, it is an excellent idea to make a stop in Wiener Neustadt, which itself is a very popular site for visitors, both local and international.
Your European road trip begins in Vienna, Austria’s most important cultural and commercial hub for centuries. Since it once served as the gateway between East and west Europe, it had a constant influx of ideas that resulted in remarkable architecture, rich history, exceptional music, and stunning art. Although the region is highly cosmopolitan, the city maintains its traditional outlook with old, well-reserved architecture, horse cabs, and coffee houses.
While Vienna’s sightseeing opportunities are endless, there are a few things you cannot afford to miss. The Hofburg tops the list of those sites. It holds the status of being the most historically significant palace in Vienna, for it has been Habsburgs’ seat for over six centuries. The main attractions of this palace are the Imperial Apartments, the Imperial Chapel, and the Sisi Museum. Other than this, you should also not miss the chance to see St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which has a stunning Gothic edifice and an imposing presence. Other than this, Vienna Zoo, the Vienna State Opera House, and Karlskirche are also destinations one must-see.
After Vienna, you should head to Wiener Neustadt. The town comes along the route that connects Vienna to Graz, so it would not require you to make a long detour, which is one of the best things. Although the town’s history features wars and fights over power, today, it is a peaceful area with some fascinating attractions that spellbound its visitors. You can visit the Myra Falls- a protected monument that serves as an excellent hiking spot. Not only is the hiking trail here well-developed, but the locality is also so beautiful that you will have a very refreshing experience. Other popular sites here include the very old and stunning Mariahilfberg, the impressive Dom Wiener Neustadt, the beautiful Gesaeuse National Park, and the Town Hall.
After you have spent meaningful time in Wiener Neustadt, get back on the road to Graz, also fondly known as the European Capital of Culture and the City of Design. A truly fascinating city, Graz is filled with UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, mesmerizing monuments, and welcoming markets and city centers. The most special of all these is Herz Jesu Kirche, which has the third-largest church tower in Austria and is the biggest church in the Graz region. The building’s architecture is neo-Gothic, with magnificent stained glass windows that form a remarkable sight to witness from within the church. And while there are several historical sites in the city, there are several modern elements, like the Murinsel- an impressive steel body and artificial island in the water too. It contains an amphitheater and a café. It is truly a must-visit destination!
Video Guide: 5 Amazing European Road Trips
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