Tried and Tested: Europe’s Top 10 Driving Roads
When it comes to deciding on a great driving road, there are many factors to take into account: the flow of the road, the sights along the way, the amount of traffic, and in many cases, the challenges the roads themselves present.
After over 10 years on the road running hundreds of driving events across Europe, we have compiled a selection of our best driving roads in Europe.
All ratings are based on our team’s personal driving experiences. The roads range from the high alpine passes of the Alps to the forest trails of Schwarzwald and vineyards of Provence and Chianti – something to suit all tastes and styles of driving. If you have any comments or suggestions on our best driving roads list, feel free to drop us an email!
Here’s a summary of ten exceptional European driving routes from our current top 20, promising an engaging and rewarding experience:
Col de la Bonette, French Alps
Experience the thrill of mastering the Col de la Bonette in the Alps Maritimes, one of the highest roads in Europe at 2807M. While the actual pass finishes around 2700M, an added section secures its title. Surprisingly accessible with a smooth road surface, the ascent offers a fantastic contrast between lush greenery at the base and a barren, almost volcanic atmosphere at the summit. The route progressively tests drivers, rewarding them with stunning panoramic views and a plaque to mark the achievement. The descent offers a different experience, with the initial 5km resembling a race circuit before the corners become more engaging, benefiting from the excellent road surface maintained for the Tour de France.
Read about driving the Col de la Bonette, French Alps road here…
Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austrian Alps:
The Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria’s highest surfaced mountain pass, is a truly scenic drive and a firm favourite. While popular with tourists in summer, visiting in the low season (mid-May to mid-June) or driving early in the morning offers a more serene experience.
Approach from the south for a longer, more sweeping ascent. Don’t miss Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe (2369 m) for views of the Pasterze Glacier and the Hochtor Pass (2504 m) with its sweeping corners. The €34 toll fee per car is well worth it for the beautiful landscapes and excellent road surface.
The Albula Pass, Swiss Graubunden Alps
A wild and wonderful pass, the Albula Pass offers a tight run up through meadows before the valley opens to beautiful sweeping roads and breathtaking peaks. On the north side, enjoy views of the Glacier Express and its impressive viaducts. This unspoiled pass features a rugged section through the woods. The summit, near 2400M, feels like a lunar landscape, with a 5km plateau before the descent – a truly dreamlike driving stretch. The south ascent is steep and bumpy initially, quickly becoming tight and twisty as you enter lush forests before reaching the Engadin valley, with direct access to St. Moritz.
Susten Pass, Swiss Alps
The Susten Pass is an outstanding high mountain pass in the central Swiss Alps, part of the “Big 3” alongside Grimsel and Furka. While perhaps less famous than Furka, it’s arguably the greatest driving road of the three, especially when driven at a quiet time (avoiding weekends and peak holiday season). Enjoy a variety of road styles, from sweeping valley roads on the eastern approach to switchbacks leading to the 2260M summit. The descent towards Innertkirchen is also excellent, taking you through dark forests and across stunning stone bridges. Stop points include views of the Stein Glacier and a small hotel for refreshments.
Gorges du Verdon, National Park Verdon / Alps Maritimes
Set in the heart of the National Park Verdon, the Gorges du Verdon (the French Grand Canyon) offers breathtaking views with sheer drops of over 800M. Two roads run along either side, with the south side considered the king for drivers – fast, sweeping, with plenty of viewpoints and fewer camper vans due to its B-road status. Start at the stunning Lac Croix end for nearly 40KM of sweeping roads and impressive tarmac. Stop at the Pont de l’Artuby for photos before continuing to Comps-sur-Artuby for a coffee. The north side also offers dramatic views, carved into the rock face, though with limited stopping points.
NC500 / North Coast 500 Road, Scotland
The NC500 is not a single road but a 500-mile loop around the north of Scotland, starting and ending in Inverness. This incredibly scenic route has become a favourite for keen drivers thanks to its fantastic driving roads. Our recommended stretch runs along the west coast from Ullapool to Rhiconich via the iconic Kylesku Bridge. Expect open roads with long sweeping curves initially, followed by narrower sections as you head into the mountains. The surface improves in parts, with the hairpin at Eas a’ Chual Aluinn being a notable challenge. Take a break at the Rock Stop Café and admire the views from the Assynt viewpoint.
Transalpina Pass (DN67C), Romania
The Transalpina, or ‘King’s Road’, nestled in the Parâng Mountains of the Southern Carpathians, is Romania’s highest road. This 148km route includes a stunning 63km section selected by Ultimate Drives for its spectacular driving experience. With 20km above 2000 metres and a peak of 2145 meters, expect numerous hairpins, sharp curves, challenging climbs and descents. Originally built for military use and recently modernised in 2007 with a well-laid tarmac, it offers fantastic driving. Stop at Dam and Lake Tau Bistra or Cabana Oaşa for refreshments and enjoy the wild and exhilarating scenery.
Furka Pass, Central Swiss Alps
The Furka Pass is one of the finest mountain passes in the Swiss Alps, running for approximately 35KM between Obergoms and Andermatt. Immortalized in the James Bond film “Goldfinger,” this stunning 5-star pass is part of the “Big 3” near Andermatt. Driving from west to east is generally considered the most fun, starting with beautiful left/right combinations through alpine rock. The pass then features tight switchbacks and long sweeping sections. Don’t miss the iconic Hotel Belvedere (currently closed) and the nearby Rhone Glacier. The descent can be steep and narrow in places, requiring caution.
Transfăgărășan Highway, Romania
One of our favourite roads in Europe, the Transfăgărășan Highway in Romania was famously declared “The world’s best road” by Jeremy Clarkson. This strategic military route boasts 90 km of twists, turns, steep drops and climbs, reaching 2034 metres. Expect tunnels covered by waterfalls, the beautiful Bâlea Lake, and a variety of landscapes. The road surface can be uneven, so caution is advised. The key to enjoying this masterpiece is to drive it at the right time of year and day to avoid tourist crowds.
Stelvio Pass, Italy
The Stelvio Pass is the most famous pass in the Alps, largely due to its Top Gear association. At 2757M, it’s the highest paved mountain road in the Eastern Alps, featuring a staggering 60 hairpin bends, 48 of which are numbered on the famous north face. While visually dramatic, the initial stretches can be narrow, requiring caution, especially in supercars. However, once you reach the wall of switchbacks, the drive becomes exhilarating, demanding skill and precision. The sense of accomplishment after conquering the relentless series of turns is immense. For the best experience, drive early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the crowds. Consider continuing onto the Umbrail Pass for a quieter experience.
Find Your Next Ultimate Drive!
These are just ten of the many exceptional driving experiences that Europe has to offer. As we launch our new website, www.ultimatedrives.net, you’ll discover even more detailed information and inspiration for planning your next unforgettable journey behind the wheel. Explore the best driving roads in Europe with Ultimate Drives!