It may not have tropical climates and warmth from the Indian Ocean but Europe is home to a whole host of stunning drives. While hopping on an aeroplane, taking a speedy train service or going by boat to all corners of the globe have been made possible by modern technology, sometimes it’s nice to consider the old classic road trip. First you may need to buy a car, but getting behind the wheel is a great way to stay on the ground and get up close and personal with some of the world’s most unmissable sites so we’ve put together a list of three of Europe’s most scenic routes for you to add to your travel bucket list this year.
But before we take a quick look at some of the most beautiful drives Europe has to offer, we need to make sure you know exactly how to prepare your vehicle for any long journey.
How to prepare your vehicle before a road trip
Make sure your tire are in tip top condition – When you’re excited for the adventure ahead, it can be easy to forget all about the wheels which will be carrying you along the way. Before you set up, it’s essential that you check your tire tread depth and tire air pressure to ensure your vehicle will run smoothly but also to ensure you’re staying safe and within the legal requirements. If you need new tires before a road trip, visit a professional service such as Kwik Fit.
Make sure you have packed all of the essentials – When you’re travelling by plane, train or boat, you’re not likely to forget to pack your belongings. However when it comes to road trips, it is easy to forget to chuck something in the back of the car that you likely travel to and from work in every single day. Some important things to remember are a first aid kit, a torch, a mobile phone and charger, extra clothing layers, plenty of water and a de-icer and scraper.
Make sure you know your map inside out – While exploring detours is all part of the fun of a holiday on wheels, you’re going to want to avoid getting lost on too many occasions. Be sure to look over your map to get a good idea of your planned route before you set off and install a Sat Nav if you think you’re going to need a bit of help along the way.
Now back to three of Europe’s most scenic road trips…
Route One, Iceland:
Perhaps one of the most famous road trips in the world, Route One covers everything from the Blue Lagoon and geysers to an unmissable National Park. Experts advise travelling in a robust four by four vehicle in order to best circumnavigate the varied terrain and chilly temperatures. Best time to travel here is between July and August when the weather is less treacherous.
Trollstigen, Norway:
One for the more experienced drivers, this route features a steep 10-degree climb and numerous hairpin bends. It has come to be known as the Troll’s Path by tourists and locals alike and offers an incredible view of the stunning Stigfossen Waterfall. Be aware that the route is actually closed through late autumn and winter so it gets extremely busy during the summer months when more than 2,000 cars pass through each year.
Route 500, Germany:
Not always one of the most obvious choices when it comes to European road trips but certainly one of the most magical is Germany’s beautiful Black Forest. Spanning just 40 miles in distance, it will only take you an hour to drive through but make sure to leave plenty of time for photo stops and chance to admire the incredible scenery around you. Motorbikes are prohibited from certain parts of the route so we advise travelling by car to avoid any disappointing detours on your journey.
