Europe is a bucket list destination for a lot of travelers in all kinds of ways. For many, it’s the chance to enjoy extravagant city breaks in one of the cultured capitals of the world. For others, it’s a chance to see the grand natural wonders of the Alps or Great Lakes or to cruise the vast coastline of the Mediterranean. Then, some can’t pass up the chance to get in their car and see these amazing countries by road. There are countless potential destinations for traveling on Europe’s motorways and toll roads. Each country has varied landscapes and must-see cities, and no two nations are the same. Here is a quick taste of some of the best routes to take to help inspire your bucket list trip.
10 Amazing European Road Trip Destinations
France
France is an obvious choice because of its accessibility and familiarity, but people flock here for good reason. There are varied routes to enjoy, from the temperate and cultured Celtic side of Brittany and the northwest to the warmer and carefree southern routes on the French Riviera. Then, there’s the gorgeous wine country in the middle.
Spain
Spain is often seen as a place where you should be as stationary as possible while enjoying the coastline and decompressing. However, this large country is full of wonders to explore. Madrid is a good starting point for a trip. You can head south into Malaga and Gibraltar or east to Valencia and up the coast to Barcelona.
Portugal
Don’t underestimate the potential of Portugal for a fun coastal road trip. This beautiful nation has plenty of historical and cultural stopping points along its vast coastline. Make the most of as many as possible with a trip from Lisbon up to Porto.
Germany
The German autobahn has always been fascinating to drivers because of its scale and the fact there is no speed limit.
Take the opportunity to race through the country while stopping for much-needed cultural breaks in Cologne, Bremen, Hamburg, and Berlin.
Switzerland
If you want a European road trip that is mostly about the landscape rather than any city destination, you can’t beat Switzerland. You can start your journey in Bern and venture towards the incredible Swiss Alps via beautiful lakes and countryside.
Italy
Italy is another European destination where you’re completely spoiled for choice with road trip destinations. The country has so many identities across the regions from north to south. A popular option is to follow the Amalfi coast up into Naples. Others like to stay inland and make the most of the northern lakes of Como of Garda.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria is unfairly overlooked as a travel destination out in south-eastern Europe. This nation is beautiful in its rugged landscape and native culture and has great hospitality. See as much of it as you can by traveling from Sofia out into the Central Balkan National Park and east to the Black Sea.
Romania
Romania is another country that you may have never considered, but that will pay you back for your efforts. There is more to this country than Transylvania, although this is a good stopping point. You can also meander down the DC7C in the Carpathian Mountains to enjoy amazing views from Balea Lake and beyond.
Denmark
Denmark is often overlooked compared to other northern nations, but it shouldn’t be. It’s full of amazing sights and people and is worth discovering as far as possible. You can go island hopping as you head toward Copenhagen before taking the famous Bridge across the water into Malmo, Sweden.
Norway
Finally, if you feel like testing your driving skills in some of the more picturesque areas of Northern Europe, you can try Norway.
The Trollstigen mountain road is a favorite among travelers, as is the stunning Atlantic Road. This route takes you over bridges and islands while hugging the cold coast.
Getting Set Up With European E Vignettes
Traveling through Europe like this can be highly liberating, especially when you have the opportunity to pass through international borders during your adventure. You can’t just set up and go where the wind takes you, however. There are plenty of rules to ensure you have the right papers and you’ve paid your toll. Toll roads in Europe have changed to become more convenient for all concerned. Rather than pay your toll for designated roads and highways at the time, you can pay in advance and add proof of purchase to your vehicle. All of the countries mentioned above have some form of toll and the need for vignettes.
The easiest way to handle these tolls is through European e-vignettes. These electronic systems connect to your vehicle’s registration plate to show authorities you have paid your way. What happens is a camera on the related roads will take footage of all the registration plates passing by. Those that correspond to an e-vignette in the system are of no concern and can carry on without any problems. Those that don’t match will flag up an alert and send the relevant information to the authorities. Drivers without the right vignette for the area, or those with incorrect dates and details, could end up paying a fine. There are stickers you can get for your windscreen instead, but the e-vignettes are more effective and recommended for foreign travelers. Thankfully, they are pretty easy to set up online.
Prepare For Europes Toll Roads Before Any Grand European Road Trip
It pays to get these e-vignettes set up before your European adventure and to do so well in advance. This should ensure there are no issues with your registration and paperwork when you leave. Get all the necessary vignettes for your journey, and make sure they are set for the right dates and duration and registered to the right car. It’s a lot of effort now, but it will make those road trips in Europe much more fun.