Imagine the exhilaration of driving high among the mountain passes of the Carpathian Mountains, along a stunning volcanic landscape in New Zealand, or even experiencing breathtaking sunsets while travelling along the south coast of Australia.
A road trip will allow you to have these experiences first-hand. Going on a road trip is something special; you have complete freedom, and it will enable you to let all of life’s expectations melt away. What better way to spend a break in 2023?
With millions of miles of road trips to take across the globe it can be difficult to pick the best route. One thing is for sure; a memorable road trip must include fantastic scenery.
Here are five of the best road trips with spectacular scenery.
1. Trollstigen Road, Norway
This road is known as the “mountain pass of the trolls” and is a fantastic way to experience Norway’s beautiful fjords.
A popular tourist attraction only open during summer, this 65-mile hair-raising trip takes you into a landscape that is ideal for thrill-seeking drivers. It is a challenging drive with 11 hairpin turns, narrow sections with sheer cliffs, and mountains at every turn.
Seeing the beautiful waterfalls and the deep blue fjords make it all worthwhile. Numerous points along the road offer panoramic views of the valley below. Don’t miss the most famous – Ørnevegen viewpoint.
2. The Transfagarasan Road, Romania
The Transfagarasan Road is widely regarded as one of the world’s most thrilling and dangerous roads. This 62-mile winding road takes you through the Carpathian Mountains and connects the cities of Sibiu and Pitesti.
The road consists of hairpin turns, sheer drops, and incredible altitude changes of up to 2,000 metres. It crosses many viaducts and goes through numerous tunnels while giving spectacular views of the area.
From the road you can take in the stunning Balea Lake and its magnificent waterfall. You can also view the top of Mount Lodoveanu, Romania’s highest peak at 2,034 metres above sea level.
As the northern section of the road ends in Transylvania, you can even stop off and visit the Poenari Fortress, the home of Dracula.
3. The Great Ocean Road, Australia
The Great Ocean Road stretches over 150 miles and follows the dramatic coastline of Victoria, Australia. This trip from Geelong to Portland would only take a day, but it has some of the best activities to do along the route.
It passes the Great Otway National Park, with numerous caves, beautiful waterfalls, and gorges to explore. The route also passes the Bay Islands and Bells Beach, which is famous for sports such as surfing and swimming.
One of the most popular attractions just off the road are the 12 Apostles. They are a group of limestone rocks standing in the ocean – perfect for a photo opportunity.
Sadly, due to the harsh and extreme conditions in the Southern Ocean, only seven of the original eight Apostles remain. The eighth Apostle, at a height of 50 metres, fell into the ocean in 2005.
Despite this sad state of affairs, research by the Pentagon Motor Group that analysed the number of hashtags and pictures from Instagram showed The Great Ocean Road had the greatest number of pictures taken per mile than any other road trip.
4. Milford Road, New Zealand
Located within the Fiordland National Park on New Zealand’s South Island, Milford Road is one of the most beautiful drives in the world. The 158-mile road goes from Te Anau into the Fiordland National Park.
Along the route, you will see the stunning scenery of New Zealand – from snow-capped mountains to waterfalls and glacial lakes.
The journey should take two hours, but there are plenty of opportunities to visit numerous attractions along the road. These include the Mirror Lakes that perfectly reflect the mountains, The Chasm, a deep ravine that provides spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, and Sutherland Falls, the tallest waterfall in New Zealand.
5. North Coast 500, Scotland
This new route covers 500 miles of Scotland’s north coast and contains some of the most beautiful mountain scenery and rugged coastlines in the UK.
It starts and ends in the city of Inverness, situated in the Scottish Highlands. From there, the route goes through the Cairngorms National Park, which has many lochs and castles to explore. The road passes the picturesque Glencoe Valley and on through the Isle of Skye. The Isle of Skye has many attractions to enjoy, including the magical fairy pools and stunning sea views.
The best road trips offer something for everyone
Not only do the best road trips in the world have the most breathtaking scenery, but they also offer something for everyone. Whether it is a thrilling drive around hairpin bends, wildlife, sightseeing, hiking, or even taking in the local history, all the roads mentioned have a bit of everything.
Wherever you venture, a road trip is a perfect way to take a break and enjoy the beauty of nature.
