Winter Road Trip in Europe: 17 Epic Itinerary Ideas

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Planning a winter road trip in Europe? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re chasing snow-dusted mountains, frozen lakes, or fairytale villages, this guide is packed with scenic winter road trip inspiration to help you build the perfect route.

From snowy road trip destinations in the Alps to the wintry beauty of the Baltics, these routes mix classic views with off-the-beaten-track charm. If you’re craving that winter road trip aesthetic, think snowy trees, cozy chalets, and empty winding roads, you’re going to love these ideas. Just don’t forget to pack the thermos.

The Dolomites, Italy

If you’re after the ultimate snow trip aesthetic, the UNESCO Dolomites deliver it in spades. Jagged limestone peaks, winding alpine roads, and frozen lakes make this Northern Italy winter route one of the best winter destinations in Europe.

It’s dramatic and peaceful all at once, and the whole region feels tailor-made for a scenic winter road trip. You’ll find that postcard-perfect winter road trip view around nearly every corner, especially once you leave the bigger towns behind.

Start in Cortina d’Ampezzo, a smart alpine resort with stylish cafés, cable cars, and incredible views. From there, drive to Lago di Braies, a famous emerald lake that usually freezes over in winter and sits surrounded by snow-dusted pine forest. It’s one of the most photogenic spots in the Italian Alps.

The Great Dolomites Road is a must for a proper scenic winter road trip idea: it links Cortina with Bolzano and winds through snowy passes and sleepy villages like Arabba and Canazei. You don’t have to ski to enjoy the area either, just hopping between rustic mountain huts for coffee and cake is worth the drive.

Romantic Road, Germany

Germany’s Romantic Road is one of the most charming winter road trip destinations in Europe. It strings together a series of historic towns, half-timbered houses, and fairy-tale castles, making it an ideal route for a scenic winter road trip in the snow.

In December, it transforms into a winter wonderland, with markets, mulled wine, and medieval squares dusted in frost. This is a perfect option if you want winter travel inspiration that mixes festive spirit with historic beauty.

Start in Würzburg, a Baroque city with a grand palace and a lively Christmas market. Then wind your way south to towns like Rothenburg ob der Tauber, which looks straight out of a snow globe with its cobbled lanes and year-round Christmas shop.

Dinkelsbühl and Nördlingen are less famous but just as lovely, with towers and walls you can climb for a real winter road trip view. Finish in Füssen, home of Neuschwanstein Castle, which looks even more magical surrounded by snow-covered trees. It’s the kind of route that feels cozy yet cinematic the whole way through.

The Highlands, Scotland

Scotland’s Highlands make for one of the most atmospheric winter road trip destinations in Europe. The landscape is stark and beautiful in winter, with snow-dusted mountains, frozen lochs, and wide open skies. You’ll get the full winter road trip aesthetic here, complete with winding roads through glens, empty beaches, and the occasional red deer by the roadside.

It’s remote, yes, but that’s half the appeal. If you’re after a proper scenic winter road trip with a bit of drama and solitude, this is it.

Start your journey from Inverness or Edinburgh and make your way toward Glencoe, one of Scotland’s most photogenic valleys. The A82 runs right through it, with towering peaks on either side and plenty of places to pull over for views.

From there, head to Fort William and then continue west toward the Isle of Skye, crossing over the Skye Bridge near Kyle of Lochalsh. Highlights along the way include Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle, and the old military roads near Glen Shiel.

On Skye, winter brings wild weather and epic light, ideal for photography and brisk coastal walks. Expect changing conditions, but also some of the best winter road trip views in Europe.

The French Alps, France

The French Alps are a classic destination for winter travel in Europe, but they’re not just for skiing. If you’re looking for scenic winter road trip ideas with big mountain energy, this route delivers.

Expect winding roads through snowy valleys, chalet-filled villages, and a backdrop of jagged peaks that look straight off a postcard. You don’t have to ski a single slope to enjoy the winter road trip aesthetic here, but if you fancy a run or two, the resorts are right there.

Start in Annecy, a lake town that looks impossibly pretty even in winter, with its pastel houses and canals. Then make your way toward Chamonix at the foot of Mont Blanc. From there, drive south through the Tarentaise or Maurienne valleys, stopping in towns like Megève, Albertville, and Bonneval-sur-Arc.

Some of the higher passes may be closed depending on the snow, so check conditions, but there’s still plenty to explore. The views from spots like Col des Aravis or Lac du Bourget are perfect for that winter road trip view you’ve been scrolling for.

Lapland, Finland

If you’re after a full-on snow trip aesthetic, Lapland is your dream destination. Think icy forests, frozen lakes, husky sleds, and reindeer traffic jams. This is one of the best places in Europe in winter if you’re after a snow-covered wilderness that feels untouched and otherworldly.

Lapland’s roads are well-maintained despite the conditions, so it’s an ideal region for a winter road trip with a difference. Just expect long distances and few towns, this is all about wide-open Arctic space.

Start in Rovaniemi, which is home to Santa Claus Village, then head north toward Saariselkä, Inari, and the Norwegian border. Along the way, you’ll pass through forests glazed with snow and frozen rivers straight out of a Nordic fairytale.

Stop for ice fishing, visit a Sámi museum, or stay in a glass-roofed igloo and watch the Northern Lights from bed. Every part of the drive feels remote and peaceful, perfect for slow travel and true winter road trip inspiration.

The White Villages of Andalucía, Spain

If you want a winter road trip in Europe that skips the snow but still offers mountain views and traditional charm, head for the Pueblos Blancos of Andalucía. These iconic white villages are scattered across the hills of southern Spain, often perched on cliffs or tucked into valleys, with winding lanes and panoramic views.

January is a great time to visit—it’s quiet, sunny and cool, with enough light for long drives and village hopping. Start your route in Ronda, famous for its dramatic gorge and ancient bridge, then make your way through the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. Stop in Zahara de la Sierra for epic views from the castle, and in Grazalema for a peaceful mountain setting.

Arcos de la Frontera, Setenil de las Bodegas and Olvera are also must-visits, each with their own unique vibe. The roads twist through olive groves and rugged hills, offering plenty of scenic winter road trip views along the way. It’s a different kind of winter aesthetic, more sunlit terracotta than snow and fir trees, but it’s equally beautiful and totally relaxing.

The Julian Alps, Slovenia

The Julian Alps are a great option if you want a winter road trip in Europe that’s scenic, uncrowded, and easy to navigate. Slovenia’s compact size means you can pack a lot into a short route, from frozen lakes and Alpine peaks to sleepy ski resorts and tiny villages.

It’s the ideal European country if you want inspiring winter travel without long hours behind the wheel. Plus, the region is well-equipped for snow, and the views are consistently impressive.

Begin in the capital, Ljubljana, and make your way to Lake Bled, which often freezes over in winter and looks stunning with the island church poking through morning mist. From there, continue to Lake Bohinj and the Triglav National Park.

Drive the Vršič Pass if it’s open (it often closes in deep winter, so check ahead) or follow the road toward Kranjska Gora, Slovenia’s main winter resort. You’ll find alpine cabins, affordable ski passes, and plenty of hot chocolate stops, all within an easy day’s drive.

The Peloponnese, Greece

If you’re craving winter road trip inspiration without snow and freezing temperatures, the Peloponnese is a fantastic alternative. This Greek road trip offers a mix of ancient history, coastal beauty, and charming villages, all with a backdrop of mild Mediterranean winter weather.

Think crisp air, bright skies, and empty roads winding through orange groves and olive trees. It’s one of the best winter road trip destinations in Europe if you want peace, culture, and off-season freedom.

Begin your trip in Athens and head west toward the Corinth Canal and Nafplio, a beautiful seaside town with neoclassical mansions and Venetian forts. From there, follow the coast south through Leonidio, Monemvasia, and the Mani Peninsula.

Highlights include the ancient ruins of Mycenae and Epidaurus, the wild mountains of Taygetus, and the medieval stone villages of Vathia and Areopoli. You won’t get snow trip aesthetic here, but you’ll get dramatic views, great food, and a peaceful rhythm perfect for slow winter travel.

Transylvania, Romania

For something a bit different, a winter road trip through Transylvania gives you eerie forests, snow-covered castles, and quiet roads through the Carpathian Mountains. This is one of the best winter road trip ideas if you like your winter travel inspiration with a bit of folklore and a lot of space. You’re more likely to spot wild boar or bear tracks than another tourist car.

Start in Cluj or Sibiu, then head toward Brașov via the scenic DN1. Stop off at medieval towns like Sighișoara and check out Bran Castle, which is often associated with Dracula.

The Transfăgărășan Highway is closed in winter, but the roads around Râșnov and Zărnești still offer incredible winter road trip views, especially with the Bucegi Mountains looming in the background. Expect snowy woods, quiet villages, and the occasional horse-drawn cart trotting along the road.

The Swiss Alps, Switzerland

Switzerland is basically built for a scenic winter road trip. The roads are smooth, the views are outrageous, and everything runs like clockwork. If you’re dreaming of those winter road trip views with towering peaks, snowy villages, and deep valleys, this is one of the best places in Europe in winter to find them. Plus, it’s ideal for a more luxurious winter trip with spa hotels, fondue stop,s and first-class mountain towns.

Start your Swiss road trip route from Geneva and head toward the Bernese Oberland region. Visit Interlaken, then take the route south toward Lauterbrunnen, where frozen waterfalls hang from cliffs and the snow crunches underfoot. From there, continue to Zermatt (you’ll need to park in Täsch and take the shuttle train) or swing further east to explore Samedan, St. Moritz and the Engadin valley.

The Julier Pass and Maloja Pass both offer jaw-dropping views in good weather, with frozen lakes and snow-covered pine forests lining the route.

The Bohemian Forest, Czech Republic

For a peaceful and slightly mysterious winter road trip, head to the Bohemian Forest in the Czech Republic. This region borders Germany and Austria and includes the Šumava National Park, which turns into a frozen fairytale in deep winter. It’s one of the best winter destinations in Europe if you’re craving snow, silence, and that slightly eerie forest vibe.

Start in Prague and head toward Český Krumlov, a stunning riverside town that looks even more magical under a dusting of snow. From there, continue into the forest region, stopping at Lipno Lake, which often freezes in winter.

The Šumava National Park offers a mix of quiet walking trails, frozen wetlands, and scenic drives along forest roads. The towns are small and traditional, with local pubs and wood cabins adding to the rustic charm. This is winter road trip aesthetic at its quietest.

Portugal’s Atlantic Coast

Portugal’s Atlantic Coast offers a totally different kind of winter road trip: salty air, empty beaches, seafood lunches, and soft winter sun. It’s a laid-back route perfect for travellers wanting a mild-weather escape with great scenery and local character.

This isn’t your classic snowy road trip in Europe, but it nails the winter road trip aesthetic in a windswept, surfer-chic kind of way.

Start in Lisbon and head south through Setúbal, stopping for seafood and sea views in Sines, Vila Nova de Milfontes, Zambujeira do Mar, and Odeceixe. The Alentejo coast is wild and underdeveloped, with long beaches perfect for kite flying, fishing villages and cliffs battered by Atlantic waves. Further south, the Algarve offers more tourist infrastructure but is blissfully quiet in winter.

Stop in Sagres for views of the westernmost cliffs, and continue east through Lagos, Alvor, and even inland to Silves. This is one of the best places in Europe in winter for a road trip if you want sun, space and sea.

The Carpathians, Slovakia

Slovakia’s High Tatras are a compact but dramatic mountain range that offers some of the most scenic winter road trip views in Eastern Europe. The Carpathian arc here is full of snow-covered peaks, ice caves, frozen waterfall,s and wide empty roads. It’s perfect if you want a winter road trip that feels wild and off the radar.

Begin in Poprad and head toward Tatranská Lomnica or Štrbské Pleso, both classic winter resort towns surrounded by jagged peaks and frozen lakes. The Slovak Paradise National Park is nearby and offers winter hiking with chains and ladders through icy gorges.

The roads are usually well-maintained, but still feel like a real adventure. There’s also plenty of cultural stops too, like the medieval town of Levoča or the fairytale Spiš Castle perched on a snowy hill.

Bavaria, Germany

Bavaria is one of the best winter road trip destinations in Europe if you want that cosy alpine feel without leaving Germany. It’s a great mix of mountain views, half-timbered houses, and famous castles dusted with snow. The scenic roads between Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Füssen, and Berchtesgaden offer some of the best winter road trip views in the region.

Start from Munich and head toward Garmisch for views of the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain. Then follow the Romantic Road down to Füssen and visit Neuschwanstein Castle, which looks completely unreal in winter.

Keep going to the Berchtesgaden area near the Austrian border, where you’ll find the eerily still Königssee Lake and the Eagle’s Nest, which may be closed due to snow but is still worth seeing from below. It’s the kind of winter trip that ticks all the boxes for charm, snow, and scenic beauty.

Alsace, France

Alsace in winter feels just like you expect it to. With its timber-framed houses, frosted vineyards, and colourful Christmas markets, it’s one of the most scenic winter road trip destinations in Europe.

The region is compact, so it’s perfect for slow travel and hopping from one picture-perfect village to the next. If you’re after festive vibes and classic winter road trip views, Alsace absolutely delivers.

Begin in Strasbourg, which hosts one of Europe’s oldest and grandest Christmas Markets in Europe. Then follow the Alsace Wine Route south through Obernai, Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr, and Eguisheim, each town prettier than the last. Colmar is the highlight for many, with canals, lights, and storybook streets made for wandering.

The whole route is laced with vineyards, snow-topped hills, and cosy winstubs where you can warm up with tarte flambée and a glass of mulled wine. Even in January, after the markets close, the charm lingers and the views are pure winter magic.

The Tatras and Zakopane, Poland

Poland’s southern border is home to the Tatra Mountains, a smaller but seriously scenic range perfect for a winter road trip. Zakopane is the centrepiece: a lively mountain town with carved wooden houses, market stalls, and one of the most affordable ski scenes in Europe. This is one of the best places in Europe in winter if you’re looking for culture, food, and frosty views on a budget.

Start your route in Kraków, which is well worth a day or two for its festive markets and historic centre. Then head south toward Zakopane, where you can explore mountain trails, ride the Gubałówka funicular, or try oscypek cheese grilled over an open fire.

If you want more nature, venture into the Tatra National Park for snowshoeing and views over the frosty peaks. It’s an ideal winter road trip for those wanting authentic vibes and hearty food in a dramatic setting.

The Arctic Coast, Norway

For the ultimate winter road trip in snow, the Arctic coast of Norway is hard to beat. This is one of the most scenic winter road trip ideas in Europe, with winding roads hugging icy fjords, tiny fishing villages dusted in snow, and wide Arctic skies that often dance with Northern Lights. It’s wild, it’s remote, and it’s absolutely worth it.

Start in Tromsø and head toward Alta, following the coast where possible. You’ll pass through dramatic landscapes, cross frozen bridges, and possibly spot orcas or reindeer along the way.

If road conditions allow, continue all the way to Nordkapp, the northernmost point of mainland Europe. Just be aware that the weather can change quickly up here, so flexibility is key. But if you’re after road trip destinations in the snow with unbeatable views, this one is unforgettable.

Driving in Europe

All of the countries in the European Union drive on the right, the same side as the USA, China, Russia, and Canada. Just be aware that the roads are a lot narrower!

Scotland drives on the left, the same side as the rest of the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus and Malta.

You may need an international driving permit (IDP), depending on where your driving license was issued. You can check whether you need an IDP for driving in Europe with the International Driving Permit Organisation.

Under EU law, seat belts must be used in all vehicles. Children over 1.35 m can use an adult seat belt. Those under 1.35m must use equipment appropriate to their size and weight when traveling in a car, like a car seat or booster cushion.

It is illegal to use your phone at the wheel in all EU and European countries. In France and Spain, you may not even use it as a satellite navigation device or with hands-free equipment.

There are general speed limits across Europe, which range from 120 to 130 km/h on motorways, and from 80 to 90 km/h on country roads. You can find a list of the most up-to-date speed limits here. 

Speed cameras are common in Europe, and may be fixed or mobile. Both types of speed cameras can be visible or hidden, and it’s easy to be caught out, even if you’re over the limit by just a few kilometers an hour.

If you get caught, you can’t avoid speeding fines. If you’re driving your own car there is a data sharing protocol in place which means you’ll be tracked down, and if you’re hiring a car, any speeding fines will end up back with the car hire company, who will simply deduct the fine from the credit card they hold on file.

Most EU countries have different alcohol limits set in their drink-driving legislation which may be different or lower than your home country. It’s best not to drink any alcohol if you’re planning on driving anywhere afterward.

Most European countries, especially those with mountains, have rules about the use of snow tires, snow chains and snow socks in winter. Make sure you check these rules if you’re taking a European road trip in colder weather.

Some European countries have requirements regarding road safety equipment and may expect you to carry a warning triangle, high visibility vest, and first aid kit as a minimum.

Other than Germany, Lichtenstein and Monaco, all European countries have toll roads. It’s worth checking at the tolls.eu website before you set off whether toll collection is digital and requires pre-registration, or you’re required to pay by cash or card at toll booths.

Member states of the European Union have a standardized set of road signs, but they may differ from your home country. Check what the main EU road signs look like here. 

Hiring a Car in Europe

Use a comparison site or car hire aggregator like Rentalcars.com, which has massive purchasing power enabling them to secure the best rental prices in many different countries. Whenever we travel to a country without our own transport, we book with Rentalcars.com because they are always best on price and offer a solid and reliable service.

The minimum age to rent a car in Europe is 18, and renters must have passed a driving test to obtain a full driving licence.

Plan carefully and rent a car for only as long as you need it, to avoid early return penalties. If you’re on a budget, avoid hefty one-way drop-off charges and plan a circular itinerary.

Book as far in advance as possible. The earlier you book, the better the deal. Some comapnies will give you the option to pay on collection, avoiding cancellation fees, although you do pay more for this.

Look to rent a small car. Fuel is super expensive in Europe, city streets and country lanes are narrow, and parking can be limited. The smaller the car, the less fuel you’ll need and the easier it will be to get around. Trust me on this!

If you’ve only ever driven an automatic car, then don’t book a stick for your first rental in Europe! An automatic car will be more expensive to rent than a manual car, but it will save you a world of hurt, I promise!

It is possible to rent a hire car in the EU and drive it to non-EU countries, but do let your hire company know this is your plan so they can ensure you have the correct paperwork. Expect there to be an extra charge for this.

Consider renting a campervan for your trip. It’s a wonderful way to travel around Europe and you won’t need to book a hotel! Our recommended providers are Motorhome Republic, who have rental depots in sixteen European countries.

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