15 Epic Motorhome Routes in Europe for the Ultimate Road Trip Adventure
Motorhome trips aren’t just a mode of travel—they’re a lifestyle. Imagine waking up to the sound of waves crashing on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way or pulling over to snap pictures of snow-capped peaks on the Transfăgărășan Highway. With Europe’s vast and varied landscapes, road-tripping offers unrivaled freedom to explore hidden gems, iconic landmarks, and everything in between—all at your own pace.
Alan Rogers, a European camping expert, notes, “Motorhome travel in Europe has surged, with bookings up 34% in five years.” Here are 15 epic motorhome routes in Europe for the ultimate road trip adventure.
The North Coast 500 (Scotland, UK)
The North Coast 500 is a breathtaking 516-mile scenic route that showcases the stunning beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Since its 2015 launch, this circular route has become a top road trip, drawing 29,000 extra visitors and £9 million in its first year. The NC500 takes travelers through diverse landscapes, including dramatic coastlines, rugged mountains, and picturesque villages, with over 200 historic attractions along the way.
Traffic data reveals a 10% increase in volume along the route since its inception, while accommodation providers and visitor attractions report an average 15-20% increase in trade. The North Coast 500’s popularity continues to grow, with it being named ‘Best Road Trip in the World’ by Condé Nast Traveler in April 2017.
The Wild Atlantic Way (Ireland)
The 1,553-mile Wild Atlantic Way winds along Ireland’s rugged west coast, offering motorhome travelers a stunning journey through nine counties. Officially launched in 2014, this tourism trail features 157 discovery points, 1,000 attractions, and more than 2,500 activities, providing endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. The route is divided into five sections, each showcasing unique landscapes, from the dramatic Cliffs of Moher to the pristine beaches of County Cork.
Along the way, travelers can immerse themselves in Ireland’s rich cultural heritage, visiting ancient sites, traditional pubs, and charming coastal villages. The Wild Atlantic Way boosts tourism, strengthens local economies, and highlights Ireland’s lesser-known west coast.
The Romantic Road (Germany)
The 460 km Romantic Road in southern Germany offers motorhome travelers stunning landscapes, medieval towns, and fairy-tale castles. Established in the 1950s to boost post-war tourism, this route has become one of Germany’s most popular attractions, drawing millions of visitors annually. The road links 30 historic towns, including medieval Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Neuschwanstein Castle, Disney’s Sleeping Beauty inspiration.
Along the way, travelers can explore 15th-century architecture, indulge in traditional Bavarian cuisine, and witness the dramatic transition from River Main to the Alps. The Romantic Road’s popularity has led to the development of parallel cycling and hiking trails, offering alternative ways to experience this enchanting route.
The Atlantic Road (Norway)
The Atlantic Road is a breathtaking 8.3 km stretch of highway that offers motorhome enthusiasts an unforgettable journey along the edge of the Norwegian Sea. Opened in 1989, this marvel features eight bridges linking small islands, including the famed Storseisundet Bridge, “The Bridge to Nowhere.” The Atlantic Road has been voted Norway’s “Construction of the Century” and has consistently ranked as one of the world’s best road trips in international travel guides.
Though short, the road offers viewing platforms and rest areas to enjoy coastal scenery and wildlife like seals and whales. The Atlantic Road’s design and location attract storm chasers and photographers, especially during dramatic weather.
The Route Napoléon (France)
The Route Napoléon is a historic 325 km journey that retraces the path taken by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1815 as he marched from Elba to Paris to reclaim his throne. Inaugurated in 1932, this route runs from Golfe-Juan to Grenoble, passing lavender fields, pine forests, and mountain passes. Along the way, visitors can explore charming Provençal villages, visit historic sites related to Napoleon’s march, and enjoy the region’s renowned cuisine and wines.
The Route Napoléon is marked by statues of the French Imperial Eagle, adding a touch of historical significance to this already captivating journey. This route showcases French history and offers thrilling drives with well-designed roads and stunning vistas.
The Dalmatian Coast (Croatia)
The Dalmatian Coast offers motorhome enthusiasts a stunning 350-kilometer journey along the Adriatic Sea, showcasing ancient Roman ruins, medieval towns, and pristine beaches. This route, which typically starts in Split and ends in Dubrovnik, attracted over 18 million tourists in 2023, a testament to its enduring appeal. Along the way, travelers can explore over 1,000 islands, including the popular Hvar and Korčula, known for their lavender fields and vineyards.
The route passes through five UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Diocletian’s Palace in Split and the Old City of Dubrovnik. With over 2,600 hours of sunshine per year, the Dalmatian Coast provides ideal conditions for a memorable motorhome adventure.
The Transfăgărășan Highway (Romania)
The Transfăgărășan Highway is a 90-kilometer mountain road that winds through the Southern Carpathians, offering motorhome travelers an exhilarating driving experience. Built in the 1970s for military use, this road has 830 bridges, 27 tunnels, and Romania’s longest road tunnel at 887 meters. The highway reaches an impressive altitude of 2,042 meters at its highest point, Balea Lake, where travelers can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.
Open July to November, the high-altitude Transfăgărășan draws thousands of motorhome enthusiasts yearly. The road’s popularity surged after being featured on Top Gear in 2009, with Jeremy Clarkson dubbing it “the best road in the world.”
The Black Forest Route (Germany)
The Black Forest Route is a picturesque 70-kilometer journey through one of Europe’s most enchanting regions, known for its dense evergreen forests and charming villages. Epikdrives describes this legendary road from Baden-Baden to the Swiss border, with its most breathtaking 60 km between Baden-Baden and Freudenstadt. Travelers can explore Black Forest National Park, a 10,062-hectare haven for diverse wildlife, including rare capercaillies.
The route passes through traditional cuckoo clock-making villages and offers opportunities to sample local delicacies like Black Forest ham and the famous Black Forest cake. With 23,000 km of trails and 8,000 km of cycling routes, the Black Forest Route offers endless outdoor exploration.
The Amalfi Coast Road (Italy)
The 50 km Amalfi Coast Road offers motorhome travelers stunning Mediterranean views and charming coastal towns. This UNESCO World Heritage site attracts over 5 million visitors annually, drawn by its dramatic cliffs, colorful villages, and crystal-clear waters. The route features 1,000 hairpin turns and passes through 13 municipalities, including the famous towns of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello.
Travelers can explore over 100 beaches along the coast, ranging from secluded coves to bustling seaside resorts. Ciao Amalfi notes that the completion of the Amalfi Coast Road in 1852 showcased remarkable engineering and impressive beauty.
The Ring Road (Iceland)
The Ring Road is an epic 1,332-kilometer circular route that encircles the entire island, offering motorhome travelers a comprehensive tour of Iceland’s diverse landscapes. This route, also known as Route 1, passes through 7 regions and connects most of Iceland’s inhabited areas, with about 60% of the country’s population living along its path. Travelers can explore over 10,000 waterfalls, including the famous Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, and witness the power of active volcanoes like Eyjafjallajökull.
The Ring Road leads to natural wonders like Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Myvatn, drawing over 2 million visitors yearly. Arctic Adventures explains that Iceland’s famous Ring Road encircles the country, excluding the fjords in the West and North, as well as the Snæfellsnes and Reykjanes Peninsulas.
The Algarve Coast (Portugal)
The Algarve Coast offers motorhome travelers a scenic 170 km journey with beaches, cliffs, and charming towns. This route attracts over 4 million visitors annually, drawn by its 300 days of sunshine and 88 Blue Flag beaches. Travelers can explore historic sites like the 16th-century fortress in Lagos or the Roman ruins in Vilamoura.
The Algarve’s diverse landscape includes the Ria Formosa Natural Park, home to over 20,000 birds during migration season. The Algarve’s many campsites, including top-rated Camping Armação de Pêra, make it perfect for a road trip. Sea Stories highlights the Algarve as an excellent driving destination with wide, quiet roads and stunning landscapes.
The Basque Country & Northern Spain Route (Spain/France)
The Basque Country & Northern Spain Route takes motorhome travelers on an unforgettable journey through a region rich in culture, gastronomy, and natural beauty. This 650-kilometer route links Bilbao, home to the Guggenheim Museum, with San Sebastián’s Michelin-starred dining. Nature enthusiasts can explore the rugged coastline of the Bay of Biscay or venture inland to Aizkorri-Aratz Natural Park, featuring ancient caves and endless beech woods.
The route offers a blend of experiences, from world-class surfing spots to the wine regions of La Rioja, catering to diverse interests. With campsites like Camping Galdona and Urbasa, this route offers comfortable stops for motorhome travelers exploring Basque culture.
The French Riviera Route (France)
The French Riviera Route is a glamorous 200-kilometer journey along the Mediterranean coast, offering motorhome travelers a perfect blend of luxury, culture, and natural beauty. This iconic route draws 11 million visitors yearly to its azure waters, coastal villages, and star-studded spots like Cannes and Saint-Tropez. Travelers can explore 14 natural parks, including the Mercantour National Park, home to over 2,000 plant species.
The route features numerous well-equipped campsites, with some offering direct beach access and stunning sea views. The French Riviera Route offers a unique motorhome adventure, spanning Nice’s vibrant markets to medieval Èze.
The Swiss Alps Route (Switzerland)
The Swiss Alps Route offers motorhome travelers a breathtaking 1,000-kilometer journey through stunning alpine scenery. This route takes travelers past iconic peaks like the Matterhorn and through picturesque valleys, showcasing 48 mountains over 4,000 meters high. Along the way, visitors can explore charming mountain villages, crystal-clear lakes, and world-famous ski resorts like Zermatt and St. Moritz.
The Swiss Alps boast an extensive network of well-maintained roads and tunnels, including the 16.9-kilometer-long Gotthard Road Tunnel, ensuring smooth travel for motorhomes. Nomad Road Trips describes this 812 km journey as traversing the Swiss Alps from east to west, based on the ‘Grand Tour of Switzerland’ route connecting major attractions.
The Baltic Coastal Route (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania)
The Baltic Coastal Route offers a unique 1,000-kilometer motorhome journey with diverse cultures, beaches, and history. This route spans three countries, showcasing Tallinn’s medieval charm, Riga’s Art Nouveau, and Vilnius’s baroque beauty. Nature lovers can explore five national parks along the way, including Estonia’s Lahemaa National Park, home to diverse wildlife and picturesque bogs.
With 100 plus stopovers, including Klaipėda’s coastal sites, this route offers convenient, scenic overnight stays. Visit Estonia describes the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route as part of the European E9 trail, running along the Baltic Sea coast.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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