One of the most visited tourist destinations in Norway, the Atlantic Road (a literary translation of Atlanterhavsveien) is a wonderful drive. A relatively short route of around 5 miles, the experience is very much one of fantastic scenery and being close to the awesome power of nature.

View of the Atlanterhavsveien ©Arno van den Tillaart

The route is essentially a string of links between small outlying islands, taking the form of winding roads and numerous bridges, close to the sea at all times. The construction of some of these bridges is just amazing, indeed the road in it’s totality won the award of Norway’s “Engineering Feat of the Century” in 2005, and it isn’t difficult to see why.

Looking back at the history of the road, there had always been a wish to link the outlying islands and communities to the mainland, and initially this took the form of plans for a rail link. These plans were shelved in the 1930′s, however much later in the 1970′s the idea was resurrected but this time as a road link to carry lorries and cars. With hurricanes not being uncommon in the area, workers battled through as many as 12 during the construction of the road, which then opened in 1983.

Stopping place on the Atlantic Road ©Seansie

The road extends the existing highway RV64, with the Atlantic Road beginning in the town of Kristiansund and terminating on the island of Averøy, the furthest point of land before the great expanse of the ocean begins. The bridges on route are spectacular, often not far above the ocean itself, and are a stunning drive whatever the season or weather. The wild weather of winter and the hurricanes in autumn bring thrill seekers to the location to attempt to drive the road battling the elements. Spring and summer are a more tranquil time to visit, where drivers are rewarded with wonderful views and opportunities to get out of the car to admire the surroundings.

Fishing is very popular in the summer, with both tourists and locals setting up just beside the road. Nature lovers will enjoy the bird life, and occasional spottings of seals; there are even reports that whales have been seen in the waters. Other highlights en route are the town of Molde and the Kvernes stave church which dates back to the 14th century.

Whichever season this route is travelled, you can be sure of a spectacular drive.

Bridge on the Atlantic Route ©Ernst Vikne

The Transfagarasan Route ©Coco_ro

Looking back at the history of the road, it dates back to 1970 as a response to when the Soviet Union invaded Czechoslovakia in 1968. Former Romanian dictator Ceausescu ordered the construction of a route which would allow their military to easily cross the mountainous area should they need to protect the borders of Romania to a similar threat in the future. The Transfagarasan route was then built (also known as the DN7C), to this day still one of the highest roads in Europe.

Driving the route either by car or motorbike can be driven either from north to south or vice versa. The route is divided by a tunnel through the mountains which is almost 890 meters long and completely unlit. Not only does the tunnel divide valleys, the scenery is strikingly different on each side also. On the northern side the view is barren and snowy, whereas the southern is lush and green and noticeably warmer. With 27 viaducts and bridges, tight corners, and narrow roads it is no surprise that 40 km/hour is the average speed for the road, and driving this highway at speed is not an option.

The Vidraru Dam which the Transfagarasan Route passes ©bortescristian

Notable highlights of the route include the Poienari fortress, whose former resident Vlad III the Impaler was Bram Stoker’s inspiration for the character of Dracula.  Balea Waterfall and Glaciar Lake, and the Vidraru Lake and Dam are also wonderful sights.

It is best to plan carefully when to take on this drive as it usually closes from October until June, although it’s not uncommon for it to close for some time over the summer months also due to snowfall! At times the drive can seem a little isolated and remote, so best to carry out all the checks to make sure the car is up to the challenge before you set off, and no matter what the season, warm clothing is a must. It may sound like quite a bit of planning, however once you get going you will be rewarded with one of the most amazing and unforgettable drives you can experience.

View over the vineyards ©Trubble

The Alsace wine route (Route de Vins) take a path through the beautiful traditional towns, villages and vineyards of Alsace, forming one of the most popular wine routes in France. The winding highway passes endless colourful vineyards and half-timbered houses, beautiful flower displays and stunning scenery with views up towards the mountains. It is a fantastic way to experience the region, and get first hand insight into the produce for which the area is so famous.

Starting out near Strasbourg in the town of Marlenheim, the route travels over 170 km south to Thann. Running along the base of the Vosges Mountains, the Alsace region is sheltered from the elements, experiencing one of the lowest rainfalls in France.

The town of Colmar, passed through on route ©timo_w2s

Of course one of the most important reasons why visitors come to this area is the wine, and there is no shortage of opportunities to experience the wine making process or taste the different varieties. Wine taverns (winstuben) can be found in the different towns the route passes through, where wines can be tasted in a traditional and atmospheric setting. Strolling through the different vineyards along well marked paths, visitors can find out about the wine growers and the variety of grapes being grown by reading signs and information boards.

The most famous wines of the region are white wines, particularly Riesling, however a small amout of rosé and red wine is produced with the pinot noir grapes. Wine is not the only local produce which can be sampled and enjoyed in this area. Ribeaupierre cheese is a notable highlight, a creamy white variety made in one of the larger towns, Ribeauville. Also worth a visit is the Kronenbourg brewery in Strasbourg, which is open to tourists and visitors to learn more about the brewing process and sample some of the beers produced.

Route through one of the Alsace vineyards ©Francios Schnell

Driving the Alsace wine route is a great way to experience all that the region has to offer. With so many surrounding towns and villages, there is plenty of opportunity to break away from the beaten track and explore deeper into the region to discover hidden gems One tip – look out for the storks of Alsace on many of the roofs and buildings you drive past – you can see them in large nests high above the ground.

Zahara de la Sierra overlooking the lake ©Nimux Vale

Translated into English, Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos means ‘Route of the White Villages’ which beautifully describes the nature of this scenic drive. The route passes through many different towns and villages located in the Cádiz province of Andalusia, all of which feature the iconic bright white houses and buildings for which this area is so famous for. Far more than merely just looking good, this whitewash regularly applied by the residents reflects the strong heat of the midday sun, inadvertently creating a dazzling display which is beautiful to behold.

This driving route captures the essence of Andalusia, and also Spain as a whole. You can really soak up the history and atmosphere in each of the small towns and villages you pass through, unspoiled by tourism of large waves of visitors often associated with other parts. This area has both a Muslim and Christian past, which can clearly be seen in the different buildings and architecture of the area.

Arcos de la Frontera ©Cayetano

The drive traditionally starts at Arcos de la Frontera, however it can be taken in the opposite direction or started at any of the points on route. Arcos de la Frontera is a Historic Artistic Site and features many beautiful Churches. It’s location high up on a large mountainous rock means that it was utilised by the Romans for it’s defensive vantage point and strategic location. Continuing on from here, the route passes along the historically significant River Guadalete (site of the Muslim invasion of the area in the Battle of Guadalete) and onto further villages dotted in the green hillsides.

Olvera is a town nestled within the olive plantation hills of Andalusia, producing quality olive oil as it’s main economy. There are also the features of a beautiful Church and Arab castle, testaments to different eras of this area’s history. Of note to those interested in wildlife, there is large colony of Andalusian Leonado Vultures on a rocky section near to the town centre.

Ubrique ©Trabajo propio

Zahara de la Sierra is in a beautiful location, high on a mountain top only to be reached by travelling over the lake over which it looks. It is an important town on the Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos, featuring an old Moorish castle and also an English speaking tourist bureau to help with directions and information for the area. The route also passes through the town of Ubrique which still has a strong memory of it’s Arab past, El Bosque with it’s Roman castle, and many many other locations.

This is a beautiful drive to fully submerge into the Andalucian countryside and Spanish way of life. With spectacular scenery and beautiful villages, this route allows you to see the best of the area, while still keeping off the main tourist track.

The Flower of Life Memorial ©Mikhail Gruznov

Far less a route noted for it’s scenic beauty, the Road of Life (doroga zhizni) in Russia is of great historical importance. During World War II, Leningrad (now St. Petersberg) was blockaded from the rest of Russia by Finnish and German forces, ensuring no supplies could reach the city, and no one could leave. During this terribly dark period, some hope for those living in Leningrad came from it’s proximity (just under 50 km away) to Lake Ladoga. Supplies and evacuees travelled this route from Leningrad to the perimeter of the lake, and then crossed over the lake by boat in the summer time, or a specially constructed ice road in the winter when the lake froze over.

A memorial marker on the Road of Life marking 17km

Building this route was very dangerous; workers were under fire from the enemy forces from both land and  air, and the conditions of the ice road itself meant it could be a perilous task. Those building and working on the road to keep the precious communication channel open numbered over 20,000, all of whom showed great courage for the role they played. The route provided a vital life line for Leningrad, and many lives were saved with the supplies that could be brought in and the evacuation possibilities it offered.

These days, the road is a world heritage site; the route from St Petersberg to the Lake Ladoga is lined with 46 memorial markers (one for each km) and 7 different monuments. The Flower of Life is a memorial to the lives of thousands of children, and details the pages of a diary of a schoolgirl from Leningrad. On the shores of Lake Ladoga is The Broken Ring memorial complex, which is a statue in the shape of an anti-aircraft cannon. These were used to protect the road from air strikes during the siege, and all those who operated them played a hugely important role. There is also a Road of Life museum with many displays and artefacts to document the bravery of all those involved.

View of Lake Ladoga ©Alessio Re

Possibly verging on dark tourism, this driving route none the less has such an important story to tell about the history of this area, and wartime on a wider scale. The drive is lined with birch trees, and Lake Ladoga is truly beautiful when you arrive on it’s shores. It is in the top 15 largest freshwater reservoirs in the world and is home to many different types of plants and animals, including the Lake Ladoga Ringed Seal which is found exclusively in the waters of this lake.

View of the Dybbol Windmill ©Arne List

The Daisy Route (or Marguerite Route, Margueritruten in Danish) is thought to be the best way to see Denmark in all its glory. Passing through stunningly beautiful countryside and past many important tourist attractions, it is the main tourist route through Denmark. The way is marked by roadside brown signs with the highly recognisable white marguerite daisy flower motif, and can be followed in either direction.

The route was founded in April 1991 by the Danish Queen Margrethe II, and befitting of her favourite flower, was given its daisy symbol. The daisy is also the national flower of Denmark. Since then it has been a popular route for drivers to discover beautifully scenic roads, and hidden gem towns and villages while still linking all the major tourist and family destinations. Highlights include Egeskov Castle (Europe’s best preserved Renaissance Water Castle), the Dybbøl Mill, Kronborg’s fantastic castle and of course Legoland. In all, the route passes through over 100 major attractions, providing a real change from a direct drive along one of the main highways to reach these destinations.

The highly recognisable Marguerite Route signs ©Niels Jeberg

The drive is actually made up of 14 individual routes joined together to form over 3500km of roads. The sheer length of this route means that it also provides insight into areas of Denmark less frequently travelled by tourists, to parts which you wouldn’t normally see. The terrain is mainly smaller country roads or minor highways, and at some points can be very narrow or pass under low bridges. It is only really recommended for cars or motorcyclists as camper vans/caravans or trailers can encounter problems on these minor roads.

Part of the route holds special significance to those who have read the stories of Hans Christian Andersen, as it passes many of the places in which he stayed and visited. The rooms where he stayed in Holsteinborg Castle can even be visited by prior arrangement should you wish to do so.

View of Kronborg Castle ©Riktov

Many guide books on Denmark cover the different sights, towns and villages on the route, and self touring guides can be purchased form the Danish Tourist offices. On maps, the route is marked by a green line or dots. One word of warning if following the sign posts, they are sometimes stolen by those seeking a souvenir with no thought to those following who will be looking out for the marker!