As the golden hues of summer fade and the chill of autumn settles in, Europe’s scenic routes become even more magical. From Ireland’s rugged coastlines to Romania’s dramatic mountain roads, fall is the perfect time to embrace a road trip. We’ve curated the best autumn drives, using a combination of iconic favorites and hidden gems across Europe.
Top Routes for Autumn
From the breathtaking views along Ireland’s Ring of Kerry to the twisting hairpin turns of Romania’s Transfagarasan Highway, the list highlights the most picturesque routes to explore this fall. Whether you’re chasing the vibrant foliage or the quiet serenity of winding roads, these drives have it all.
1. Ring of Kerry, Ireland (111 miles)
Scenic Drive Score: 100.0
Topping our list is Ireland’s most famous scenic route — the Ring of Kerry. This 111-mile loop around the Iveragh Peninsula is a feast for the eyes, with rugged coastlines, deep lakes, and ancient ruins. But it’s the fall foliage that truly steals the show. As the leaves turn vibrant gold and copper, the views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding mountains are even more enchanting.
While the roads here may be narrow and parking spots limited, that’s part of the allure. The Ring of Kerry isn’t overcrowded — it’s authentic and peaceful, offering a truly immersive experience of Ireland’s natural beauty. It may be popular, but it never feels overrun.
2. Norwegian Scenic Route Hardanger, Norway (98 miles)
Scenic Drive Score: 94.9
Norway’s Hardanger route gives you the full autumn experience — fjords, mountains, and forests filled with autumn colours. With towering cliffs and quiet waterfalls lining the route, it’s easy to understand why this scenic drive ranks second. The route stretches for nearly 100 miles, offering views that seem straight out of a postcard.
Autumn here is spectacular, as the forested hillsides come alive with shades of red, orange, and yellow. The route is well-maintained, with good tourist infrastructure, making it one of the more accessible options for those looking to explore Norway’s dramatic landscapes without venturing too far off the beaten path.
Read also: Insider’s guide to Norway
3. Transfagarasan Highway, Romania (94 miles)
Scenic Drive Score: 92.7
For those seeking adventure, Romania’s Transfagarasan Highway delivers one of the most thrilling autumn drives in Europe. This winding mountain pass climbs through the Carpathian Mountains, offering hairpin bends and awe-inspiring vistas. The fall foliage here is nothing short of spectacular, with beech forests blanketing the hillsides and mountain lakes reflecting the deep autumn hues.
It’s not the easiest route to navigate — with its narrow roads and seasonal closures — but that’s part of the allure. If you’re looking for a drive that feels like a true journey, the Transfagarasan Highway won’t disappoint.
4. Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland (1,615 miles)
Scenic Drive Score: 90.3
For those who prefer a long road trip with a variety of landscapes, the Wild Atlantic Way is a must. Stretching across 1,615 miles of rugged Irish coastline, this route offers everything from dramatic sea cliffs and sandy beaches to quaint fishing villages. While the autumn foliage isn’t as pronounced along the coast, the Wild Atlantic Way more than makes up for it with its raw, untouched beauty.
Whether you take it in segments or commit to the full journey, the Wild Atlantic Way offers an experience of Ireland that’s pure and unspoiled, with plenty of space for reflection as you cruise along the open roads.
Related: Best long distance hikes in Europe
5. Serra da Estrela Scenic Drive, Portugal (75 miles)
Scenic Drive Score: 88.7
Portugal’s highest mountain range, Serra da Estrela, is a hidden gem for autumn drives. This 75-mile route through glacial valleys and rugged peaks offers a different kind of beauty — the dramatic mountain landscapes are matched by the golden glow of the forests that line the road.
With autumn temperatures dropping and the roads winding through narrow mountain passes, Serra da Estrela’s charm lies in its quiet solitude. The route may be a little more challenging, but the reward is a tranquil journey through Portugal’s most picturesque highlands.
6. Verdon Gorge Circuit, France (87 miles)
Scenic Drive Score: 88.5
The Verdon Gorge is often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Europe,” and for good reason. This stunning 87-mile route winds through the limestone cliffs of the gorge, offering dramatic views of turquoise waters and vibrant autumn foliage.
With its towering cliffs and meandering rivers, this drive offers an unforgettable experience for those who love a good dose of drama in their road trip. It’s the perfect mix of natural beauty and the thrill of winding mountain roads.
Good to know: While the roads can be a bit tricky, the stunning views are more than worth it.
Related: France for lovers of the great outdoors
7. Picos de Europa, Spain (68 miles)
Scenic Drive Score: 88.1
Spain’s Picos de Europa offers a stunning mix of alpine scenery and vibrant autumn hues. This 68-mile route through the northern mountains is known for its breathtaking views of jagged peaks and lush valleys. In autumn, the forests come alive with golds and reds, making it one of the most picturesque drives on the continent.
While the route can be a little tricky to navigate, the beauty of the landscape makes it well worth the effort. If you’re a fan of both mountain scenery and autumn colours, this is a must-do drive with tons of awesome hikes to explore!
8. Algarve Coast Drive, Portugal (96 miles)
Scenic Drive Score: 86.2
If you’re looking for a coastal drive with a bit of everything — sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, and charming coastal towns — the Algarve coast is hard to beat. While it may not have the dense autumn foliage of other routes, the stunning coastlines and quieter roads in the fall make for a peaceful and relaxing drive.
Autumn in the Algarve is mild, making it a perfect option for those looking for a leisurely road trip that combines beachside views with the warm, golden tones of the changing season.
9. Romantic Road, Germany (257 miles)
Scenic Drive Score: 85.2
Germany’s Romantic Road is a classic route that spans 257 miles, offering charming medieval towns, castles, and rolling vineyards. Autumn is the ideal time to explore this iconic drive, as the vineyards burst into shades of red and orange. The road is well-developed and easy to navigate, making it one of the more accessible options on this list.
While it’s one of the more touristy routes, the magic of autumn in the Bavarian countryside is undeniable. From the quaint town of Füssen to the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, the Romantic Road offers a fairy-tale experience, especially when the fall colours add an extra touch of enchantment.
10. Route des Grandes Alpes, France (425 miles)
Scenic Drive Score: 80.5
For those looking for a more epic adventure, the Route des Grandes Alpes spans 425 miles through the French Alps, offering sweeping views of snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and winding mountain roads. The fall season adds a layer of beauty to the already stunning landscape, with vibrant colours contrasting against the dramatic backdrop of the mountains.
While the route can be a bit challenging due to its altitude and winding roads, the views and the feeling of driving or jumping on a scenic train ride through the heart of the Alps make it a truly special experience.
Road Trip Tips for Autumn Travel
Pack Layers: Autumn weather can be unpredictable, especially in the mountains, so make sure to pack plenty of layers to stay comfortable.
Timing is Key: For the best autumn colours, aim for mid-October to early November. This is when the trees are most vibrant, especially in places like Ireland and the Carpathian Mountains.
Fuel Up: Some of these routes, especially the more remote ones, have long stretches between fuel stations. Always fill up when you can.
Embrace the Slow Travel Vibe: Autumn – and early winter – are all about slowing down. Take the time to pull over at scenic spots, visit charming villages, and embrace the beauty of the changing season. The journey is just as important as the destination.
As you plot your autumn getaway, remember that these roads aren’t just about the destination — they’re about the experience, the beauty, and the stillness of the season. With fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and landscapes alive with colour, this is the perfect time to hit the road and discover Europe’s hidden gems. And who knows? Maybe this autumn road trip will become a yearly tradition, one you’ll return to time and time again.
So, grab your jacket, pack a thermos of coffee, and get ready to roll — Europe’s waiting, and the open road has never looked more inviting.
Methodology
To bring you this list, we used a data-driven approach, evaluating 20 popular European routes. Here’s how we did it:
Route Identification: Routes were selected from a mix of iconic drives and hidden gems, sourced from tourism boards, guidebooks, and trusted travel sources like Lonely Planet and National Geographic.
Scoring Criteria: Each route was rated on a 1-5 scale for:
Scenery: Mountains, lakes, coastlines, heritage sites (40%)
Foliage: Autumn colours from deciduous woods to moorland (25%)
Accessibility: Road quality, ease of drive, infrastructure (15%)
Popularity: Based on Google Trends data from the past 12 months (20%)
Final Score: All factors were weighted and combined to produce a Scenic Drive Score, with the highest-ranking route given a score of 100.
These rankings reveal not just the most visually stunning drives, but also the routes with the best seasonal colour, accessibility, and overall travel experience.
A special thanks to Ovoko, the European marketplace for used car parts, for helping us analyze these routes based on road quality and accessibility. You can learn more about their sustainable solutions here.
