Norway: Where Every Bend Reveals a Masterpiece
Norway is a country where the road itself feels like a work of art. The Atlantic Road, stretching a modest 8 kilometers, is often called the world’s most beautiful drive—its serpentine bridges leap from island to island, with the wild sea crashing below. According to the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, more than 1 million visitors traveled this route in the last year alone, making it a magnet for road trip lovers. Beyond the Atlantic Road, the Lofoten Islands offer a surreal mix of jagged peaks and calm, turquoise bays that seem to glow in the midnight sun. In 2024, the Global Road Trip Index crowned Norway as the world’s top country for scenic drives, citing its pristine natural beauty and superb infrastructure. Even locals often say that every season brings a new personality to the views—icy blue in winter, lush green in summer, and burning orange in autumn. Roadside villages are storybook-perfect, bursting with wooden houses and fishing boats. Driving here feels like traveling through a living postcard, with every kilometer offering another gasp-worthy view.
New Zealand: Where Nature is the Main Character
New Zealand is a land where every road feels like a gateway to adventure. The famous Milford Road, leading to the stunning Milford Sound, is lined with rainforests, mirror-like lakes, and jaw-dropping waterfalls that tumble down sheer cliffs. In 2023, over 3 million international travelers came to New Zealand, with many naming road trips as their top reason for visiting, according to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. The North Island’s rolling green hills shift dramatically to the South Island’s snow-capped alps, making even short drives a constantly changing spectacle. The country’s commitment to conservation shows in its 13 national parks and strict environmental protections—meaning the landscapes remain unspoiled and wild. For the eco-minded, New Zealand’s roads are dotted with electric vehicle charging stations, a nod to its green future. Movie fans will recognize backdrops from “The Lord of the Rings,” and locals love to share stories about secret beaches or hidden hot springs just off the beaten track. Every journey here feels like a new chapter in a fantasy novel.
Canada: Endless Horizons and Wild Beauty
Canada’s vastness means endless opportunity for scenic road trips. The Icefields Parkway, which links Jasper and Banff National Parks, is often described as one of the most beautiful highways on Earth. In 2025, Parks Canada reported that more than 1.5 million people drove this road, eager to see turquoise lakes, ancient glaciers, and roaming wildlife like bears and elk. The Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia is another contender, hugging the rugged coastline and winding through sleepy fishing villages. Canada’s roads are generally wide and well-kept, making even long journeys comfortable for families or solo adventurers. The diversity of landscapes is staggering—from the towering Rocky Mountains out west to the endless forests and lakes of Ontario, and the dramatic cliffs of the east coast. Summer brings wildflowers and crystal-clear waters, while autumn transforms the scenery into a riot of red and gold. For those craving solitude, Canada’s sheer size means you can drive for hours with nothing but mountains or forests for company.
Australia: Cliffs, Rainforests, and Ocean Views
Australia’s Great Ocean Road is a rite of passage for travelers, attracting over 9 million visitors in 2024, as reported by Tourism Australia. This 240-kilometer stretch showcases dramatic limestone stacks known as the Twelve Apostles, windswept beaches, and rugged cliffs that seem to tumble into the sea. Further north, the Pacific Coast Highway offers glimpses of dolphins leaping through surf and whales breaching offshore. The road from Cairns to Cape Tribulation takes you through ancient rainforests where the trees are older than the dinosaurs. Aussies are fiercely proud of their coastline, and it shows in how meticulously these routes are maintained. National parks dot the journey, offering places to pull over and picnic beside kangaroos or spot koalas in eucalyptus trees. The changing light at sunset and sunrise paints the scenery in unforgettable colors, turning even a routine drive into a magical experience. Australia’s open roads invite you to roll down the windows, crank up the music, and let the salty breeze fill your lungs.
South Africa: A Symphony of Land and Sea
South Africa’s Garden Route is a 300-kilometer stretch that weaves together mountains, forests, lagoons, and pristine beaches. In 2023, Garden Route National Park welcomed over 1 million visitors, making it one of the continent’s most beloved road trip destinations. The drive from Mossel Bay to Storms River is full of surprises—one moment you’re surrounded by dense forest; the next, you’re gazing over endless blue ocean. Towns like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay offer cozy stops for oysters and sunsets that linger long after the last light. Adventurers can detour inland to explore caves or bungee jump from the Bloukrans Bridge—the highest in Africa. South Africa’s roads are generally in good condition, and there’s a sense of wild freedom here that’s hard to match. Conservation efforts have ensured that native animals, from elephants to rare birds, still thrive along the route, making every stop an opportunity for discovery. The Garden Route is more than just a drive; it’s a journey through the heart of South Africa’s natural beauty.
Switzerland: Postcard-Perfect Passes and Lakes
Switzerland’s alpine roads are legendary, drawing more than 2 million tourists in 2025, according to the Swiss Tourism Federation. Mountain passes like Grimsel and Furka snake through high peaks, offering dizzying views of glaciers, emerald valleys, and crystal-clear lakes. Swiss roads are famously well-maintained, and efficient signage makes navigation a breeze, even for visitors. Trains and cable cars often run beside the road, creating a fairytale landscape where modern life and nature blend seamlessly. Driving here feels like stepping into a snow globe, especially when spring wildflowers or autumn leaves light up the hillsides. Roadside villages are straight out of a storybook, with wooden chalets and cows grazing on impossibly green pastures. Switzerland’s commitment to sustainability is clear—electric vehicles are encouraged, and charging stations are common even in remote alpine areas. The air is clean, the water is pure, and every route promises breathtaking vistas around every bend.
Iceland: Where Earth’s Power is on Display
Iceland is a land of fire and ice, and its Ring Road offers a front-row seat to the planet’s raw forces at work. In 2024, the Icelandic Tourist Board reported that more than 1.5 million travelers drove this iconic circuit, eager to witness waterfalls that thunder from cliffs, geysers that erupt sky-high, and black sand beaches that stretch to the horizon. The Golden Circle route, a shorter loop, is packed with jaw-dropping sights like the Gullfoss waterfall and the steaming Geysir geothermal area. Iceland’s roads are easy to navigate, even for first-timers, with plenty of pull-offs for photo ops or hot springs dips. The landscapes change quickly—one minute you’re surrounded by mossy lava fields, the next you’re staring at glaciers or steaming vents. The island’s commitment to clean energy means the air feels as fresh as the scenery looks. Locals are famously welcoming and quick to share tips about hidden gems just off the main route. Every drive here feels like an epic saga, where nature is the undisputed star.
Countries to Skip: United States—Too Much Traffic, Not Enough Magic
The United States is famous for road trips, but in recent years, its reputation has taken a hit. The Interstate Highway System, while efficient, often lacks the jaw-dropping beauty found in other countries. In 2023, INRIX reported that traffic congestion in major U.S. cities cost the economy a staggering $166 billion annually. Road maintenance can be inconsistent, especially in rural areas where potholes are common. Many of the most scenic routes, like the Pacific Coast Highway or Blue Ridge Parkway, are plagued by heavy traffic during peak seasons, turning what should be a relaxing trip into a test of patience. Wildfires and extreme weather have also increasingly affected accessibility to scenic areas in the western states. Urban sprawl means that long stretches are often dominated by strip malls and billboards rather than natural beauty. While there are still pockets of splendor, the overall driving experience is often diminished by gridlock, roadwork, and the sheer scale of the country. Travelers looking for uninterrupted natural vistas might find better luck elsewhere.
Countries to Skip: China—Congestion Overpowers Scenery
China boasts some spectacular landscapes, but driving through them is often more stressful than scenic. In 2024, the TomTom Traffic Index listed Beijing and Shanghai among the world’s most congested cities, with average commute times exceeding 60 minutes per day. Pollution remains a significant issue, with air quality frequently reaching unhealthy levels in major urban centers. Even outside the cities, reaching scenic areas like the Karakoram Highway or the rural countryside can be challenging due to complicated permit requirements and sometimes rough road conditions. Large infrastructure projects and ongoing construction can cause sudden detours or lengthy delays. While China’s highways are modern, the sheer volume of vehicles—over 300 million registered cars as reported by China’s Ministry of Public Security—means jams are a daily reality. For international visitors, language barriers and limited roadside services add another layer of difficulty. While the country is vast and beautiful, the driving experience often falls short of the relaxed, awe-inspiring journeys found in other parts of the world.
