Top Scenic Drives in the World
1. Pacific Coast Highway, USA
Location: California, USA
Length: Approximately 655 miles (1,055 km)
The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as California State Route 1, is renowned for its dramatic coastline and picturesque ocean views. Stretching from the vibrant city of San Francisco to the sunny beaches of Southern California, this drive offers breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean, rugged cliffs, and charming coastal towns. Key highlights include the Big Sur coastline, where the road hugs the cliffs and offers panoramic views of the crashing waves below. The drive also passes through the picturesque towns of Monterey and Carmel, each with its own unique charm.
2. The Great Ocean Road, Australia
Location: Victoria, Australia
Length: Approximately 150 miles (243 km)
The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia's most iconic drives, offering spectacular views of the Southern Ocean and the famous Twelve Apostles rock formations. This coastal route winds through lush rainforests, past stunning beaches, and along cliffs that provide dramatic views of the ocean. Key stops include the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and the Otway National Park. The drive also offers opportunities for wildlife sightings, including koalas and kangaroos.
3. The Ring Road, Iceland
Location: Iceland
Length: Approximately 828 miles (1,332 km)
The Ring Road, or Route 1, encircles Iceland and provides access to the island's diverse landscapes. This drive takes you past volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, and geothermal areas, offering a comprehensive tour of Iceland's natural wonders. Highlights include the stunning waterfalls of Gullfoss and Seljalandsfoss, the black sand beaches of Vík, and the geothermal spa of Mývatn. The drive is particularly captivating during the winter months, when the Northern Lights are visible.
4. The Transfagarasan Highway, Romania
Location: Romania
Length: Approximately 56 miles (90 km)
The Transfagarasan Highway is often considered one of the most scenic drives in Europe due to its serpentine twists and turns that traverse the Făgăraș Mountains. Built during the communist era, this high-altitude road offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks, valleys, and glacial lakes. Key attractions include Bâlea Lake, a glacial lake situated at an altitude of 6,677 feet (2,036 meters), and the spectacular Vidraru Dam. The drive is open seasonally, typically from June to October, due to snow conditions.
5. Stelvio Pass, Italy
Location: Northern Italy
Length: Approximately 17 miles (28 km)
Stelvio Pass is famous for its challenging twists and turns, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts. Located in the Italian Alps, this pass reaches an elevation of 9,045 feet (2,757 meters) and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. The route includes 48 hairpin bends and provides panoramic vistas of the Alps. The drive is particularly popular in the summer months when the snow has melted, revealing the dramatic alpine landscape.
6. The Icefields Parkway, Canada
Location: Alberta, Canada
Length: Approximately 143 miles (230 km)
The Icefields Parkway connects Jasper National Park and Banff National Park, offering one of the most scenic drives in Canada. The route provides stunning views of glaciers, turquoise lakes, and rugged mountain landscapes. Key attractions include the Columbia Icefield, Athabasca Falls, and the beautiful Lake Louise. The drive is renowned for its dramatic scenery and abundant wildlife, including elk and bighorn sheep.
7. Route 66, USA
Location: United States
Length: Approximately 2,448 miles (3,940 km)
Known as the "Main Street of America," Route 66 stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica and offers a nostalgic journey through American history. While not necessarily the most scenic in terms of natural beauty, this iconic route passes through a variety of landscapes and historical sites, including the deserts of Arizona, the plains of Missouri, and the urban sprawl of Los Angeles. Key stops include the Grand Canyon, the Cadillac Ranch, and the historic town of Route 66.
8. The Trollstigen, Norway
Location: Norway
Length: Approximately 10 miles (16 km)
The Trollstigen, or "Troll's Ladder," is a famous serpentine road that climbs steeply through the Norwegian mountains. The drive is known for its hairpin bends and dramatic elevation changes, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding fjords and waterfalls. Highlights include the Stigfossen waterfall and the panoramic viewpoints that provide stunning vistas of the valley below. The road is typically open from late May to October.
9. The Sella Ronda, Italy
Location: Northern Italy
Length: Approximately 35 miles (56 km)
The Sella Ronda is a circular route that traverses the Dolomites, offering spectacular alpine scenery and picturesque mountain villages. The drive provides panoramic views of the towering Dolomite peaks and passes through several charming towns, including Corvara and Canazei. The route is popular with both drivers and cyclists, particularly during the summer months when the weather is favorable.
10. The Karakoram Highway, Pakistan/China
Location: Pakistan/China
Length: Approximately 800 miles (1,300 km)
The Karakoram Highway is one of the highest paved roads in the world, connecting Pakistan with China. The drive offers dramatic views of the Karakoram mountain range, including peaks such as K2, the second-highest mountain in the world. The route traverses rugged terrain and high-altitude passes, providing a challenging but rewarding journey through some of the most remote and stunning landscapes on the planet.
Summary Table
| Scenic Drive | Location | Length | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pacific Coast Highway | USA | 655 miles | Big Sur, Monterey, Carmel |
| Great Ocean Road | Australia | 150 miles | Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Otway National Park |
| Ring Road | Iceland | 828 miles | Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss, Vík, Mývatn |
| Transfagarasan Highway | Romania | 56 miles | Bâlea Lake, Vidraru Dam |
| Stelvio Pass | Italy | 17 miles | Hairpin bends, alpine views |
| Icefields Parkway | Canada | 143 miles | Columbia Icefield, Athabasca Falls, Lake Louise |
| Route 66 | USA | 2,448 miles | Grand Canyon, Cadillac Ranch, historic towns |
| Trollstigen | Norway | 10 miles | Stigfossen waterfall, panoramic viewpoints |
| Sella Ronda | Italy | 35 miles | Dolomite peaks, mountain villages |
| Karakoram Highway | Pakistan/China | 800 miles | K2, rugged terrain, high-altitude passes |
Exploring these scenic drives provides an opportunity to experience some of the world's most beautiful landscapes, each offering a unique perspective on nature's grandeur. Whether you are seeking dramatic coastal views, alpine adventures, or historical journeys, these routes are sure to leave a lasting impression.
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