12 Breathtaking Roads That Will Make You Gasp in Amazement

Lifestyles

Traffic jams, the daily commute; somehow everyday driving never quite lives up to the endless roads they show in car commercials. If you dream of just packing a bag, filling up the tank, and seeing where the wind takes you, now might be the perfect time to take that road trip on one of these jaw-droppingly scenic roads.

Great Ocean Road, Australia

This 151-mile route has it all: mind-blowing scenery, wide expansive roads, and you might even spot a kangaroo or two along the way.

Alaska Highway, Canada — Alaska

If the thought of winding mountain roads and grizzly bear encounters doesn’t put you off, you will be rewarded with some incredible views over the glittering lakes of the Rockies.

Romantic Road, Germany

If driving through countryside straight out of a fairytale is your thing, head to Germany. This mythically beautiful route will take you through medieval towns and flourishing meadows.

Atlantic Ocean Road, Norway

You might not have heard of it, but this dramatic coastal route that takes you over the iconic Storseisundet Bridge is one of the world’s best for road-tripping holiday makers.

Karakoram Highway, Pakistan

This road is the highest paved international road in the world, connecting Western China and Pakistan. The peak point of the highway is right at the border of these countries: at about 4,800 m, it’s almost as tall as Mont Blanc, which is 4,810 m, and 400 m higher than Mount Whitney, the tallest peak of the 48 contiguous US states. Just imagine the view from it!

North Coast 500, Scotland

This relative newcomer to the road-tripping scene offers all who travel its 500 miles a slice of Scottish soul in the form of fairytale castles, rugged beaches, and atmospheric ruins.

Ring Road, Iceland

Often, and justifiably, called the Ultimate Road Trip, a drive through Iceland’s stunning and other-worldly landscapes is one you will never forget. Volcanoes, fjords, and geothermal pools — you definitely won’t experience this kind of scenery on Route 66.

Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria

Not one for the faint-hearted, this route climbs Alpine peaks reaching over 8,000 feet. At the top you’ll be rewarded by golden eagles circling in the bluest, clearest sky imaginable.

Trans-Andean Highway, Chile — Argentina

Spanning two spectacular countries, this sensational 226-mile road runs from Santiago in Chile to Mendoza in Argentina, so remember to pack your passport in the glove box.

Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia — North Carolina

Utter bliss for those who just want to drive and drive, this route doesn’t have a single stop sign or traffic light. Though you might want to occasionally admire the romantic blue haze that lingers around the mountains from a distance.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

Lush mountains, colorful villages, and crystal-clear waters: it’s no wonder this coastal route features in so many movies and is officially recognized as a World Heritage site.

Milford Road (Highway 94), New Zealand

Thanks to the Lord of the Rings trilogy, New Zealand’s heart-stopping beauty is no secret anymore. But luckily you can still drive for miles and miles without seeing anything but forests, mountains, and lakes.....and perhaps a hobbit if you’re really lucky.