Best Overlanding Routes in Europe
- Overland Malta
- Mar 30
- 7 min read
Updated: May 12
Europe is a paradise for overlanders, offering everything from rugged off-road trails to scenic coastal drives and historical routes. Whether you're looking for a multi-week expedition or a short weekend getaway, there’s a route for every kind of adventurer. This guide covers 50 of the best overlanding routes in Europe across the continent, ranging from legendary off-road trails to scenic road trips through stunning landscapes and hidden gems.
Best Overland Routes in Europe
Length: Over 51,000 km
Duration: Months (or segmented trips)
Countries: 30+ across Europe
Highlights: Off-road adventure through mountains, forests, and remote villages
Best for: Adventure seekers who enjoy technical off-roading and wild camping
Length: ~1,000 km
Duration: 7-10 days
Countries: France, Spain, Andorra
Highlights: High-altitude trails, alpine landscapes, ancient ruins
Best for: A mix of greenlaning and off-road driving with scenic wild camping spots
Length: ~2,000 km
Duration: 2-3 weeks
Countries: Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Greece
Highlights: Unspoiled mountains, wild rivers, historic sites
Best for: Those seeking rugged off-roading mixed with cultural exploration
Length: ~2,500 km
Duration: 2-3 weeks
Countries: Norway, Sweden, Finland
Highlights: Arctic wilderness, fjords, Northern Lights, remote camping
Best for: Overlanders looking for a mix of paved scenic routes and off-road adventures
Length: ~1,500 km
Duration: 1-2 weeks
Countries: Spain, Portugal
Highlights: Atlantic coast, medieval towns, mountain trails
Best for: A balanced mix of road trips and mild off-roading through Iberian landscapes
Length: 830 km
Duration: 5-7 days
Countries: UK (Scotland)
Highlights: Coastal cliffs, historic castles, scenic highland roads
Best for: Road trip enthusiasts looking for breathtaking landscapes
Length: 1,332 km
Duration: 7-10 days
Countries: Iceland
Highlights: Waterfalls, volcanoes, glaciers, black sand beaches
Best for: Adventurers looking for a mix of paved and off-road experiences
8. Baltic Coastal Route (Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia)
Length: 1,500 km
Duration: 10-14 days
Countries: Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia
Highlights: Seaside villages, ancient castles, UNESCO sites
Best for: Cultural explorers and history lovers
9. Alpine Route (Switzerland, Austria, Germany)
Length: 700 km
Duration: 5-7 days
Countries: Switzerland, Austria, Germany
Highlights: Famous mountain passes, stunning valleys, picturesque villages
Best for: Those who enjoy high-altitude drives with breathtaking views
10. Tuscany & Dolomites Adventure (Italy)
Length: 1,200 km
Duration: 10-14 days
Countries: Italy
Highlights: Rolling vineyards, jagged mountain peaks, medieval towns
Best for: A blend of culture, nature, and light off-roading
11. The Black Forest Route (Germany)
Length: 300 km
Duration: 3-5 days
Countries: Germany
Highlights: Dense forests, charming villages, scenic winding roads
Best for: Relaxed explorers who enjoy cultural and natural landscapes
12. The Wild Atlantic Way (Ireland)
Length: 2,500 km
Duration: 2-3 weeks
Countries: Ireland
Highlights: Coastal cliffs, hidden beaches, traditional Irish pubs
Best for: Scenic road trip lovers with an interest in culture
13. Carpathian Mountains Trail (Romania, Ukraine, Poland)
Length: 1,500 km
Duration: 2 weeks
Countries: Romania, Ukraine, Poland
Highlights: Remote mountains, medieval towns, traditional villages
Best for: Those seeking a wild and off-the-beaten-path adventure
14. The Picos de Europa Drive (Spain)
Length: 400 km
Duration: 4-6 days
Countries: Spain
Highlights: Dramatic limestone peaks, deep gorges, remote villages
Best for: A mix of light off-roading and stunning road trip scenery
15. The Dalmatian Coast (Croatia, Montenegro, Albania)
Length: 1,000 km
Duration: 10-14 days
Countries: Croatia, Montenegro, Albania
Highlights: Stunning coastal roads, medieval towns, crystal-clear waters
Best for: Overlanders seeking a scenic and cultural road trip
16. The Transylvania Circuit (Romania)
Length: 500 km
Duration: 4-6 days
Countries: Romania
Highlights: Medieval castles, fortified churches, mountain views
Best for: Cultural explorers and those who love historical sites
17. The Sardinia Coastline Adventure (Italy)
Length: 700 km
Duration: 5-7 days
Countries: Italy
Highlights: Beautiful beaches, clear waters, rocky cliffs
Best for: Coastal adventurers and beach lovers
18. The Portuguese Silver Coast (Portugal)
Length: 300 km
Duration: 3-5 days
Countries: Portugal
Highlights: Secluded beaches, small fishing villages, scenic coastlines
Best for: A relaxing coastal road trip with hidden gems
19. The Albanian Riviera (Albania)
Length: 300 km
Duration: 4-6 days
Countries: Albania
Highlights: Dramatic coastlines, beautiful beaches, quaint villages
Best for: Off-road lovers and beach seekers
20. The Greek Islands Explorer (Greece)
Length: Varies by island
Duration: 7-14 days
Countries: Greece
Highlights: Beautiful islands, ancient ruins, seaside views
Best for: Those looking for a mix of island hopping and cultural exploration
21. The Pyrenees High Route (France & Spain)
Length: 500 km
Duration: 5-7 days
Countries: France, Spain
Highlights: Alpine terrain, small mountain villages, scenic viewpoints
Best for: Nature lovers and off-road enthusiasts
22. The Aegean Coast Drive (Turkey)
Length: 800 km
Duration: 7-10 days
Countries: Turkey
Highlights: Beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, vibrant towns
Best for: Sun seekers and culture lovers
23. The Atlas Mountains (Morocco)
Length: 1,200 km
Duration: 10-14 days
Countries: Morocco
Highlights: Ancient Berber villages, high mountain passes, desert landscapes
Best for: Overlanders looking for an off-road adventure in North Africa
24. The Eifel National Park (Germany)
Length: 300 km
Duration: 3-5 days
Countries: Germany
Highlights: Dense forests, volcanic craters, picturesque towns
Best for: Nature lovers and easy off-roading enthusiasts
25. The Costa Brava Drive (Spain)
Length: 200 km
Duration: 3-5 days
Countries: Spain
Highlights: Mediterranean coastline, hidden coves, medieval villages
Best for: A relaxing road trip with some coastal off-roading
26. The Normandy Coastal Route (France)
Length: 500 km
Duration: 4-6 days
Countries: France
Highlights: Beaches of WWII significance, charming seaside towns, historical monuments
Best for: History buffs and road trip lovers
27. The Dolomites Loop (Italy)
Length: 500 km
Duration: 4-6 days
Countries: Italy
Highlights: Dramatic mountain landscapes, alpine lakes, picturesque villages
Best for: Drivers and off-road enthusiasts looking to enjoy scenic views and rugged trails
28. The Albanian Riviera (Albania)
Length: 300 km
Duration: 4-6 days
Countries: Albania
Highlights: Stunning beaches, remote mountain villages, untouched coastal beauty
Best for: Those looking for a quiet, scenic road trip with a mix of off-roading
29. The Loire Valley (France)
Length: 500 km
Duration: 5-7 days
Countries: France
Highlights: Vineyards, castles, châteaux, historical towns
Best for: History and culture lovers, light off-roading, and scenic drives
30. The Rhine Valley (Germany, Switzerland)
Length: 600 km
Duration: 5-7 days
Countries: Germany, Switzerland
Highlights: Picturesque riverside villages, castles, vineyards
Best for: Scenic road trips and light off-roading through some of Europe’s most famous vineyards
31. The Greek Islands Adventure (Greece)
Length: 1,000 km
Duration: 1-2 weeks
Countries: Greece
Highlights: Island hopping, ancient ruins, coastal roads
Best for: A mix of scenic coastal drives and light off-roading with historical exploration
32. The Westfjords (Iceland)
Length: 600 km
Duration: 7-10 days
Countries: Iceland
Highlights: Remote landscapes, dramatic cliffs, unique wildlife
Best for: Off-road adventures, wild nature lovers, and photographers
33. The B500 Black Forest Route (Germany)
Length: 150 km
Duration: 1-2 days
Countries: Germany
Highlights: Dense forests, scenic driving routes, traditional villages
Best for: A quick, scenic getaway with an easy-going drive
34. The Faroe Islands Expedition (Faroe Islands)
Length: 500 km
Duration: 4-6 days
Countries: Faroe Islands
Highlights: Rugged coastlines, dramatic cliffs, traditional villages
Best for: A truly remote experience with rugged terrain and scenic beauty
35. The Dinaric Alps (Montenegro, Albania)
Length: 800 km
Duration: 7-10 days
Countries: Montenegro, Albania
Highlights: Alpine trails, ancient fortresses, Adriatic coastline
Best for: Off-road adventures with a mix of cultural exploration
36. The Lapland Route (Finland, Sweden, Norway)
Length: 1,200 km
Duration: 7-10 days
Countries: Finland, Sweden, Norway
Highlights: Arctic landscapes, Northern Lights, remote forests
Best for: A winter adventure, off-roading, and natural beauty lovers
37. The Amalfi Coast Road (Italy)
Length: 150 km
Duration: 3-5 days
Countries: Italy
Highlights: Coastal cliffs, Mediterranean views, historic towns
Best for: Scenic coastal drives with a mix of culture and luxury
38. The Svaneti Region (Georgia)
Length: 500 km
Duration: 5-7 days
Countries: Georgia
Highlights: Remote mountain villages, UNESCO World Heritage sites, dramatic views
Best for: Off-road adventurers looking to experience a lesser-known gem of Europe
39. The Gotthard Pass (Switzerland)
Length: 50 km
Duration: 1 day
Countries: Switzerland
Highlights: High-altitude mountain pass, scenic views, Swiss villages
Best for: Overlanders seeking a quick but scenic challenge in the Alps
40. The Loire River Route (France)
Length: 600 km
Duration: 5-7 days
Countries: France
Highlights: River views, vineyards, medieval towns
Best for: Those looking for a picturesque route with historical exploration and culture
41. The Tatra Mountains (Poland & Slovakia)
Length: 800 km
Duration: 7-10 days
Countries: Poland, Slovakia
Highlights: Snow-capped peaks, traditional villages, national parks
Best for: Off-roading and hiking enthusiasts with a love for nature
42. The Via Augusta (Spain & Italy)
Length: 1,000 km
Duration: 7-10 days
Countries: Spain, Italy
Highlights: Roman history, mountain trails, Mediterranean coastlines
Best for: Those with an interest in Roman history, scenic views, and cultural exploration
43. The Gorges du Verdon (France)
Length: 200 km
Duration: 3-4 days
Countries: France
Highlights: River canyons, limestone cliffs, and hiking routes
Best for: Scenic nature lovers and light off-road driving
44. The Cornish Coast (UK)
Length: 500 km
Duration: 5-7 days
Countries: UK (England)
Highlights: Coastal cliffs, beaches, ancient ruins
Best for: A leisurely road trip with a focus on scenic beauty
45. The Swedish Wilderness (Sweden)
Length: 1,000 km
Duration: 7-10 days
Countries: Sweden
Highlights: Remote wilderness, tranquil lakes, forest roads
Best for: Nature lovers seeking solitude and serenity
46. Hondarribia to Roncesvalles (Spain)
Length: 300 km
Duration: 3-5 days
Countries: Spain
Highlights: Basque coastline, medieval towns, scenic mountain paths, and pilgrimage routes
Best for: History and culture lovers, along with those seeking a moderate off-road adventure through picturesque landscapes
47. Andorra Traverse (Andorra)
Length: 100 km
Duration: 2-3 days
Countries: Andorra
Highlights: High-altitude mountain passes, alpine meadows, and dramatic views
Best for: Overlanders looking for a short but challenging off-road route in the Pyrenees with fantastic views
48. The Catalonian Trails (Spain)
Length: 500 km
Duration: 5-7 days
Countries: Spain
Highlights: Coastal routes, scenic countryside, mountain trails, medieval towns
Best for: A mix of road trips and off-road experiences, ideal for those who want a balance of culture, history, and nature
49. Slovenia to Croatia (Slovenia & Croatia)
Length: 400 km
Duration: 4-6 days
Countries: Slovenia, Croatia
Highlights: Beautiful coastal roads, medieval towns, lakes, and caves
Best for: Road trip lovers who enjoy a mix of natural beauty and historical sites
50. Bosnia & Montenegro (Bosnia & Montenegro)
Length: 500 km
Duration: 5-7 days
Countries: Bosnia, Montenegro
Highlights: Rugged mountain landscapes, historical towns, and Adriatic coastline
Best for: Off-roaders and cultural explorers looking for a scenic adventure
51. Albania & North Macedonia (Albania & North Macedonia)
Length: 600 km
Duration: 6-8 days
Countries: Albania, North Macedonia
Highlights: Mountain passes, lakes, charming villages, and Ottoman architecture
Best for: Those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure with stunning landscapes
52. Bulgaria & Greece (Bulgaria & Greece)
Length: 700 km
Duration: 7-10 days
Countries: Bulgaria, Greece
Highlights: Ancient ruins, coastal roads, and rugged mountains
Best for: History buffs and adventurers looking for a diverse experience with a combination of culture and nature
