Winter might not be everyone’s top choice for a driving holiday in Europe – but driving in the off-season is a great strategy for beating the crowds and taking advantage of low car rental prices.
An abundance of festive events, winter sports and other special experiences on offer makes winter the perfect time to explore parts of Europe by road.
Whether you’re searching for a chilled escape in the winter sunshine or a full ice-and-snow immersion, this list of the best winter road trip routes in Europe has something for you. Discover Christmas markets, fairytale villages and castles, frozen waterfalls, truffle-hunting, winter hiking and skiing, and more!
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Quick tips for planning a winter road trip in Europe
Make sure your car is winter-ready. Winter tires or snow tires are mandatory in some European countries (including Romania, Germany and Norway), and it’s a good idea to have tires with a deep tread regardless. If you’re travelling with your own car, make sure you know how to properly fit your tires in advance. If you’re renting a car, most agents include a winter set in the price.
Account for shorter days when planning your itinerary. Daylight hours are obviously more limited in winter, and you’ll want to avoid driving at night whenever possible. This means you’ll need to do a bit more pre-planning to make sure you get your timing right. You should also add 20-30% more time onto each travel leg to account for driving at slower speeds.
Avoid driving in snow and ice. Some major roads and highways are gritted overnight and by morning, they can be icy and slippery. Wherever possible, try to start your drive in the mid-morning or early afternoon after the roads have had a chance to warm up a bit.
Always check weather conditions before you set out. It’s no fun driving through a snowstorm or battling icy rain – in fact, it can be dangerous, especially if you don’t have a lot of winter driving experience. Research the best local channels for checking the weather and stay abreast of changes to avoid getting caught out.
Know when to leave the car behind. Remember, you don’t always have to drive. If there’s a place you want to visit but don’t feel comfortable driving yourself (such as a mountain region), you can always leave your car somewhere safe and take the train instead.
Hiring a car in winter in Europe
One of the best things about hiring a car in winter is lower prices. You’ll also find that many destinations have a greater availability of vehicles in winter.
For destinations in the Balkans including Montenegro, Bulgaria and Greece plus Spain, Portugal and Iceland, I recommend using Local Rent to find a car. This platform offers budget-friendly cars from local agents with lots of perks.
→ Check rates for your destination on Local Rent
For other destinations around Europe, I recommend using Discover Cars to search and compare rates from international car hire companies.
13 epic winter road trips in Europe
Transylvania Winter Road Trip for Ethereal Castles & Winter Sports
When it comes to dreamy winter destinations in Europe, it doesn’t get much better than Transylvania. Make no mistake, Romania is cold in winter – but if you can brave the chilly conditions, you’ll be treated to vistas of the snowy Carpathian Mountains, romantic cities, ethereally beautiful hilltop castles and fortified churches, winter hiking opportunities, and even skiing.
December is an ideal month to drive in Romania. The famously windy Transfagarasan Highway is closed from November due to snow, but you’ll find all major highways are accessible. Remember to ensure your car is winter-ready and always check conditions before you set out. For ease, it’s best to stick to the centre of the country and avoid the high mountains. Allow yourself 7-10 days to explore.
Before hitting the road, give yourself a couple of nights in the capital to experience Bucharest in winter. Enjoy the quiet streets, indulge in life-affirming Romanian food, and warm up with a day at Therme, Europe’s largest spa.
Make a loop around Transylvania, first visiting Brasov and Sinaia Castle. If winter sports are your thing, there are 14 km of ski and snowboard runs at Poiana Brasov in the hills above the city.
Continue to the fortified towns of Sibiu, Alba Iulia and Sighisoara, each with its own beautiful town square that is lit up with Christmas decorations and markets throughout December.
Be sure to include a few of Romania’s iconic medieval fortresses on your itinerary too, including the must-see Bran Castle.
Driving the Iceland Ring Road in Winter for Frozen Waterfalls & the Northern Lights
One of the best winter road trips in Europe can be found in Iceland on the Ring Road from Reykjavik to Hofn. Although you can drive around the entire island on the Ring Road, the northern part of this drive can be unsafe in the winter. For this reason, it is recommended that you stick to the southern half.
You will likely start your trip from the Reykjavik area. There are many neat things to see and do in the capital including Hallgrímskirkja, The Sun Voyager, and Harpa Concert Hall. In winter, you must your accommodation in Reykjavik wisely, being sure to stay somewhere central.
After leaving the city and heading south on Route 1, the next major stop you will come to is Vik, Iceland. If time allows, plan to spend 1-2 days in this area.
A few of the best things to do near Vik, Iceland include Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, Dyrhólaey, the DC3 plane wreck, and Yoda cave. This is also an excellent location to view the Northern Lights.
Continuing towards Hofn, you will find several lovely stops including Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach, Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, and Vatnajökull National Park. There are also countless incredible waterfalls along this route. If the weather allows, consider stopping for a few hikes along the way. The views are hard to beat!
Driving in Iceland is relatively stress-free compared to many other countries. The traffic outside of the major cities is very light, and you will often have long stretches of the road to yourself – especially in winter.
Always be aware of the weather. Keep an eye on any storms brewing in the area, and be aware that during high winds, it can be unsafe to drive at all. Have a backup plan in mind in case the weather impacts your travels.
By Janae from Adventures With TuckNae
Winter Road Trip from Bergen for Colourful Houses & Norwegian Fjords
A fantastic winter road trip for those used to driving in snow is the fjords of Western Norway. The fjords are heavily visited in the summer months, but few embark on the journey between November and March. This is a great time to hit the roads and see the scenery for yourself!
There are a few factors to consider when visiting Western Norway in winter. The first is that winter tires are mandatory when driving. If you are bringing your own car, they must be on as soon as you cross into Norway. If you’re renting a car, they will already have them ready to go. Secondly, daylight hours are far shorter in winter than in summer, so you should be prepared for nighttime driving or staying overnight on the road.
An ideal starting point for your winter adventure is Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city. The city is milder than other Norwegian cities in the winter, and if you’re there in December, you will have a chance to check out the world’s largest gingerbread village at Pepperkakebyen! Be sure to also eat some pinnekjøtt, fiskesuppe, and raspeballer when visiting Bergen during the colder months.
From Bergen, you have plenty of options for road trips, but the most beautiful one will take you to Flåm and the Aurlandsfjord. Some of the best stops along the way are Voss (Norway’s adventure sports’ capital), Stalheim (for the famous hotel as well as one of the curviest roads in Europe called Stalheimskleiva), Gudvangen (home of Viking Valley), and finally Flåm. If you venture a little further, you can check out the famous Stegastein viewpoint.
This road trip would only take 2 hours and 45 minutes during the summer months, but will likely take around 4 hours or more in the winter. There are also plenty of waterfalls and attractions along the way that you’ll likely want to stop at. Flåm has a few accommodation options, and the Fretheim Hotel is a historic Norwegian hotel with affordable prices during the winter.
The great thing about using Bergen as a base for a road trip is that you can find at least four different (and extremely diverse!) routes to drive.
By Megan from Megan Starr
Alsace Winter Road Trip for Europe’s Best Christmas Markets & Fairytale French Villages
This road trip takes you through the historical region of Alsace in eastern France. While wine country is stunning at any time of the year, it is perfect for winter since Alsace does Christmas like no other region in France.
Featuring some of the most picturesque, fairytale-like villages and exquisite Christmas markets, this itinerary is perfect for every Christmas lover and anyone interested in culture and history.
The Alsace region is not too big, so this itinerary can be a long weekend road trip.
Start your journey with one day in Strasbourg, the self-proclaimed capital of Christmas. Grab some mulled wine to keep you warm and start exploring the city! Admire the impressive Strasbourg Cathedral, stroll the cobblestone streets of La Petite France, and browse the Christmas Market on Kleber Square.
On your second day, you will drive along the oldest wine road in France, the Alsace Wine Route. Your first stop will be Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg, the best preserved medieval castle in Alsace.
Alsace villages along the route are as fairytale-like as it gets – they inspired Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, after all. Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé feel untouched and sparkle in the winter light.
Next up is Colmar, where Cobblestone streets and half-timbered, colourful houses look magical when decorated for Christmas.
Finally, if you want to spend a day in nature, make a detour to Lac Blanc. The lake is stunning, and you can see it from the road. This is a fantastic place for hiking or winter sports such as skiing and sledging, if you happen to catch a snowy day!
By Natali from She’s Abroad Again
Winter Road Trip on Portugal’s Silver Coast for Palaces & Cities
The Portugal Silver Coast is one of the best winter road trips in Europe. This 400 km scenic route runs from Lisbon to Porto and is dotted with charming towns and villages. While the entire trip is only a 4-hour drive, take at least a few days to enjoy it at a leisurely pace.
Start your trip by checking into one of Lisbon’s best boutique hotels then explore the city, seeing famous sites such as Belem Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, Tram 28 up to Alfama, the LX factory shops and restaurants and festive Christmas markets like Wonderland Lisboa and Campo Pequeno.
As you start your road trip, spend a half day in the castle filled hilltop town of Sintra visiting Pena Palace and Castle of the Moors. Then drive 30 minutes to the charming white washed village of Ericeira, where you can wander the cobblestone streets, enjoy a delicious meal and admire the stunning coastline.
Nearby, the historic walled town of Obidos is transformed into the cutest Christmas village complete with a ferris wheel, concerts, ice skating, and more. A true highlight of the silver coast are the massive winter waves Nazaré, made famous by the 100-Foot Wave Documentary.
Finally make your way to the stunning city of Porto, Portugal. Do your holiday shopping, sample Port wine, take a cruise on the Douro River and soak in the magic of Portugal.
By Jenifer from The Evolista
Southern Spain Winter Road Trip for Sunshine & White Villages
If you’re looking for a place to escape the chill this winter, Southern Spain’s mild temperatures and blue-sky days make it an ideal road trip destination. It might be too brisk for the beaches, but there is no shortage of other things to do in Spain in the colder months, especially if you have the freedom to explore with your own car.
A convenient plan is to make a loop from Madrid, starting with a day in historic Toledo before heading to coastal Andalusia. See the late-blooming orange trees and bask in the winter sunshine in Valencia before making your way down the coast to historic Cartagena, an often overlooked port town with incredible Roman ruins. There are dozens of sweet towns and fishing villages where you can stop along the way.
The culture-packed cities of Cordoba, Granada (for the Alhambra) and finally Seville are all worthwhile winter destinations. For something adventurous, take an optional detour into the Las Alpujarras for mountain scenery and to visit the White Villages.
While you could easily spend a month or more in Southern Spain, a week is a fair amount of time for driving in winter.
Winter Road Trip on the Peloponnese Peninsula for Archaeological Sites Sans Summer Crowds
If you’re looking for a road trip to forget that it’s winter in Europe, look no further than Greece’s Peloponnese Peninsula. The Peloponnese forms the southern tip of mainland Greece. Its location on the Mediterranean leads to mild, pleasant, and often sunny winters. With average high temperatures ranging from about 15-18 degrees Celsius (59-65 F) along the coast, a winter dip in the sea along the Peloponnese coast is not unusual.
The Peloponnese is known for having beautiful beaches and stunning mountains, but the main draw here – especially in winter – is the archaeological sites. The peninsula is home to some of the most famous historical sites on the planet, including Olympia, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Messene, Mystras, Sparta, Acrocorinth, and let’s include Delphi too since it’s easy to hit on a road trip even though it’s on the other side of the Gulf of Corinth. In the winter these amazing sites are practically empty due to the lack of other tourists and they’re also half-price to enter (until the end of March).
On top of these archaeological sites, there are endless beautiful coastal villages to explore, such as Limeni and the ridiculously charming medieval city of Monemvasia.
The downside of road tripping around the Peloponnese in the winter is that many restaurants will be closed and of course the daylight hours are limited. But should you make the road trip around the Peloponnese in the off-season, you will be rewarded with endless beauty nearly all to yourself.
By Chris from Around the World With Me
Tip: Find more Greece road trip ideas here.
Crete Winter Road Trip for Ancient Villages, Quiet Fishing Harbours & Hiking Trails
Winter is the perfect time to head to the Greek islands, hire a car, and set off on a Crete road trip of between 1-2 weeks. The temperature sits between 19C/66F degrees in November to 14C/57F degrees in March, and the 5 million tourists who arrive by plane each summer are nowhere to be seen!
Crete is a large island, and a road trip makes sense as there are several major towns to see but the other main sites are scattered around the countryside. These include Minoan ruins, tombs and cemeteries and excellent hiking trails alongside beaches, through ancient villages, and along the bottom of gorges.
The second most visited site in Greece is Knossos Palace where the legendary Minotaur was trapped below the Palace in Daedalus’ labyrinth. It’s a large outdoor site that is uncrowded. In winter you can spend time ambling around without the sun beating down on you.
The main towns of Chania, Heraklion, and Rethymno are also worth a few days. Their old harbours have waterfront cafes and tavernas that stay open during the winter months and there are phenomenal museums to visit such as the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. The Venetian harbour and old town of Chania is a must to explore and hiking the Samaria Gorge is an unforgettable experience.
By Monique from Trip Anthropologist
Isle of Skye Winter Road Trip for Highland History & Dark Sky Discoveries
Famous for its rugged coastline, unparalleled vistas, abundance of wildlife and intriguing Highland history, the Isle of Skye is an island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. From chasing waterfalls to distillery tours, there is an abundance of things to do on the Isle of Skye.
In winter, snow lingers in the higher mountains, making the landscapes beautiful and moody. It is much less crowded than in the peak season. The island is home to nine Dark Sky Discovery Sites in Britain, making it one of the best places in Scotland for stargazing in winter. You can even spot the Northern Lights here.
Start your road trip from Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands and allow at least 3-4 days to explore the main sights of Skye.
One of the must-visit attractions in Skye is the picturesque Fairy Pools, a web of small waterfalls renowned for their clear turquoise blue waters against the backdrop of the majestic Cuillin Mountains.
Take a look inside the 800-year-old Dunvegan Castle and Gardens, the ancestral house of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod. Visit the colourful houses of Portree, the largest town on the island. Portree has many restaurants, cafes and hotels and serves as a great base to explore Skye.
By Moumita & Sankha from Chasing the Long Road
Want to extend your Scotland road trip? Check out this 14 day North Coast 500 itinerary for more ideas.
Winter Road Trip Along the Causeway Coast for Moody Landscapes & Wild Beaches
Northern Ireland is a relatively small country with lots of close-knit tourist attractions, which makes it ideal for a road trip. The main attraction, however, is the Causeway Coastal Route, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Antrim coast dotted with quaint coastal villages, cliffside castles, sandy beaches, and plenty of untamed coastal beauty.
Some of the more famous attractions on the Causeway Coast include the iconic basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Ropebridge, and the Bushmills Distillery. But there are many more lesser-known stops including the Dunluce Castle, Ballintoy Harbour, and the Dark Hedges.
Summer months are by far the busiest time on the coastal route. Locals know the best time to explore is during winter when the crowded coaches are nowhere to be seen, and the weather and coastal landscapes are wild and rugged. Winter is the perfect time to admire scenery that inspired the Game of Thrones franchise, with various filming locations across the Causeway Coast and elsewhere in Northern Ireland.
The best bits of this road trip can be covered in a weekend, although 4-5 days are recommended with more time for other attractions on the coast, including Rathlin Island.
Also consider a second, newer driving trail in Northern Ireland, the Mourne Coastal Route, which starts in Bangor-by-the-Sea in County Down.
By Allan from It’s Sometimes Sunny in Bangor
Switzerland Winter Road Trip for Glassy Lakes & the Snow-capped Matterhorn Mountain
For a stunning Swiss road trip through snow-capped mountains and ice cold lakes, consider driving between the beautiful cities of Basel and Lugano in Switzerland. Taking the quieter roads and avoiding the main highway is best to see the landscape and local villages. Be sure to have safe winter tires and pack plenty of warm clothes for all the pretty pit stops you will make!
Starting in the city of Basel, commence your drive towards the Regional Nature Park Thal, then to the UNESCO Biosphäre Entlebuch and Lake Lungern. This section of road is absolutely stunning, with snow-topped mountain ranges and gorgeous winding roads. Take your time to enjoy and stop at every viewpoint.
For the next part of the route, head south towards Murmeltierpark Grimselpass and Pizzo Gallina. This section allows you to pass through the canton of Bern, via Valais to the final Ticino canton. For photographers and nature lovers, Valais canton is the place to be in winter, so if you have time, stay a few nights in the area for more local explorations.
For the last section, you have to join the A2 highway, simply since it’s the only way to finish the journey down to Lugano. Lugano in winter does not always have snow, but it’s still magical and very festive with a local Christmas market. Find a grotto restaurant and end your road trip with some delicious local Swiss food and wines.
By Zoe from Together In Switzerland
Snowy Drive on Germany’s Romantic Road for Bavarian Winter Beauty
The Romantic Road in Germany is a 285-mile (459-kilometre) route in Bavaria, South Germany. This road trip starts in the north in Würzburg and ends in the south near the Austrian border in Füssen.
Known for scenic landscapes and fairytale towns, a snowy drive in these parts is all the more special. Some of the most iconic and authentic Christmas markets happen to be in these regions of Germany, and the towns along the Romantic Road host the most unforgettable festivities. Most are held every day from 10am until late in December.
Start your winter drive on the Romantic Road in the baroque wine city of Würzburg before continuing to the cute and vivid Christmas town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Other highlights along the route include the medieval towns of Feuchtwangen, Dinkelsbühl, Nördlingen, and Augsburg. The last stop in Füssen completes the journey with a visit to the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle.
The Romantic Road is perfect for those looking for snow-covered landscapes, medieval towns and Christmas cheer. It can take anywhere between 3 and 10 days to drive, depending on the chosen stops.
By Paul from Paulmarina
Malta Road Trip for Winter Sunshine & Christmas Cheer
If you are one that prefers the sun to snow, the best winter road trip is Malta. With great weather, amazing views and super easy roads to navigate, this European gem is a fantastic option.
No matter if you are visiting Malta for one day or one month, you will have plenty of amazing places to see by road. For those wanting to see the best of Malta, it’s recommended to visit for 5-7 days. This is a great route for driving in Winter as you will have brighter days and no winter conditions hindering your trip.
To make the most of your Winter road trip in Malta, fly into Malta international airport and start your journey from there. This will save you money on airport transfers and allow you to start seeing the amazing Maltese views straightaway.
For those travellers who want to see amazing views, Malta is full of them. So have your camera at the ready when you visit. The best views to see by car are Għadira Bay, Mnajdra and the salt pans.
Malta is a very religious country so you will find lots of wonderful things to do during the build up to Christmas. To get yourself in the festive spirit, stop by Valletta for a candle lit service.
By Lowri from Many Other Roads
More Europe inspiration
- Travelling Europe by train: 20 best itinerary ideas
- Where to go on a Bulgaria road trip
- Greece road trip itineraries for every traveller
- Driving in the Balkans: Itineraries for every season