Exploring a country by car allows you to experience its landscapes, culture, and hidden gems in a way that’s often not possible by other means of travel. Here’s a detailed guide to some of the best scenic routes in various countries, each offering unique and breathtaking views.
1. New Zealand
North Island: Thermal Explorer Highway
Route: Auckland to Napier via Rotorua and Taupo
Highlights:
Rotorua: Geothermal activity, Maori culture
Hobbiton: Film set of The Lord of the Rings
Huka Falls: Powerful waterfalls near Taupo
Wine Country: Vineyards and wine tasting in South Island: Southern Scenic Route
Route: Dunedin to Queenstown via Invercargill and Te Anau
Highlights:
Catlins Coast: Wildlife and rugged coastlines
Fiordland National Park: Stunning fjords, including Milford Sound
Queenstown: Adventure capital with activities like bungee jumping and skiing
2. Iceland
Ring Road (Route 1)
Route A loop around the island
Highlights:
Golden Circle: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss waterfall
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: Icebergs floating in a glacial lake
Dettifoss: One of Europe’s most powerful waterfalls
Reykjavik: Iceland’s capital with vibrant culture and nightlife
3. Norway
Atlantic Road
Route: Kristiansund to Molde
Highlights:
Bridges and Causeways: A series of dramatic bridges connecting islands
Hustadvika Bay: Stunning coastal scenery
Fishing Villages: Picturesque Norwegian fishing villages
Molde: Known as the City of Roses
Norwegian Scenic Routes
Route: 18 designated scenic routes across Norway
Highlights:
Trollstigen: Winding mountain pass with 11 hairpin bends
Geirangerfjord: World Heritage Site with dramatic fjords
Lofoten Islands: Stunning archipelago with rugged mountains and fishing villages
4. Australia
Great Ocean Road
Route: Torquay to Allansford, Victoria
Highlights:
Twelve Apostles: Iconic limestone stacks along the coast
Bells Beach: Famous surf beach
Otway National Park: Rainforests and waterfalls
Whale Watching: Seasonal whale watching near Warrnambool
East Coast Road Trip
Route: Sydney to Cairns
Highlights:
Byron Bay: Beautiful beaches and vibrant arts community
Gold Coast: Famous for its surf beaches and theme parks
Great Barrier Reef: World’s largest coral reef system
Daintree Rainforest: Ancient rainforest with diverse wildlife
5. South Africa
Garden Route
Route: Mossel Bay to Storms River
Highlights:
Knysna: Beautiful lagoon and forest
Plettenberg Bay: Gorgeous beaches and marine life
Tsitsikamma National Park: Coastal scenery, hiking trails, and adventure activities
Wilderness: Scenic lakes, rivers, and beaches
Panorama Route
Route: Nelspruit to the Blyde River Canyon
Highlights:
Blyde River Canyon: One of the world’s largest canyons
God’s Window Breathtaking viewpoint over the Lowveld
Bourke’s Luck Potholes: Fascinating rock formations and waterfalls
Graskop: Charming town with cultural and historical significance
6. Canada
Trans-Canada Highway
Route: Victoria, British Columbia to St. John’s, Newfoundland
Highlights:
Banff National Park Stunning Rocky Mountain scenery and wildlife
Niagara Falls Iconic and powerful waterfalls on the Ontario-New York border
Cape Breton Island: Scenic coastline and cultural sites in Nova Scotia
Prince Edward Island: Idyllic landscapes and Anne of Green Gables sites
Icefields Parkway
Route: Jasper to Banff, Alberta
Highlights:
Athabasca Glacier: Part of the Columbia Icefield
Lake Louise: Famous for its turquoise waters and stunning mountain backdrop
Peyto Lake: Known for its striking color and wolf-head shape
Bow Lake: Scenic stop with crystal-clear waters
7. Argentina
Ruta 40
Route: From the southern tip of Patagonia to the Bolivian border
Highlights:
Los Glaciares National Park: Home to the Perito Moreno Glacier
Bariloche: Known for its Swiss alpine-style architecture and lakes
Salta: Colonial city with nearby colorful mountain ranges
La Rioja: Wine region with scenic vineyards and bodegas
Seven Lakes Route
Route: San Martín de los Andes to Villa La Angostura
Highlights:
Lago Lacar: Stunning mountain lake near San Martín de los Andes
Lago Espejo: Known for its mirror-like reflection
Nahuel Huapi National Park: Diverse flora and fauna with beautiful lakes and mountains
Lago Correntoso: Tranquil lake with crystal-clear waters
8. Thailand
Mae Hong Son Loop
Route: Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son via Pai
Highlights:
Pai: Bohemian town with hot springs and waterfalls
Tham Lod Cave: Impressive cave system with guided raft tours
Mae Hong Son: Remote town with rich cultural heritage and beautiful temples
Doi Inthanon: Thailand’s highest peak with waterfalls and viewpoints
Southern Thailand Coastal Route
Route: Bangkok to Phuket
Highlights:
Hua Hin: Coastal town with beautiful beaches and markets
Khao Sok National Park: Dense rainforest with limestone cliffs and lakes
Phang Nga Bay: Famous for its limestone karsts and emerald-green waters
Phuket: Thailand’s largest island with vibrant nightlife and stunning beaches
9. Georgia
Military Road
Route: Tbilisi to Vladikavkaz
Highlights:
Ananuri Fortress: Historical castle complex on the Aragvi River
Gudauri: Ski resort with stunning mountain views
Jvari Pass: High mountain pass with breathtaking scenery
Kazbegi National Park: Home to Mount Kazbek and Gergeti Trinity Church
Wine Route
Route: Tbilisi to Telavi, Kakheti region
Highlights:
Sighnaghi: Picturesque town known as the “City of Love”
Alaverdi Monastery: Historic monastery with ancient winemaking traditions
Tsinandali Estate: Famous winery with beautiful gardens
Telavi: Regional capital with vibrant wine culture and markets
10. Japan
Hokkaido Scenic Byways
Route: Various routes across Hokkaido
Highlights:
Shiretoko Peninsula: UNESCO World Heritage site with pristine nature
Furano: Famous for its lavender fields in summer
Niseko: Renowned ski resort with hot springs: Volcanic caldera lake with stunning views
Kyushu’s Yamanami Highway
Route: Aso to Beppu
Highlights:
Aso-Kuju National Park: Home to one of the world’s largest calderas
Kurokawa Onsen: Traditional hot spring village
Yufuin: Charming town with hot springs and art galleries
Beppu: Known for its numerous hot springs and “hells” (boiling ponds)
These scenic routes offer some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in their respective countries, making them perfect for memorable road trips. Whether you’re seeking coastal drives, mountain vistas, or cultural experiences, these routes provide endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. Pack your bags, prepare your vehicle, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through some of the world’s most stunning regions.
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