The Most Scenic Mountain Drives Around the World

6 June 2025

Few things in life compare to the sheer joy of a scenic mountain drive—the wind in your hair, endless views stretching beyond the horizon, and the thrill of navigating winding roads carved into nature’s most breathtaking landscapes. Whether you're a road trip enthusiast or simply craving an escape into the wild, these mountain drives offer some of the most unforgettable journeys on Earth. Buckle up, and let’s hit the road!

1. The Transfagarasan Highway, Romania – A Road Fit for Royalty

If there were a "Hall of Fame" for mountain roads, the Transfagarasan Highway would undoubtedly have a front-row seat. This Romanian masterpiece zigzags through the Carpathian Mountains, offering jaw-dropping scenery at every turn.

What Makes It Special?

- Hairpin Turns Galore – If you love adrenaline-pumping roads, this one’s a dream come true.
- Breathtaking Views – Expect mist-clad peaks, deep valleys, and stunning lakes.
- A Brush with Dracula – This road passes near Poenari Castle, the real fortress of Vlad the Impaler (a.k.a. the inspiration for Dracula).

Best Time to Visit

The highway is only open from June to October due to heavy snowfall in winter.

2. The Great Ocean Road, Australia – Where Mountains Meet the Sea

Okay, this one is not just about the mountains—it's a spectacular fusion of coastal cliffs and lush forested hills. The Great Ocean Road runs along Australia’s southeastern coast and boasts some of the best ocean and mountain views you'll ever see.

What Makes It Special?

- The Twelve Apostles – Towering limestone stacks rising from the sea.
- Rainforest Detours – Stop by Great Otway National Park for waterfalls and towering trees.
- Kangaroos & Koalas – Keep your eyes peeled for Australia’s cutest residents.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (September to November) is fantastic, with pleasant weather and blooming wildflowers.

3. Going-to-the-Sun Road, USA – A Slice of Heaven in Montana

As far as legendary mountain roads go, Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park, Montana, is pure gold. This 50-mile stretch takes you through the Rocky Mountains, unveiling glaciers, alpine lakes, and dramatic cliffs along the way.

What Makes It Special?

- Giant Waterfalls – Watch water cascade down jagged cliffs as you drive.
- Wildlife Spotting – Grizzly bears, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep wander freely.
- Engineering Marvel – Built in the 1930s, the road itself is an architectural wonder.

Best Time to Visit

Mid-summer (July to September) is ideal, as the road is often closed due to snow during other months.

4. The Stelvio Pass, Italy – Europe’s Ultimate Driving Challenge

If you're craving a true test of skill on the road, the Stelvio Pass in Italy is the holy grail of mountain drives. Nestled in the Italian Alps, this serpentine road twists through 48 hairpin bends, offering fearless drivers an exhilarating experience.

What Makes It Special?

- One of the Highest Paved Roads in Europe – Rising to 9,045 feet, it's a high-altitude adventure.
- Dizzying Hairpin Turns – If you love a challenge, this is your playground.
- Postcard-Worthy Scenery – Snow-capped peaks and alpine meadows await.

Best Time to Visit

Summer (June to September) is the best time, as heavy snow makes it impassable in colder months.

5. Chapman’s Peak Drive, South Africa – The Most Beautiful Coastal Cliff Road

Nicknamed "Chappies" by locals, Chapman’s Peak Drive is a mind-blowing road that hugs South Africa’s Cape Peninsula. Mountains on one side, the Atlantic Ocean on the other—pure cinematic perfection.

What Makes It Special?

- Unreal Sunset Views – This is one of the best sunset drives on the planet.
- A Road Cut into the Cliffs – Literally carved through the mountainside!
- Whale Watching – If you're lucky, you might spot whales from your car.

Best Time to Visit

Drive it in the late afternoon for golden-hour magic—it’s simply breathtaking.

6. The Trollstigen Road, Norway – A Fairytale Route Through Fjords

Norway is known for its epic landscapes, and Trollstigen (meaning "Troll’s Path") is easily one of the most jaw-dropping mountain drives on the planet. Surrounded by forests, waterfalls, and towering peaks, this road is like something out of a Viking legend.

What Makes It Special?

- 11 Tight Hairpins – It’s a thrill ride for any driving enthusiast.
- Stigfossen Waterfall – A 1,050-foot cascade right next to the road.
- Cloud-Kissed Peaks – Mist often creeps over the cliffs, making it look extra mystical.

Best Time to Visit

Late spring to early autumn (May to September) is ideal—winter snow makes it dangerous.

7. The Sani Pass, South Africa & Lesotho – A True Off-Road Adventure

If you love rugged, off-the-beaten-path drives, the Sani Pass is your perfect mountain adventure. This unpaved pass connects South Africa to Lesotho, winding through steep, untamed terrain.

What Makes It Special?

- A Drive Through the Clouds – Fog often drifts over the road, creating an ethereal atmosphere.
- The Highest Pub in Africa – Celebrate your journey with a beer at Sani Mountain Lodge.
- A 4x4 Dream – If you have a love for off-roading, this is a bucket-list drive.

Best Time to Visit

April to May or September to October—winter can bring heavy snow, making it treacherous.

8. The Karakoram Highway, Pakistan & China – The Roof of the World

The Karakoram Highway (KKH) isn’t just a road; it’s a historic Silk Road route that takes travelers through some of the highest peaks on Earth. It connects Pakistan to China, running through the Karakoram Range, one of the most dramatic landscapes on the planet.

What Makes It Special?

- Unreal Heights – It reaches an altitude of 15,397 feet, making it one of the highest paved roads in the world.
- A Cultural Journey – You’ll drive through ancient villages, Buddhist relics, and Hunza Valley.
- Views of K2 & Nanga Parbat – Two of the world’s highest peaks are visible from the road.

Best Time to Visit

May to October is the best window before snowfall makes travel difficult.

Final Thoughts

There’s something deeply magical about mountain roads—the freedom of the open road, the rhythmic twists and turns, and the endless beauty of peaks stretching into the distance. Whether you're after thrill-seeking hairpins, coastal-mountain blends, or historic high-altitude routes, the world has an unforgettable drive waiting for you.

So, where's your next road trip going to be? Let the mountains call your name!