The iconic Scout pickup is gearing up for its grand comeback, carrying with it the rich legacy of American automotive history, embodied in the legendary road trips. These iconic routes, immortalised in cult films like Easy Rider and Thelma & Louise, are celebrated worldwide, such as the mythical Route 66. But beyond this icon, there are countless other scenic routes that offer travelers breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable road trips adventures, like the Great Ocean Road in Australia, the Romantic Road in Germany and the Atlantic Road in Norway.
Let’s explore some of the best road trips in the world.
The Great Ocean Road, Australia
Australia’s most iconic road trip adventure, the Great Ocean Road tour, combines coastal landscapes with lush forests, national parks, and charming seaside towns.
Spanning three days, the route starts in Torquay and winds along Victoria’s stunning coastline, offering the chance to spot koalas along the way and leading to the majestic rock formations of the Twelve Apostles.
Romantic Road, Germany
Winding through idyllic vineyards, hills, rivers, and mountains, the Romantic Road in Germany connects Würzburg to Füssen. Established in 1950 to showcase a vibrant image of post-war Germany, it was American soldiers stationed in the country who first fell in love with its picturesque landscapes and historic towns.
Must-see stops include Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a medieval gem; Bad Mergentheim Castle, a Renaissance fortress; and the Tauber Valley, home to the Taubertal Festival, one of Germany’s most renowned punk and rock events.
Atlantic Road, Norway
With its towering snow-capped peaks rising from fjords and frozen lakes, the Atlantic Road winds its way from the city of Molde to the island of Averøy. Offering extraordinary views of the ocean, this iconic Norwegian scenic route was also chosen as a setting for the James Bond film No Time to Die.
Highlights along the way include the coastal trail in Vevang, where you can admire Jan Freuchen’s sculpture Columna Transatlantica, and the glass platform at Askevågen, which offers spectacular views of the mountains and ocean.
Ruta 40, Argentina
The Ruta Nacional 40 is a legendary highway that spans the entire length of Argentina, from the northern border with Bolivia to the southernmost reaches of Patagonia. Stretching across 11 provinces, this road trip takes travelers through high-altitude Andean passes, vast vineyards, desolate salt flats, and charming historic towns.
Highlights include the magnificent Nahuel Huapi National Park with its crystal-clear lakes, the renowned Perito Moreno Glacier, and the vibrant multicolored mountains of the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ring Road, Iceland
This famous Iceland Ring Road encircling the entire island offers surreal landscapes, including vast lava fields, powerful waterfalls, glaciers, and bubbling geysers.
Must-see stops include Jökulsárlón, a stunning glacial lagoon dotted with floating icebergs; Diamond Beach, renowned for its shimmering ice fragments that glisten like diamonds on the black sand; and the thermal waters of the iconic Blue Lagoon.
The Garden Route, South Africa
This stunning coastal road trip in the Western Cape stretches from the picturesque town of Mossel Bay to the lush forests of Storms River, offering a breathtaking journey through pristine beaches, verdant landscapes, national parks, and vibrant marine ecosystems.
Highlights include the Wilderness National Park, renowned for birdwatching and kayaking opportunities; the Robberg Nature Reserve, home to colonies of seals; and the Tsitsikamma National Park, famous for its dramatic cliffs and ancient trees over 500 years old.
Great St. Bernard Pass, Italy
This iconic alpine route offers breathtaking cliffs, winding bends, and tunnels that open up to incredible views of the Alps. Starting in the city of Turin, the road trip crosses the mountains and ends on the shores of Lake Geneva in Montreux, Switzerland, renowned for its famous jazz festival.
Must-see stops include the picturesque village of Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses, famous for its Jambon de Bosses and the Great St. Bernard Pass Museum, as well as Martigny, a charming Swiss town celebrated for the art exhibitions at the Fondation Pierre Gianadda and the region’s exquisite wines.
