As beautiful as an exotic paradise, or secluded mountain resort can be, it is sometimes the road that is more interesting than the destination. Sometimes, it is not only about getting somewhere, but also about the road that takes you there. Drivers and intrepid travelers know how breathtakingly beautiful they can be. In the following list we want to present to you the most spectacular roads in the world. These roads are not your typical roads, but those that offer a remarkable panorama of stunning nature. Here are our top 8 choices:

1. Transfagarasean, Romania

You may not have heard about this road, and if you didn’t it is a shame. The Transfagarasean is one of the most spectacular roads in the World. It is only accessible for a limited amount of months throughout the year, due to harsh conditions, but the road that traverses the Carpathian Mountains will send chill down your spine, especially when you reach the top. The crooked serpentine, viaducts and pristine wildlife will have you gasping for air. The Transfagarasean deserves a place among the most beautiful roads in the world.

2. Pacific Coast Highway, USA 

Pacific Coast Highway may not be as popular as the infamous Route 66, but the 1055 km that accompany the Pacific Ocean, and connects the southern cities of Los Angeles, San Francisco and Santa Cruz is definitely a sight for sore eyes. At first glance, it may seem like a boring, lean, almost boring road, but this isn’t at all true. Architects have come up with ingenious ways of surpassing obstacles (water, rocky formations etc.) that will definitely offer strong sensations to drivers. On foggy days, it can actually feel like you are drifting on top of clouds.

3. Stelvio Pass, Italy

Personally, I find the Stelvio Pass one of the most beautiful roads in the world. This is probably because it has managed what not many roads in this world has: to tame one of the steepest mountains in Europe, which has an altitude of 2757 meters. After a drive test, members of Top Gear actually said that it is without a doubt the most beautiful road that they have ever had the pleasure of driving on. As you can already imagine, the scenery is majestic, the ascension riveting, and the panorama from the top surreal.

4. Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria

Number four on our most spectacular roads top is the Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria. It was nicknamed “Cyclist’s Heaven” because it unfolds a jaw-dropping panorama of the Alpine mountains. If you follow this road you will reach Kaiser Franz Josefs Hofe Visitor Center, which offers a huge panorama of the tallest mountain in the area (Austria Grossglockner – 3798 m), and its glacier, Pasterze. 

5. White Rim Road, USA

The number five contender on our most spectacular roads in the World list, is the 165 km long White Rim Road, in the United States. It is actually one of the most challenging mountain roads in the world, which passes through the Canyonlands National Park in Utah. What gives it its unique appeal is the red rocks from the canyon, and the brick-like texture of the terrain. It is also not paved, which means that you can only pass it with a 4×4.

6.  Troll’s Ladder, Norway

The Troll’s ladder is one the main tourist attractions in Norway, and it is actually a marvel of engineering. It passes through three mountains: Regal, Queen and Bishop, by zig-zaging through them The six kilometers that make the largest portion of the road have 11 dangerous coils with a 9% inclination. It is definitely worthy of a spot in our most spectacular roads in the world top.

7. Ring Road, Island

You have probably already heard about the beauties of Island, but have you heard about the circular experience that is the Ring Road? It is without a doubt the best way to experience the rugged wildlife of this country, the gheizers, waterfalls, fjords and endless fields. If you want to explore the lands of Vikings, you should definitely take your little ones with you.

8. Icefields Parkway, Canada 

Canada is the epitome of pristine wildlife, and the best way to experience it is by travelling deep into the savage forests of the Canadian Rockies. The Icefields Parkway road is simply spectacular. It is also known under the name of Alberta Highway 93, and it connects lake Louise with Jasper City. As if this wasn’t enough, it also passes through the national treasure that is Banff National Park, a fairy-tale land filled with snowy peaks, crystal clear lakes and green valleys.