10 Most Instagrammable Road Trip Destinations in Europe
Europe is full of iconic sights, from the Eiffel Tower to Santorini’s white-washed homes—but beyond the big cities and well-trodden tourist routes lie hidden gems you can only reach with four wheels and a sense of adventure. If you’re planning a road trip and want some jaw-dropping photo ops for your Instagram feed, here are 10 stunning spots in Europe that are only accessible by car.
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1. Val di Funes, Italy
Nestled in the Dolomites of South Tyrol, Val di Funes is a postcard-perfect village with a dramatic mountain backdrop. The winding roads that take you here are almost as photogenic as the church of Santa Maddalena surrounded by alpine meadows.
Best shot: Sunset with the Odle mountain range in the background.
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2. Plitvice Lakes Hidden Entrance, Croatia
While the main entrance of Plitvice Lakes National Park is usually packed, the lesser-known entrances—especially Entrance 3—are only accessible by car and lead to quieter, equally scenic boardwalks over turquoise lakes.
Best shot: Aerial-style capture of waterfalls and lush greenery.
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3. Eibsee Lake, Germany
Located at the base of Germany’s highest mountain, Zugspitze, this crystal-clear lake is hard to reach without a car—but it’s totally worth it. With forested islands, mirror-like water, and snow-capped peaks, every angle is Instagram gold.
Best shot: Early morning mist rolling over the lake.
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4. Fairy Glen, Scotland
Tucked away on the Isle of Skye, Fairy Glen is a magical landscape of green mounds, spiral rock formations, and mini-lochs. There are no signs—just a narrow road leading you to one of Scotland’s most whimsical hidden gems.
Best shot: Top of Castle Ewen with dramatic clouds overhead.
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5. The Verdon Gorge, France
Known as the “Grand Canyon of Europe,” the Verdon Gorge is a breathtaking river canyon only accessible by scenic mountain roads. Drive along the Rim Road (Route des Crêtes) for dizzying cliffs and turquoise river views.
Best shot: Panoramic cliffside shot over the gorge.
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6. Giethoorn’s Countryside, Netherlands
Giethoorn is known for its canals, but beyond the tourist zone lies a quiet countryside with storybook farms and reed-covered homes. A car lets you venture past the usual photo ops to capture the area’s rural charm.
Best shot: Traditional thatched-roof cottage under golden hour light.
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7. Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria
This is a destination in itself. Austria’s most scenic drive takes you through 36 hairpin bends, glaciers, and views of the country’s highest peak. You need a car to access it—and every turn offers another Instagram opportunity.
Best shot: Car on a curve with dramatic alpine scenery.
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8. Trollstigen, Norway
A masterpiece of engineering carved into the side of a mountain, Trollstigen is an iconic serpentine road best experienced by car. Waterfalls, vertical drops, and epic valley views await every brave driver.
Best shot: Drone shot of the winding road snaking up the mountain.
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9. The Black Forest Scenic Route, Germany
While parts of the Black Forest are accessible by train, the full 60km Schwarzwaldhochstraße scenic route—lined with fairy-tale villages, dense forests, and rolling hills—is best explored by car.
Best shot: Half-timbered house peeking out of the forest.
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10. Lac de Capitellu, France (Corsica)
This glacial lake in Corsica’s rugged interior requires a drive into the mountains followed by a hike—totally remote, totally untouched. You’ll need a sturdy car, but the crystal-blue lake is worth it.
Best shot: Bird’s eye view of the alpine lake surrounded by granite peaks.
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Final Tips for the Road Tripper:
• Bring a drone if possible—many of these spots shine from above.
• Travel in off-season to avoid crowds and get cleaner shots.
• Rent a car with good suspension—some roads are more adventure than highway.
From fairy-tale valleys to wild mountain passes, these hidden corners of Europe offer not just incredible views but unforgettable road trip memories. So buckle up, charge your camera, and get ready to turn your feed into travel goals.
