10 Scenic Drives Perfect for RV Travelers

Few things are better than hitting the road in your RV for a road trip adventure. Whether you’re simply traveling from A to B, visiting family or friends, or heading out on the road trip of a lifetime, the saying “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey” is true. 

We looked worldwide to find mesmerizing drives offering incredible scenery, unique landscapes, quirky attractions, and much more. If you’re looking for somewhere new to drive, you’ve landed in the right place. 

In this article, you’ll find a list of 10 scenic drives perfect for RV travelers. We have something for everyone, so stick around!

1. Route 66, United States

Let’s start with what many RVers consider the ultimate road trip drive: Route 66. “The Mother Road” is an iconic road that covers more than 2,448 miles (3,340 kilometers) from Chicago to Los Angeles. 

What makes this scenic drive unique is the diversity of what you’ll see along the way. You’ll pass through dense forests, barren deserts, and mysterious ghost towns. Popular attractions along Route 66 include the Mojave Desert, Cadillac Ranch, the Painted Desert, and Petrified Forest National Park. There’s also a spot in Albuquerque, NM, where Route 66 crosses itself!

If you decide to drive the entire length of Route 66, it will take you approximately three weeks to complete.

2. The Iceland Ring Road, Iceland

One of Europe’s most scenic and iconic drives is in Iceland, a Nordic island nation famed for its dramatic landscapes and unique natural attractions. Iceland’s Route 1, better known as the Ring Road, is an 828-mile-long national road that circles the entire country.

The road is considered the most important transport infrastructure on the island because it connects most of Iceland’s major towns. However, it’s most loved by RVers because it offers one-of-a-kind views and access to spectacular natural wonders.

Along this well-maintained, paved road, you’ll encounter volcanoes, waterfalls, glaciers, small towns, and otherworldly black-sand beaches. You might even spot the Northern Lights!

3. Chapman’s Peak Drive, South Africa

True, it’s the smallest scenic drive on our list, but Chapman’s Peak Drive is arguably the most beautiful because it has stunning views of Chapman’s Peak, a picturesque mountain on the western side of the Cape Peninsula.

Chapman’s Peak Drive is a toll road that winds around the mountain along the coast for 5.5 miles (9 kilometers) between Noorhoek and Hout Bay on the Atlantic Coast. This route features 114 curves in those 5.5 miles, so it’s not for the faint-hearted!

During the drive, you’ll be rewarded with second-to-none views from every direction and the occasional scenic lookout point where you can pull over.

4. German Alpine Road, Germany

The German Alpine Road is a 280-mile (450-kilometer) drive that takes you on a panoramic tour of Germany’s Bavarian Alps. This scenic route starts in Lindau on Lake Constance and leads to Schönau on Lake Königssee.

Formerly known as the Romantic Road, this beautiful drive is also considered the oldest tourist route in Germany, so it’s an iconic journey to make, too. You can expect breathtaking mountain scenery, charming German towns, and stunning Bavarian castles for almost the entire drive.

Along the German Alpine Road, points of interest include Füssen, the 19th-century fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle, and Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain.

5. Grimsel Pass, Switzerland

Next, we have the Grimsel Pass in Switzerland. Switzerland is a fascinating country jam-packed with stunning natural beauty. Driving the Grimsel Pass is a fantastic way to experience the nation’s offerings. 

This 24-mile (39-kilometer) stretch of road zigzags its way from Gletsch in the canton of Valais to Meiringen in the canton of Bern. This serene road trip destination will lead you along well-constructed winding roads into remote mountain terrain featuring towering snow-capped peaks, reservoir lakes, and quaint villages. 

During the ride, you can visit popular tourist destinations, such as Aare Gorge, Reichenbach Falls, and Gelmerbahn, one of the steepest funicular ascents in the world.

6. Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

The Wild Atlantic Way is one of the best scenic drives in the world for many reasons. First, at 1,600 miles (2,574 kilometers), it’s one of the longest-defined coastal routes in the world. Second, it passes through nine Irish counties and three provinces.

Third, it offers panoramic coastal views and access to vibrant towns and villages. Finally, it provides RVers with diverse things to see and do. The road’s official start and end points are Donegal (Inishowen) and Cork (Kinsale).

Aside from the impressive coastal views, ancient monuments, and charming seaside villages, you’ll appreciate how well-maintained the roads are. Flat, wide, and easy to dive, they’re an RVers dream.

7. North Coast 500, Scotland

After having your fill of Irish adventure, you could hop over the water on a ferry to the United Kingdom and drive your RV up to Scotland, where you’ll find Scotland’s answer to Route 66. The North Coast 500 is a beautiful road trip that takes roadtrippers through the Scottish Highlands.

This scenic route is approximately 500 miles (809 kilometers) long and starts and ends in Inverness, not too far from the home of the Loch Ness Monster. It offers a fascinating mixture of serene lochs, quaint fishing villages, ancient castles, and impressive hillsides.

Notable attractions along the route include Little Garve Bridge, Stac Pollaidh, and Shieldaig.

8. The Dempster Highway, Canada

If you consider yourself an RV professional and you’re looking for a more challenging scenic drive, look no further than the Dempster Highway. The Dempster Highway, also referred to as the Yukon Highway 5 or Northwest Territories Highway 8, is a 457-mile (737-kilometer) highway that connects the Klondike Highway in Yukon to Inuvik on the Mackenzie River Delta.

The highway is known worldwide for its picture-perfect landscapes and impressive wildlife. However, it’s also recognized as one of Canada’s most challenging drives. In sections, the paved road disappears and is replaced by rugged gravel roads.

As a result, this drive requires careful planning and spare tires. You should also fill up your tank at every opportunity. 

9. James Dalton Highway, Alaska

Another challenging but scenic drive in North America is the James Dalton Highway. This route is less traveled by RVers, but has much to offer. It’s approximately 414 miles (666 kilometers) long, begins in Livengood, north of Fairbanks, and ends at Deadhorse and the oilfields of Prudhoe Bay.

The views along the highway are spectacular, but the roads are at times treacherous, creating the ultimate adventure for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. Iconic sights along the James Dalton Highway include the Yukon River Bridge, the Yukon Flats Nation­al Wildlife Refuge, Finger Rock, and Sukakpak Mountain.

Again, carefully prepare for this intense but beautiful road trip.

10. National Scenic Route, Norway 

The final scenic drive for RV travelers on our list is the National Scenic Route in Norway’s Lofoten archipelago. This gorgeous drive passes some of the most picturesque landscapes in Lofoten, stretching for more than 122 miles (197 kilometers) from Raftsundet in the north to Moskenes in the south.

During the drive, you’ll cross famous bridges, pass through traditional fishing villages, and encounter postcard-worthy Norwegian hills. You can cover the entire route in just a few hours, but we recommend stopping at various viewpoints and spending a few nights in the small villages.

Along the way, don’t miss Grunnfør, Reinehalsen, and Brunstranda.

What do you think of our list? Do you suddenly want to pack up your RV and hit the road like us? If so, pick one of the scenic drives we’ve mentioned and start planning your next RV adventure. We know you won’t be disappointed.