Some Of Italy's Most Scenic Roads

Italy was the first country in the world to construct a motorway when the forty three kilometer long Milano - Varese Autostrade, also known as the A8 / Autostrade de Laghi – Road of the lakes -  was completed in 1926. 

Today Italy has over six thousand kilometers of motorways made up of thirty two Autostrade – A Roads - and over eighteen thousand kilometers of State Highways - SS Roads.

Despite having Europe's third longest coastline, after Greece and the United Kingdom, Italy is actually better known for it's many Alpine mountain passes where it is home to Europe’s fifth highest mountain road, the Stelvio Pass, which attains an ultimate elevation of 2,757 meters above sea level.

Found below is a list of ten of Italy’s most scenic routes, which includes rural, mountain and coastal roads, followed by a list of Italy’s cross border routes. 

 

Italy's Autostrade

  

A1 –  Italy’s A1, also known as the Motorway of the Sun, is a 759 kilometer long north – south route which travels through the country’s rural interior between the cities of Milan and Naples, travelling through the Campania, Lombardy, Tuscany and Umbria regions and passing through the historic towns and cities of Bologna, Firenza, Modena, Palma and Pisa. 

The A1 also links with the country’s Grande Raccordo Anulare / Rome Orbital / A90 road, which is the main access road into the city of Rome and the Vatican City State. 

Map Of Rome's GRA

A3 – Italy’s A3 road links the city of Naples with the port town of Reggio Calabria on the country’s west coast, passing through the towns and cities of Bagnara Calabra, Castellmare di Stabia, Pompeii, Salerno and Vietri sul Mare before terminating in Reggio Calabria, where ferries to the island of Sicily can be taken.

Located just outside Bagnara Calabra is the impressive Sfalassa Gorge which is spanned by the equally impressive 254 meter high by 376 meter wide, Sfalassa Bridge. 

The A3 also links with two of Italy’s most popular coastal roads, they are - 

The 50 kilometer long SS163 / Amalfi Coast Road, which is a high and very narrow, twisting cliff road which hugs the Gulf of Salerno coastline between the small towns of Vietri sul Mare and Positano. 

Driving along the SS163 will reward you with stunning views out across the  Bay of Naples, where on a clear day, you can see the Isle of Capri, the island of Sicily and Mount Vesuvius rising out of the sea.

The road passes through the picturesque small towns of Conca dei Marini, Furore, Praiano and Amalfi, which is an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The SS106 / Ionian Coast Road, which is a 96 kilometer long coastal road which travels in an east – west direction along southern Italy’s Ionian Sea coastline, between the port towns of Reggio Calabria on the west coast and Taranto on the east coast.

The road also passes through the town of Crotone and Matera, the latter of which is a subterranean city and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The road is also spanned by the ancient, Roman built, Saracen Viaduct, located just outside the village of Catanzano.

The SS106 is considered to be one of Italy’s most dangerous roads owing to it’s many tight bends, it’s dense sea fog and / or cloud cover, a very slippery surface when wet and the fact that the locals use it as a race track.

Positano, Campania

A5 – This road is a 143 kilometer long north – south route linking the city of Turin with the Mont Blanc Tunnel, known as the Trafori Monte Bianco in Italian, and then on into France.

The road travels through the picturesque alpine regions of Piedmont and the Aosta Valley in the very north west of the country.

The road travels through the Alpine towns of Courmayeur, Ivrea and Santhia and is one of Italy’s main Alpine transportation routes with links to several other alpine routes and major ski resorts, not just in Italy, but in France and Switzerland too. 

A8 – Italy’s A8 road was the world’s first ever motorway when it was opened in 1926.

Today this forty three kilometer long route, which is also known as the Road of the Lakes, travels through the countryside of northern Lombardy, between the industrial city of Milan and the city of Varese, located in the foothills of the Campo dei Fiori Mountain Range and along the shore of Lake Varese. The city is also home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sacro Monte di Varese. 

At Varese the A8 links with three other roads which will take you on to the Italian Lake District, the A26 road for access to Lake Maggiore, the A9 road for access to Lake Como and Lake Lugano and the SS36 road which will take you to the city of Monza, home of the internationally renowned, Autodrome Nazionale, where Italy’s Formula One Grand Prix is held. 

A14 – This 756 kilometer long road hugs Italy’s Adriatic Sea coast located along the country’s east coast, where it links the city of Bologna with the port town of Taranto.

This picturesque coastal road travels through the regions of Abruzzo, Apulia, Marche and Molise and passes through the popular Italian holiday resorts of Ancona, Bari, Fermo, Pescora and Rimini.

At Rimini the A14 links with the SS72 road which travels for just ten kilometers in a south easterly direction before terminating at the border of Europe’s oldest republic of San Marino, where it then links with the 220 kilometer long, San Marino Super Highway, network.

 

A21 – This 238 kilometer long road links the city of Turin with the ancient city of Brescia via the picturesque Po Valley, located in the Emilia Romagna, Lombardy and Piedmont regions of northern Italy. 

The road, which is also known as the Road of Wines, travels through miles of vineyards and lush, green farmland and is surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Italian Alps.

The road also passes through the historic city of Piacenza along the way.  

The Gavia Pass, Lombardy

 A26 -  Italy’s A26 is a 197 kilometer long road which links the Italian port city of Genoa with the ancient town of Gravellona Toce in the north west of the country.

The road, which is also known as the Road of Tunnels due to it’s forty six tunnels and fifty eight viaducts, makes it’s way through the lush, green countryside of Liguria and Piedmont passing through the historic towns of Alessandria, Santhia and Voltri along the way. 

 

                                            ITALY’S CROSS BORDER ROUTES

                                         Italy has open borders with five countries.  

The River Po, Turin 

ITALY - SAN MARINO

Europe’s oldest republic can be accessed by way of the ten kilometer long, SS72 State Highway which is accessed from the east coast resort city of Rimini.

ITALY - VATICAN CITY STATE

The world’s smallest country can be accessed on foot or by road (not advised) from anywhere within Rome. The capital can be accessed from any direction of the compass by way of the Grande Raccordo Anulare / Rome Orbital / A90 road.

ITALY - AUSTRIA 

The Brenner Pass – Is located between Vipiteno in Italy and Innsbruck in Austria via the Alpine village of Brenner. This very busy and important mountain route, which is part of Italy’s A22 road, attains an ultimate elevation of 1,370 meters above sea level and is open all year round.

The Reschen Pass – Is located between between the Inn River Valley and the River Vinschgau Valley and links the town of Merano in Italy with Landeck in Austria. This 1,504 meter high pass is open all year round.

The Monte Croce Pass / Plocken Pass – Is located along the Carnic Alps and links the village of Paluzza in Italy with the village of Kotschach Muthen in Austria. This 1,636 meter high pass is open all year round.  

The Stelvio Pass

ITALY - FRANCE

The Piccolo San Bernardo Pass – Is located Between the Aosta Valley in Italy and Bourg St. Maurice in France. This 2,188 meter high pass is open from June through to October.

The Moncenisio (Mont Cenis) Pass – Is located along the Graian Alps and links the Italian town of Susa with the franch town of Lanslebourg. The pass is open all year round .

The Monginevro Pass – Is located along the Cottian Alps and links the town of Cesane in Italy with the town of Briancon in France. The pass is open all year round.

The Maddalena Pass – Links the Maritime Alps with the Cotian Alps and is located between the town of Vinadio in Italy and Barcellonette in France. The pass is open from May to October.

The Tenda Pass – Is located in the Maritime Alps, located between the Italian town of Cuneo and the French coastal city of Nice. The pass is open all year round and incorporates the 3,182 meter long Tenda Tunnel.

The Mont Blanc Tunnel - The Mont BlancTunnel is 12 kilometers long and links the Italian town of  Courmayour with the French ski resort of Chamonix through Europe’s highest mountain, Mont Blanc. The tunnel is open all year round and has a fixed toll. 

The Frejus Tunnel –This 12 kilometer long tunnel is located between the Italian town of Baronechia and the French town of Modane through the Cottian Alps. Toll charges apply.

   

ITALY - SWITZERLAND

The Gran San Bernardo Pass – Is located between the summits of Mont Blanc and Mont Rosa and links the Aosta Valley in Italy with the town of Martigny in Switzerland. This 2,469 meter high pass is open from June to October.

The Simplon Pass – Is located along the Pennine and Lepotine Alps and links the town of Domodossola in Italy with the town of Brig in Switzerland. This 2,005 meter high pass is open year round.

The Maloja Pass – Is located along the Val Bregaglia and links the Italian town of Chiavenna with the Swiss town of Splug in Graubunden Canton. This 1,815 meter high pass is open all year round.

The Bernina Pass – Is located along the Bernina Mountain Range and links the Italian town of Val Poschiano with the famous Swiss ski resort of St Moritz. This 2,328 meter high pass is open from June through to October.

The Umbrail Pass – Is located between Bormio in Italy and Santa Maria Val Mustair in Switzerland. This 2,501 meter high pass is open from June through to October.

The San Bernardo Tunnel – This 5,798 meter long tunnel links the Italian town of Saint Rhemy en Bosses in the Aosta Valley with the Swiss town of Martigny through the Pennine Alps. 

The St. Gotthard Tunnel – This 16 kilometer long tunnel, which is toll free, links the Italian town of Airolo with the Swiss town of Goschenen through the Lepotine Alps.

The Munt la Shera Tunnel – This 3,385 meter long tunnel is open all year round from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m daily and links the town of Livigno in Italy with Zernez in Switzerland through the Ortler Alps.Toll charges apply.

The Maloja Pass

Italians drive on the right hand side of the road.

The speed limit on Italian motorways is 130 kilometers an hour.

All of Italy’s motorways are toll roads. Drivers must obtain their ticket when entering the motorway but pay when exiting, and payment must be made in cash.

For road toll estimates, visit - www.tolltickets.com

Autostrade – A roads - are recognised by their green signage and state highways – SS roads - are recognised by their blue signage, so don’t get confused by the blue signs, which tend to denote a motorway in most other European countries.

Italian road signs can be rather complicated, so do familiarise yourself with their signage before you embark on your journey. 

Italian drivers have a reputation for being rather aggressive, so bear that in mind next time you have one tailgating you on the autostrade, it’s not personal it’s just normal road etiquette over there. 

Driving in Italy’s larger cities is a bit confusing to say the least, so in order to cut down on congestion, pollution and frayed nerves, it’s probably better to stay on the outskirts of the cities and take the metro system into town.  

For a list of the Italian city metro systems visit - Metro systems in south-west Europe. 

The Italian capital, Rome, along with the Italian cities of Florence, Genoa, Milan and Pisa have all recently implemented congestion charges. To find out how these charges affect visitors, visit any of the relevant city tourist websites.

To read about the geography of Italy, visit -  Facts about Italy.

If you’re into driving and Italian cuisine, you may find the following blog page of interest – 
A culinary road trip of Italy.

                                                 FIND HOTELS AROUND ITALY 

 

Some Of The Scenic Routes Of France

France is home to around 1.1 million kilometers of roadways which provide12,000 kilometers of autoroutes (A roads) and 30,500 kilometers of national routes (N roads).

This vast country, which hosts every type of natural landscape from the highest of mountains to the the widest of sandy beaches, vast river valleys, great swathes of isolated countryside, vast areas of agricultural land, hundreds of historic towns and villages and a myriad of world renowned ski and beach resorts, has so many scenic routes that it would take me the rest of my life to name them all. 

Therefore I have chosen just seven of my own particular favourites in the hope that it may inspire you to explore much more of La Belle France.   

  

France's Autoroute Network

France's west coast spans six hundred kilometers of Atlantic Ocean coastline between Brittany in the north and Aquitaine in the south.

Most of France’s Atlantic coast runs along the vast Bay of Biscay, a wild and forbidding maritime coastline renowned for it's rough seas, isolated beaches, traditional fishing villages and surfing resorts.

The route, which can be accessed by way of France's A 10, A83, N10, N65 and N165 roads, takes in the historic port towns and popular holiday resorts of Le Conquet, La Rochelle, Arcachon, Brest, Bordeaux, Bergerac, Biarritz, Bayonne, Lacanau, Nantes and Rochefort as it makes it's way along miles of undiscovered sandy beaches, traditional fishing villages and miles of isolated woodland before terminating near the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains on the  French / Spanish border just outside the coastal town of Saint Jean de Luz in France’s Basque Region. 

 

 

France’s north coast spans over 500 kilometers of coastline along part of the North Sea, located between the port town of Calais and eastwards through to the Belgium border, and all of the English Channel, where it is known in France as La Manche, travelling westwards from Calais through to Le Conquet in Brittany, where the English Channel meets with the Atlantic Ocean.

 France's north coast is renowned for it's chalk cliffs and vast river estuaries located along the coast of Normandy, the wide flat beaches, rocky coves and offshore islands of the Brittany coastline and the lush green farmland and quaint fishing villages of Picardy, all of which are interspersed with vast swathes of marshland and farmland and a myriad of industrial towns, port towns and popular holiday resorts, including Dunkerque, Calais, Boulogne, Le Touquet, Dieppe, Le Havre, Caen, Cherbourg, St Malo and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mont Saint Michel.

The area can be accessed by several routes, including the A13, A16, A26, A28, A29 and the N12 and N13.

Some of the most popular routes through northern France include the A26, also known as the Autoroute des Anglais (the English Road) which is located between Calais and travelling inland to Troyes passing through the historic towns of  Arras and Reims and on through the popular Champagne region, the A28, known locally as the Autoroute des Estuaries, due to the marshland and river estuaries of the Normandy coast which it passes through and the A16 which will take you 180 kilometers south all the way to Paris.

However, the most popular route of all is the 192 kilometer drive down to Disneyland Paris. From Calais the resort can be accessed by taking the A26 south through to Arras, then join the A1 and travel in a south easterly direction through to Roissy en France, where the Charles de Gaulle Airport is located, then join the A104 ( known locally as the Francillienne) travelling in a north easterly direction. Leave the A104 at the junction with the N34 which links with the A4, which is the road which will take you on to Marne le Vallee where the Disneyland Paris Resort is located. 

France's south east coast spans 505 kilometers along the Mediterranean Sea between Menton in Provence Alpes Maritimes, near France’s border with Italy, and Perpignan in Languedoc Roussillon, near France’s border with north east Spain.

Ths coastal area, which can be accessed by way of France's A7, A8 and A9 roads, travels through the area known  the Cote d'Azur – the Blue Coast - an area renowned for it's up market holiday resorts of Nice, Cannes, St Tropez, Marseille, Toulon and Narbonne.

The area’s A7 road also connects with the Three Corniches Road, which is a series of three   steep cliff roads covering over 30 kilometers of dramatic sea views situated between Nice and Menton via the principality of Monaco.

The corniches go by the names of the Grand Corniche AKA the D2564 road, the Moyenne Corniche AKA the D45 road and the Basse Corniche AKA the N98 road, and all three run parrallel to one another running either through or above the towns of Beaulieu, Cap Ferrat, Cap Martin, La Turbie, Monte Carlo and Villefranche sur Mer.   

  

Mont Saint Michel
Image courtesy of Eric Golson, wikimedia commons

La Route des Grands Crus (The road of fine wines) - is a 60 kilometer long tourist route which travels through France’s premier wine growing region of Bourgogne, located in the north east of the country.

The route takes in an area of limestone cliffs along the Plateau de Langres and the Cote d’Or Escarpment, a lush, green area which is criss-crossed by the rivers Armancon, Arroux, Ouche, Saone and Seine.

The route also takes in over thirty villages along the way, which not only produce some of the world’s most prestigious wines but champagne, brandy and mustard, as it makes it’s way between the historic towns of Santaney and Dijon. 

Les Route des Cretes (The road on the crest) – is an 89 kilometer long tourist route located between the picturesque mountain settlements of Saint Marie aux Mines and Cernay in Alsace Lorraine. 

The pass, which is a heavilly forested area overlooking the River Rhine and River Moselle valleys near France’s border with Germany, reaches an ultimate elevation of 950 meters above sea level as it makes it’s way along the crest of the Col du Grand Ballon, the highest peak of the Vosges Mountains of north east France.

 

Les Routes des Grands Alpes is a 740 kilometer long route located in the French Alps which links the coastal city of Nice with the spa town and upmarket holiday resort of Evian, located on the French side of Lake Geneva.

This route is particulalrly noted for it’s twelve high mountain passes known as col, as it makes it’s way through the famous ski resorts of La Grave, Saint Gervais and Val d’Isere and the medieval Alpine town of Barcelonnette located in the Ubaye Valley.

The highest of these cols is the Col de la Bonnette at 2,802 meters above sea level.  



The Pas de Peyrol, located in France's Auvergne Region, is a scenic, asphalt surfaced, mountain road located in the Cantal Mountains of the country's Massif Central. The pass leads to the peak of the now extinct Puy Mary volcano, which at 1,589 meters high makes this pass  the highest in the Massif Central.  
The pass has become a favourite with cyclists after having been featured several times during the country's Tour de France cycling competition.  
The pass can be accessed by way of the Col de Narbonne which is located on a junction of the D680 road located between the small towns of Salers and Dienne. 
During the winter months the pass is generally impassable due to snow and during the Summer months may also become impassable due to heavy rain. 

 

Located along the middle stretch of the Loire Valley of central France is an 800 square kilometer area which has been designated as an UNESCO World Heritage Site due to it’s historic towns and abundance of chateaux (castle / palace) and it's many fruit orchards and vine yards.

The area can be accessed by way of the A11, A71, A85 and N142 roads, all of which either pass through or near to the historic towns of Angers, Bourges, Chinon, Orleans, Sancerre, Saumur, Tours and Vierzon.  

Chateau Plessis - Bourre

 

 

Please be aware that all of France’s autoroutes – A roads  – are toll roads. To find out the price of the various tolls, visit -  www.autoroutes.fr 

The speed limit in France is 130 kilometers an hour unless otherwise stated.

Traffic in France drives on the right hand side of the road.

Seatbelts must be worn, by both drivers and passengers alike, at all times.

All cars in France must now carry high visibilty jackets, to be worn in the case of break downs.

It is illegal to use a mobile phone whilst driving in France.

Drink driving will not be tolerated on the roads of France, therefore owing to the country’s culture of taking wine with most meals, please be aware of your alcohol intake.

When driving around France try and steer clear of any of it’s major city centres, especially Paris, Nice and Marseille. All of France’s major cities have metro systems, so drive to the suburbs and use the city metro system to travel into town.  
You can find a list of France’s city metro systems by visiting - Metro systems in northwest Europe. 

   

La Route De Cretes

To read about the geography of France, visit - Facts about France.

You may also be interested in my blog post - A culinary road trip of France.

                                                 FIND HOTELS IN FRANCE 

 

The Motorways Of Switzerland

Switzerland is actually much better known for it's scenic cycle routes and alpine trains than it's vast road network. 

Despite it's small size the country is served by a 71,345 kilometer road network which incorporates twenty two motorways which between them cover over 1,763 kilometers.  
The Swiss motorways, known as autobahnen in German, autoroutes in French, autosrade in Italian and autosradas in Romansch - the four languages spoken in Switzerland - travel through miles of lush green countryside resplendent with high mountains, scenic valleys, steep gorges, vast lakes and rivers, traditional alpine villages and beautiful cities all interspersed with a myriad of spectacular viaducts, bridges, dams and tunnels.  
Of these twenty two motorways I have hand picked eight of the most scenic for inclusion on this page. 

 

The Motorway Network of Switzerland
Click on map to enlarge

  

A1 - The 210 kilometer long A1 travels in a north east / south west direction and links the city of Geneva, located in the very south east of the country with Zurich located along the Swiss Plateau of northern Switzerland.

From the Austrian border town of St Margarethen the road passes through the cities of Aarau, Baden, Morges, Zurich and the Swiss capital Bern before terminating in Switzerland’s second largest city, Geneva.

The road is served by the 1.1 kilometer long, Baregg Tunnel at Baden and the 3.2 kilometer long Gubrist Tunnel, which links the A1 with the Zurich Bypass, also known as the A20 motorway. 

A2 - The A2 travels in a north / south direction for 285 kilometers between the city of Basel on Switzerland’s German border to the town of Chiasso on Switzerland's Italian border.

The road passes through the towns and cities of Airolo, Altdorf, Bellinzona, Lucerne, Lugano, Olten and Stans. 

The road is also served by the 16.9 kilometer long, St Gotthard Tunnel, located between Goschen and Airolo, the Sonnenberg Tunnel located in Lucerne and the impressive Strada della Tremola at Airolo. 

   

A4 - The 165 kilometer long A4 travels in a north / south direction linking Switzerland's largest city Zurich with the town of Bargan on Switzerland’s northern border with Germany. 
The road passes through the picturesque towns of Altdorf, Brunnen, Cham, Rotkreut, Schaffhausen, Winterhur and Zug. 

 

A7 - The A7 is just 33 kilometers long but takes in some stunning scenery as it makes it's way along the shore line of Lake Constance in north east Switzerland. 

The road links the town of Kreutzlingen on Switzerland's border with Germany with the city of Winterhur, passing through the Alpine villages of Gruneck and Frauenfeld along the way.  

  

The Strada della Tremola at Airolo
Image courtesy of Markus Bernet, wikimedia commons

A8 - The A8 is a 94 kilometer long road which travels in an east / west direction between the towns of Hergiswil and Spiez in central Switzerland. 

This particularly scenic motorway makes it’s way along the shores of Lake Thun, Lake Brienz, Lake Lungern, Lake Sarnen and Lake Alpnacher.

The road also passes the Jungfrau Park and passes through the towns of Darligen, Interlaken, Leissigen and Sarnen.

The road is served by the 1,008 meter high, Brunig Pass, located between Lucerne and Speiz, the five kilometer long, Sachseln Tunnel near Sarnen and the Lopper Tunnel near Lake Alpnacher, which links the A8 with the country's A2 motorway via an elaborate series of smaller sub tunnels.

A9 – Switzerland’s A9 motorway is a 230 kilometer long road situated between the cities of Lausanne and Brig in south west Switzerland.

Part of the A9 includes the Simplon Pass, located at an altitude of 2,005 meters above sea level. The pass, which is located above the Simplon Rail Tunnel located along the Pennine and Lepontine Alps, links the Swiss city of Brig with the Italian border in Piedmont, via the shore of Lake Rotel.

The A9, which travels through miles of Switzerland's prime farm land and wine growing country, also passes through the Alpine towns of Bellaigues, Gondo, Sion and Vevey.

A13 – The A13 is a 195 kilometer long motorway linking Switzerland’s Austrian and French borders.

Located between the towns of St Margarethen on the Austrian border and Bardonnex on the French border, the road makes it's way through the towns of Ascona, Bellinzona, Chur and Thusus.

The road also gives visitors access to the upmarket ski-ing resorts of Davos, Klosters and St Moritz in the very east of Switzerland by way of the 43 kilometer long, Julier Pass located in the Albula Mountains. 
The Italian border is accessed by way of the 2,115 meter high, Splugen Pass, located in the Engadain Valley in Graubunden.

The road makes it's way through the picturesque Ergadin, Hinterrhein and Rhine valleys, along the shores of Lake Constance and across the Viamala Gorge.

The road is also served by the 6.6 kilometer long, San Bernadino Tunnel, located between the towns of Hinterrehein and San Bernadino, which is located at an elevation of 1,650 meters above sea level. 

 

A16 – This 84 kilometer long motorway, also known as the Transjurane, links the town of Boncourt on Switzerland's border with France with the picturesque city of Biel / Bienne located in the foothills of the Bernese Jura.

The road is renowned for it’s twenty seven tunnels, eleven of which are over one kilometer in length, as it makes it's way through the mountains and valleys of the Jura Mountains, passing through the picturesque towns of Court, Delemont, Frinvillier, Mouti and Porrentruy along the way. 
  

   

Image Courtesy of BenKidd77, wikimedia commons

Owing to it’s mountainous terrain Switzerland is home to hundreds of mountain passes.  

Shown below is a list of the country’s ten highest, showing their ultimate height and location -  

 

The Umbrail Pass – 2,501 meters – Located along the Switzerland / Italy border in Graubunden.

The Nufenen Pass – 2,478 meters – Located between the towns of Ulrichen in Valais and Airolo in Ticino.

The Great Saint Bernard Pass – 2,469 meters – Located on the Swiss / Italian border of Valais.

The Furka Pass – 2,427meters – Located between the towns of Gletsch in Valais and Realp in Uri.

The Fluela Pass – 2,383 meters – Located between Davos and Susch in the Engadin Valley in Graubunden.

The Bernia Pass – 2,328 meters – Located between St Moritz and Val Poschino in Graubunden. 

The Albula Pass – 2,315 meters – Located between Thusis and La Punt in Graubunden.

The Livigno Pass – 2,315 meters – Located on the Switzerland /Italy border at Motta in Graubunden.

The Julier Pass – 2,284 meters – Located in the Engadin Valley in Graubunden. 

The Susten Pass – 2,224 meters – Located between Bern and Wasser in Uri.

Lake Sarnen
 Image courtesy of - www.picswiss.ch 

Before embarking on any road trip to Switzerland you will need to purchase a Vignette, an annual motorway toll sticker.  
Affix this to the windscreen of your car to show that you have paid the road tax, which will then enable you to drive around Switzerland and to enter all of the country's two hundred tunnels. 

Vignettes can be purchased online from - www.ezv.admin.ch - or from any of the country's border controls, post offices or petrol/gas stations.   

Traffic in Switzerland drives on the right hand side of the road.

The speed limit on Swiss motorways is 120 kilometers an hour.

Switzerland is not a member of the European Community, but it is part of the Schengen Agreement, therefore it has open borders with it's neighbours Austria, France, Germany and Italy.

All vehicles in Switzerland must now carry high visibility jackets at all times. In Winter drivers must also carry snow chains. If drivers wear glasses they must also carry a spare pair with them at all times. Both drivers and passengers must also wear seat belts at all times. 

From May 1, 2016 Swiss registered hire cars can now no longer be driven across the border of the four EU countries of Austria, France, Germany and Italy. Some car hire companies may provide EU registered cars so do ask first if your journey will require cross border travel. 

The official name for Switzerland is Confoederatio Helvetica - The Swiss Confederation, hence the use of the letters CH on it's vehicles. 



   

      To check out the geography of Switzerland, visit - Facts about Switzerland.  

                              FIND HOTELS IN SWITZERLAND 

 

                                         

National Tourist Routes Of Norway

The Kingdom of Norway offers it's visitors no less than eighteen designated National Tourist Routes - Nasjonale Turistveger - which between them cover hundreds of kilometers of some of the world's most outstanding natural beauty. 

Found below is a list and overview of these eighteen scenic routes, followed by a list of the country’s motorways – Riksveg – and European Highways - Europveg. 

County Map Of Norway

National Tourist Route Andoya - Is a 51 kilometer long scenic route located between the towns of Akneskrysset and Andenes in the county of Nordland. 

The road follows the west coast of the rugged and isolated Vesterlan Peninsula, located in the Norwegian Sea.

National Tourist Route Atlanterhavsvegen - The Atlantic Ocean Road is an eight mile section of the 36 kilometer long, Country Road 64, located between Karveg and Vevang in the county of More og Romsal.

The road hugs the coast of Hustadvika, one of Norway's most dangerous maritime sections of coastline known as the Ship’s Graveyard, before making it's way across several small islands and skerries in the Atlantic Ocean by way of several bridges, causeways, tunnels and viaducts. 

National Tourist Route Aurlandsfjellet - Is a 47 kilometer long mountain road which crosses the barren high plateau of Mount Aurland, located between the towns of Aurlandsvangan and Laerdalsoyn in the county of Sogn og Fjordane. 

The road bypasses the world's longest tunnel located at Laerdal and provides the most stunning views out across the Aurlandsfjord some six hundred meters below.

National Tourist Route Gamle Strynefjellsvegen - This 27 kilometer long road is located between the mountain villages of Skjak and Stryn in the county of Oppland. 

The road passes through a rugged and barren lunar like landscape forged by glacial deposits which were made thousands of years ago.

 

National Tourist Route Gaularfjellet - This 92 kilometer long road links the alpine villages of Balestrand and Moskog in the county of Sogn og Fjordane. 

The road, which is interspersed with steep, high cliffs and sheltered, green valleys, crosses the peak of Mount Gualar, passing several picturesque lakes and waterfalls along the way.  

Hamningberg

National Tourist Route Trollstigen - Is a 104 kilometer long serpentine, mountain pass which links the town of Andalsnes with the village of Valldal in the county of More og Romsdal. Trollstigen is one of the most popular tourist routes in Norway owing to it's eleven hairpin bends, sharp corners and scary 10% incline.

  

National Tourist Route Hardanger – This 195 kilometer long road located in the county of Hordland covers the moorland and mountainous terrain which surrounds Norway’s second largest fjord, Hardangerfjord, passing the majestic Voringsfossen and Steindalsfossen waterfalls along the way.

 

National Tourist Route Havoysund – This 66 kilometer long road begins in the small town of Russelv and travels through the barren Arctic wilderness of Finnmark county. 

The road is flanked by the coast of the Norwegian Sea to one side and barren mountain peaks on the other. The road terminates on the island of Havoya which is accessed by way of the the world’s most northerly located bridge, the 293 meter long Havoysund Bridge.

The area of Finnmark is renowned for the natural phenomena known as the Northern Lights – Aurora Borealis.

   

National Tourist Route Helgeland Coast North – This 129 kilometer long coastal road is located between the towns of Stokkvagen and Storvika in the county of Nordland.

The road follows the Helgeland coast, traveling through vast areas of high pinnacled mountains, vast glaciers and stunning lakeland. 

The road is flanked by several bridges, causeways and ferry terminals along the coast, all of which give access to several of the larger offshore islands, islets and skerries which are located there.  

   

One Of The Bridges Along Atlanterhavsvegen

National Tourist Route Helgeland Coast South – This 97 kilometer long road runs along the Helgeland coast between the towns of Holm and Alstahaug in Nordland county.

The road travels along the vast Vega Archipelago, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and passes the unique natural features of Torghatten and the Seven Sisters of Alstahaug. 

National Tourist Route Jaeren – This 41 kilometer long road is located along the low lying coastal flats of Jaeren in Rogaland county.

The road passes several sandy beaches, vast areas of sand dunes, lush, green farmland and several traditional farming villages. 

National Tourist Route Lofoten – This 164 kilometer long road is located between the towns of Fiskebol and A, situated along the vast Lofoten Archipelago of Nordland county,.

The road passes through miles of white sandy beaches and picturesque fishing villges which are flanked by miles of barren, craggy mountains.

 

National Tourist Route Rondane – Is a 48 kilometer long road named after the Rondane Mountain Range, situated between the former mining town of Folldal and the village of Enden in Hedmark county.

The road is located in one of Norway’s premier hiking districts and passes through Norway’s oldest national park, the Rondane National Park, renowned for it’s high mountain peaks, barren plateau and reindeer herds.   

National Tourist Route Ryfylke – This 183 kilometer long road is situated between the towns of Oanes and Horda in Rogaland county.

The road takes you through miles of lush, green farmland which is surrounded by high sided cliffs and vast fjords. 

The road also passes through several former zinc mining towns. 

 

Torghatten

National Tourist Route Senja – This 84 kilometer long road travels along the west coast of Senja Island, located between the quaint fishing villages of Gryllefjord and Botnhamn in Troms county.

The road passes through several traditional fishing villages and incorporates miles of stunning coastline. 

National Tourist Route Sognefjellsvegen – This 108 kilometer long mountain road, which reaches an ultimate elevation of 1,434 meters above sea level, is located between the town of Lom in Oppland county and the village of Gaupne in Sogn op Fjordane county.

The road, which is part mountain pass, part coastal road, passes several lakes, glaciers and high mountain peaks and travels through several villages, some of which host traditional Norwegian stave – wooden – churches.

At Gaupne the road also provides access to the Jotunheimen and Jostedalsbreen national parks. 

     

National Tourist Route Valdresflye – This 37 kilometer long road travels along the mountain plateau of the Valdresflye, between the tiny settlements of Garli and Bestrond in Oppland county.

The road is situated at an elevation of 1,389 meters and commands stunning views of the lush green farmland and valleys below.

National Tourist Route Varanger – This 160 kilometer long road is located between the town of Verangerbatn and the abandoned fishing village, now a holiday retreat, of Hamningberg in Finnmark county.

The road is located along the Varanger Peninsular and follows the coast of the Varangerfjord, which is an arm of the Barents Sea,  a sea renowned for it’s icy sea mists and rough seas.

The area as a whole is renowned for it’s short polar days during the Winter months and it’s midnight sun of the Summer months.

The area’s geography is typified by vast swathes of birch forests, large areas of peat bogs and a lunar like, barren and rocky terrain. 

  

Sognefellsvegen

 

Norway is also served by seven motorways, known as Riksveg and four long distance European Highways which are known as Europveg. They are:  

Riksvei 3 – 291 km – Located between Kolomoen in Oppland county and Loten in Hedmark county.

Riksvei 4 – 140 km – Located between Stryken and Roa in Oppland county . 

Riksvei 25 – 116 km – located between Tonset and Elverum in Hedland county .

Riksvei 159 – 11 km – Located between Karihaugen and Lillestrom in Akerhus county.

Riksvei 509 – 4 km – Located between Sola and Stavanger in Rogaland county. 

Riksvei 555 – 45 km – Located between Bergen and Loddefjord in Hordaland county.

Riksvei 580 – 24 km – Located between Hop and Bergen Airport in Hordaland county.

Europvei E6 – 2,630 km – Located between Svinesund in Ostlandet County and Kirkenes in Finnmark County.

Europvei 16 – 707 km – Located between Bergen in Hordaland County and Sandvika in Akerhus County.

Europvei 18 – 415 km – Located between Orje in Ostfold County and Kristiansand in Vest Agder County.

Europvei 39 – 1,330 km – Located between Kristainsand in Vest Agder County and Thamshavn in Sor Trondelag County.   

The Major Road Network Of Norway

 

                                   SOME TIPS FOR WHEN DRIVING IN NORWAY

Driving in Norway is done on the right hand side of the road.

The speed limit in Norway is 80 kilometers an hour.

Dipped headlights must remain on at all times, even in bright sunlight.

It is compulsary to wear seatbelts at all times, both drivers and passengers. 
A high visibility jacket must be carried in your vehicle at all times.

Norway has the most rigid drink/driving laws in the world. Therefore NEVER drive whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs as it will most definitely result in a prison sentence.

In recent years the Norwegian cities of Bergen, Oslo and Trondheim have implemented congestion charges.For more information about these charges please refer to any of the city's tourist websites. 

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