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From foodie routes to film locations, discover the best of Europe by travelling the open road
Sarah Gordon
When it comes to embracing the spirit of adventure, there’s nothing quite like the open road. It gives you the freedom to experience a destination in a more profound way. And it means you can be spontaneous, stopping for longer in a picturesque village perhaps, or making a detour to try an unmissable restaurant you’ve been recommended. Whether you’re seeking the spirit of hygge in Denmark, exploring Game-of-Thrones-style landscapes in Iceland, following the spirit of romance into the peaks of Switzerland, or sampling freshly grown delicacies in the forests of Sweden, even a short drive can take you out of the cities and off the usual tourist trail to explore on your terms. British Airways Holidays and its exclusive car hire partner Avis have made it easier to plan your trip, with a choice of vehicle types, as well as multiple pick-up and drop-off locations, and all mandatory charges included. And with roadside assistance and 24-hour customer support, you can explore with complete peace of mind.
SWITZERLAND
GERMANY
ICELAND
SLOVENIA
POLAND
SWEDEN
DENMARK
NORWAY
To Switzerland
Gstaad
Neuchâtel
Bern
Lauterbrunnen
Furka Pass
Zurich Airport (73km)
Driving through Switzerland | Credit: Getty
SWITZERLAND
GERMANY
ICELAND
SLOVENIA
POLAND
SWEDEN
DENMARK
NORWAY
To Germany
Cologne
Aerial view over the Rhine | Credit: Getty
Koblenz
Boppard
Heidelberg
Cologne Airport
SWITZERLAND
GERMANY
ICELAND
SLOVENIA
POLAND
SWEDEN
DENMARK
NORWAY
To Iceland
Reykjavik Airport
Aerial view of Vestrahorn | Credit: Shutterstock
Ísafjörður
Rauðisandur
Flókalundur
Reykjavik
SWITZERLAND
GERMANY
ICELAND
SLOVENIA
POLAND
SWEDEN
DENMARK
NORWAY
To Slovenia
Postojna Cave
Lake Bled from the balcony | Credit: Getty
Šmartno
Vršič Pass
Sava Valley
Ljubljana
Ljubljana Joze Pucnik Airport (25km)
SWITZERLAND
GERMANY
ICELAND
SLOVENIA
POLAND
SWEDEN
DENMARK
NORWAY
To Poland
Kraków
Warsaw
Warsaw Chopin Airport
Motlawa River waterfront, Gdansk | Credit: Getty
Toruń
Malbork Castle
Gdańsk
SWITZERLAND
GERMANY
ICELAND
SLOVENIA
POLAND
SWEDEN
DENMARK
NORWAY
To Sweden
Gothenburg
Stockholm Arlanda Airport (43km)
Reindeer and reindeer herder, Swedish Lapland | Credit: Getty
Malmö
Kalmar
Stockholm
SWITZERLAND
GERMANY
ICELAND
SLOVENIA
POLAND
SWEDEN
DENMARK
NORWAY
To Denmark
Aarhus
Village of Dragør in Denmark | Credit: Getty
Funen
Faaborg
Copenhagen
Dragør
Copenhagen Airport
SWITZERLAND
GERMANY
ICELAND
SLOVENIA
POLAND
SWEDEN
DENMARK
NORWAY
To Norway
Gryllefjord
Green Aurora borealis over Alesund, Norway | Credit: Getty
Bergsbotn
Tungeneset
Ersfjordstranda
Mefjordvær
Botnhamn
Tromso Airport (216km)
Chocolate-box charm in Switzerland
The majestic landscapes of Switzerland are best explored via the open road. From alpine passes to snaking lakeside routes, at each turn, another dazzling scene unfolds. It’s so cinematic that Hollywood loves filming here. Take the Furka Pass, with its familiar views of glaciers, forests and craggy mountains between the towns of Gletsch and Andermatt. This epic Swiss alpine pass was immortalised in the 1964 Bond film Goldfinger, when Sean Connery was pictured driving the stunning straights, dramatic elevations and twisting hairpins in his Aston Martin DB5.
If you’re looking to map out your own journey, why not start with the full-blown romance of the Grand Tour? This incredible 1,000-mile circuit wends its way around the country, past 22 shimmering lakes, 13 Unesco World Heritage Sites and five alpine passes – each more dramatic than the last. They’re landscapes to fall in love with. And as you weave your way through medieval towns and vibrant cities, you can stop off at castles, lakes and pretty alpine towns, savouring gastronomic delights along the way.
You can drive from Neuchatel to Bern via emerald lakes, stylish Gstaad and the Lauterbrunnen Valley of 72 waterfalls. Or travel the Zermatt to Lausanne leg for Matterhorn views, charming ski towns and a visit to the waterfront Château de Chillon.
View of the Matterhorn | Credit: Getty
Neuchâtel
Bern
Gstaad
Lauterbrunnen
Furka Pass
Zurich Airport (73km)
Foodie heaven
Switzerland’s landscapes might draw you in, but its food scene is not to be missed once there. Cheese connoisseurs can indulge in a classic fondue of melted cheese, wine and garlic, or mouthwatering melted raclette served over meat and potatoes, while those with a sweet tooth will struggle to resist the country’s world-famous chocolate.
The Lauterbrunnen valley features 72 waterfalls| Credit: Getty
Take in Switzerland's natural beauty | Credit: Getty
The idyllic village of Gstaad | Credit: Getty
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The romance of Germany’s Rhine Valley
Considered one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world, the Rhine Valley has inspired some of the greatest works of art, from the music of Wagner to the paintings of Turner. Fly into Cologne with British Airways and pick up your Avis hire car and the valley is within easy reach.
Let one of Europe’s longest rivers be your guide. The Rhine passes through the lush scenery of the Black Forest and crosses Germany before flowing to France, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Along the way, it is overlooked by Disney-esque castles, handsome cities and medieval villages that tell the story of Europe’s past.
An easy driving route is the Middle Rhine, starting in elegant Cologne, with its jaw-dropping cathedral, and following the river south to the forested banks of Heidelberg. You’ll explore picturesque riverside towns such as Boppard and the gorgeous castle-topped village of Bacharach – documented as early as the 11th century – as well as the city of Koblenz, at the confluence of the Moselle and Rhine.
Along the way, you can make the most of the freedom a road-trip holiday offers and pop in to farm shops and visit local producers, or soak up some calming river views from some truly impressive eateries. Marksburg Schänke serves hearty fare by the 12th-century castle of Marksburg, while the restaurant Puricelli is worth a detour to enjoy an elegant meal at riverside Reichenstein Castle.
The German towns of Filsen and Boppard | Credit: Getty
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Neuchatel Castle (above) and the Black Forest (right)| Credit: Shutterstock, Getty
Old town centre of Bacharach | Credit: Shutterstock
Cologne
Koblenz
Boppard
Heidelberg
Cologne Airport
Adventures in the land of fire and ice
For a country with a population of just under 400,000, a visit to Iceland is all about experiencing its vast expanses and wild landscapes. After time spent in quirky capital Reykjavik, and indulging in some outdoor hygge at its famous Sky Lagoon geothermal spa, it’s time to strike out and discover arctic coastlines, erupting geysers, fjords and thermal springs. This is a country that is made for road tripping, and when you book your fly-drive escape with British Airways Holidays you have access to remote wonders that stir the soul like few destinations on Earth.
Iceland's capital city of Reykjavik | Credit: Shutterstock
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A collection of Scenic Routes makes it easy to explore, stitching together different points of interest. The Golden Circle is perhaps the most famous, a 155-mile route that mixes vast waterfalls with the famous Great Geysir and steam vents of Haukadalur and the geological beauty of Pingvellir, where you can witness how tectonic plates are drifting apart.
Screen star
It is perhaps no surprise that Iceland’s dramatic scenery appeared in Game Of Thrones. You can travel to the ‘land beyond the Wall’ at Vatnajokull National Park. Or why not head for the Svinafellsjokull Glacier? This is where Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar was shot.
The Westfjords Way is an ambitious 600-mile journey with cliffs, mountains and unspoilt coast, with scenic stop-offs for the freshest fish, while the Volcanic Way takes you 400 miles via lava fields, hot springs, volcanoes and otherworldly basalt columns.
Ísafjörður
Rauðisandur
Flókalundur
Reykjavik
Reykjavik Airport
Majestic Icelandic wild horses (left), the Oxarafoss waterfalls in Thingvellir National
Park (above) and the Westfjords region (below) | Credit: Shutterstock, Getty
Slovenian landscapes in summer
With its verdant forests, towering mountains and pastel-hued cities, the summer scenery in Slovenia can feel as if it has been plucked from the pages of a fairy tale. In fact, the Soca River region, with its gushing emerald waters, was used as a filming location for Disney’s The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.
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The country’s relatively compact size makes it a pleasure to navigate by road. Fly into Ljubljana with British Airways and pick up your hire car and you can travel from the Julian Alps to the Adriatic in just a couple of days, travelling via the Vrsic Pass – Slovenia’s highest mountain pass – Triglav National Park and the luminous waters of the Soca to pretty villages such as Smartno and Stanjel.
Take a drive through the Sava Valley, carving out a diagonal route from the northwest nook near the Italian and Austrian borders down towards the southeast border with Croatia. You’ll pass the cerulean expanse of Lake Bled, crowned by the gleaming white of the 17th-century church perched on Bled Island, perhaps stopping at the magical ‘wunderground’ world of the Postojna Caves, where you can let its underground train take the strain, and finish back in cool, beautiful capital Ljubljana. Here, you’ll find stunning city backdrops for romantic moments, an impressive fine-dining scene, great street food served on Fridays at the central market, terraced cafes peppered along the river front and a blend of Baroque and Art Nouveau buildings.
New heights of romance
Take your romantic break to the next level with the breathtaking views from Vrsic Pass’s winding hairpins and alpine beauty. Known as Slovenia’s most beautiful road, it's an unmissable experience to share with a loved one. You can also split driving with your other half, as British Airways Executive Club members receive a free additional driver with their Avis car hire.
Ljubljana
Sava Valley
Vrsic Pass
Šmartno
Šmartno
Postojna Cave
Ljubljana Joze Pucnik Airport (25km)
The emerald waters of Slovenia's Soca River | Credit: Getty
The Vrsic Pass in the Julian Alps | Credit: Getty
A medieval church sits at the heart of Lake Bled (above, left); Šmartno is a small city in the Municipality of Brda (above)| Credit: Getty, Shutterstock
History meets natural beauty in Poland
Vast in both scale and beauty, Poland offers variety aplenty. There are regal cities and medieval castles, a thriving capital, forests, lakes and the granite peaks of the Tatra Mountains. This is a country that has sat at the crossroads of European history for centuries, and every corner reveals a new story.
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Aerial view of Soca River | Credit: Getty
The picturesque skyline of Warsaw's old town (above); the Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork (above, right) | Credit: Getty, Shutterstock
Fly into Warsaw and start your road trip to encompass some of the country’s most interesting sites. One of Europe’s most underrated capitals, Warsaw blends cosmopolitan style with a strong foodie culture, a thriving arts scene and a lively nightlife. To the north, the maritime city of Gdansk sits squarely on the Baltic coast, with its restored Golden Age beauty, trendy neighbourhoods and dynamic culinary scene serving up innovative takes on traditional Polish cuisine.
Just an hour south of Gdansk, the imposing red brick fortress Malbork Castle is said to be the largest castle in the world in terms of land area. Also worth a visit on your fly-drive trip is Toruń, a wonderland of Gothic architecture, monuments and stunning sculptures. A must-see Polish city for those who’d like to venture south of Krakow, is the perfect stop before winding your way to the Tatra Mountains and the town of Zakopane, where local food and craft markets entice visitors with traditional delicacies.
Torun's old town in Poland | Credit: Getty
Gdańsk
Malbork Castle
Toruń
Warsaw
Warsaw Chopin Airport
Kraków
A nature-led escape
in picturesque Sweden
Picture Sweden and you picture nature: the forested landscapes, rolling countryside, dramatic coastal scenes and the Arctic Circle. And this nature is ever-present in Swedish life. From the way Swedes eat, to how they relax and how they design their cities.
Invigorate yourself with a cold water swim | Credit: Getty
Gothenburg
With a focus on locally sourced ingredients, every region has a different culinary speciality, from fresh shellfish in Gothenburg to the lamb and saffron on the island of Gotland, and foraged ingredients on the High Coast. But the whole country is brought together by fika, the tradition of a coffee and pastry shared with friends. In nature or indoors, it’s about savouring time together and is as Swedish as Ikea and Abba.
Immerse yourself in Swedish life by linking together key cities on a leisurely road trip. When you book with British Airways Holidays you can fly into Stockholm, pick up your Avis hire car and travel to Kalmar, set on the Baltic coast, vibrant Malmo and the green city of Gothenburg. It’s a journey that takes in national parks, colourful villages and castles on the way. Or head north to follow the Swedish section of the Blue Highway, which stretches from Norway to Finland, and ventures along Vasterbotten county and the southern part of Lapland. Explore mountain scenery, wild swim in crystalline rivers and lakes, venture into deep forests, spot moose and learn all about Sami culture, all in fewer than 300 miles.
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Malmö
Kalmar
Stockholm
Stockholm Arlanda Airport (43km)
Swedish Lapland is a winter wonderland | Credit: Getty
The green city of Gothenburg (above); freshly baked cinnamon buns (right); Gällivare in Swedish Lapland (below) | Credit: Getty
A village on the Baltic coast
of Sweden| Credit: Getty
The Danish concept of hygge is hard to define, yet it can be felt everywhere you go in this innovative, tolerant and crisply beautiful country. At its essence, hygge is the art of enjoying quality time with friends and family.
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How to be hygge
Hygge, pronounced “hyoo-gah”, has many definitions and interpretations, but at its core it refers to the contentment and cosiness arising from enjoying life’s simple pleasures. So if you want to be a little more hygge, spend more time revelling in the small things – a delicious coffee, beautiful flowers, the way your loved one laughs.
Happiness and hygge in Denmark
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The colourful Nyhavn Canal in Copenhagen | Credit: Getty
In summer, you’ll find it in parks and street festivals, on shared bike rides, or a serene boat ride across a lake. Of course, the high hygge season is winter, when Danes offset the chilly weather with cosy coffee shops, candlelit festivities at Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens or soul-soothing visits to Christmas markets. Whichever season you choose for your Danish road trip, having a car will help you soak up the hygge vibes.
It’s this unwavering spirit to savour and share the good things in life with good people that makes Denmark one of the world’s happiest countries. This and the Danish approach to blissful simplicity. Experience the good life in Denmark’s happiest city Aarhus, starting your road trip with a less than three-hour drive from Copenhagen. It's compact, beautiful, easy to navigate, teeming with cultural events and is close to beaches and forests.
The Scandinavian snack of smørrebrød | Credit: Getty
The restaurants of Nyhavn harbour buzzing with tourists | Credit: Getty
The Infinite Bridge, Aarhus | Credit: Getty
Copenhagen
Dragør
Copenhagen Airport
Aarhus
Funen
Faaborg
Time spent visiting cities can also be combined with some of Denmark’s most beautiful towns, and exploring becomes much easier when you have a car. Faaborg, the coastal town of multi-coloured half-timbered houses on the garden island of Fyn is an easy drive from Copenhagen, as is foodie town Dragør. Or, from Aalborg, drive north to the very tip of Denmark and the artsy coastal town Skagen.
Wild routes and wildlife in scenic Norway
From snow-capped mountains and rugged coastlines to the endless white of the Arctic tundra, deep blue fjords to the shimmering Northern Lights, Norway is a country where every epic expanse is infused with magic.
A Norwegian fishing
village in the Lofoten Islands | Credit: Getty
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Gryllefjord
And every landscape enriches Norway’s cuisine, whether it’s buttery Arctic cod or sweet king crab plucked from the chilly waters, or game from the forests and mountains, with moose, reindeer and deer served up as succulent steaks or cured treats.
Fly into Tromsø with British Airways and savour Norway’s culinary riches as you explore on your fly-drive holiday via its official Scenic Routes, 18 panoramic drives that combine nature, architecture and design to immerse you in the country’s heritage. Drive along any of them and you’ll find spectacular viewpoints, rest stops and art installations integrated into the experience. Make sure you don’t underestimate Norway’s size, as the drives between towns tend to be on the longer side. The Senja route combines raw nature, dramatic mountains and ocean views, while a route on the island of Andoya is where wild sandy beaches meet puffin colonies and some of the best whale-watching in the world, as well as Norway’s space centre.
Tromsø illuminated by the aurora borealis | Credit: Getty
Hamnøy Harbour in the Lofoten Islands (above); Scandinavian rowan berries (right) | Credit: Getty
Bergsbotn
Ersfjordstranda
Tungeneset
Mefjordvær
Botnhamn
Tromso Airport (216km)
Now book your wheels…
Book your fly-drive trip with British Airways Holidays and their exclusive hire car partner Avis and unlock more adventure on your holiday.
All British Airways Holidays packages are Atol-protected, keeping you and your money safe.
When you book flights and car hire together, all mandatory charges are included, and you’ll benefit from roadside assistance and 24-hour customer support.
All British Airways Holidays packages include a generous baggage allowance, along with a 24-hour dedicated support helpline during your trip.
All package bookings include flexible payment options, with low deposits.
British Airways Holidays and Avis offers a range of car hire options including compact, comfortable, convertible, or family-friendly MPV.
Executive Club Members can claim a free additional driver and if you sign up for Avis Preferred you can also enjoy fast-track priority service counters.
Book Now
*Cross-border charges apply. Please speak to the Avis desk upon arrival. For more info, head to ba.com/flydrive
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(bottom right) Aerial view of Warsaw old town skyline and (top left) The Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork | Credit: Getty and Shutterstock
