WINTER IS COMING. And instead of bracing yourself, how about you embrace the season and all the great driving opportunities that come with it?
Don’t stock up on carbs and hibernate for the next six months. Take some winter driving lessons, head out on the open road and discover some winter wonderlands that are sure to excite and delight you whilst putting your motoring skills to the test.
We’ve rounded up some incredible winter driving holidays around the world, for keen drivers looking for amazing roads.
But wherever you choose to go, make sure you are prepared. Know about the country’s laws regarding winter tyres, snow chains and studded tyres. Make sure you have breakdown cover and an emergency kit onboard as well as some warm blankets. I would also recommend that you drive these roads in a vehicle equipped with four-wheel drive and always double check for road closures.
These trips aren’t for the faint-hearted, they will test your mettle behind the wheel.
1. North Cape, Norway
The road up to this cape on the northern coast of the island of Magerøya in Northern Norway is scenic and dramatic. The last few miles of the journey are all in amazing long tunnels, cut from granite rock face.
During the winter, from October to April the E69 road to the North Cape may be closed due to weather conditions – however, it is open to travel in convoy driving. This involves vehicles waiting for a snowplough and driving behind it with a line of other cars.
When you reach the North Cape – a large mountain plateau that ends in a 307 metre high cliff that plunges into the sea – you will be one of only a handful of people there and you may be just lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis dancing across the polar sky.
2. Laurentian Mountains, Montreal, Canada
A drive through the Laurentian Mountains near Montreal will give you the picture perfect winter scene of your dreams. When these majestic mountains get tall trees get a blanket of fluffy snow this place turns into a winter wonderland for locals.
But it’s the roads around here that are the real draw. These roads play host to the Rallye Des Neiges and Criterium des Neiges rally events and you can tackle them too. These mountains are also home to the Circuit Mont-Tremblant, where the Canadian Grand Prix was held.
3. Ring Road, Iceland
Route 1 – also known as the Ring Road – runs around the whole island and is 1,332km long. That’s one epic road trip.
Not only is the road in really good condition and usually pretty deserted in winter but it also takes you past some of the breathtaking natural features of this fascinating country. The landscape doesn’t have that many trees so this makes for sweeping scenery that stretches endlessly on all sides.
In terms of wildlife, what you will most likely see on the road are reindeer. You’ll find them on the menu too.
4. Romantic Road, Germany
Although this is a very well trodden road it is absolutely magical during the winter months. The Romantic Road winds through some very pretty snow covered old villages and rolling farmlands along the foot of the snow-capped Alps – and at this time of year you can stop off and enjoy the traditional Christmas markets along the way.
The best thing about the Romantic Road during the winter is spying the incredible Hohenschwangau Castle and Neuschwanstein Castle nestled in the snow-covered trees high up in the hills. Magical.
5. Atlantic Highway and the Storseisundet Bridge, Norway
Definitely one for the brave/crazy to try. The Atlantic Road is an 8.3km road built on several small islands and skerries, and is spanned by eight bridges.
It is a roller-coaster of a road not just in terms of its design but also the emotions you feel whilst crossing it. The road dips and arches over the brutal waves of the Norwegian Sea.
One of the bridges, the Storseisundet Bridge, is known as “the bridge to nowhere” because it looks like a ramp to the sky. This bridge is the longest of the eight bridges and it really is a feat of engineering. When the north Atlantic swell rolls in, the sea-spray can whip up across the bridge and make you feel like you are going to be washed away into the sea.
But apart from the fear… the road is truly spectacular and the scenery is wild and awesome. This is one winter road trip that you will never forget.
6. Wild Atlantic Way, Donegal
For something a little closer to home but just as spectacular head to the Inishowen Peninsula and follow the Wild Atlantic Way through Co. Donegal. You’ll be blown away by the scenery in this part of the country and you’ll find the roads pretty deserted too at this time of year.
Your road trip will take you through the rugged and remote county and whilst you won’t pass many other motorists you will pass plenty of sheep. You’ll see some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, Slieve League, and you’ll have white sand beaches all to yourself.
If you stop off at the top of the Glengesh Pass you’ll be rewarded with a sweeping view of the road looping below. Continue on down into Sligo to Mullaghmore and catch the winter big wave surfing.
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