The Most Scenic Driving Routes in the Alps

Ten unforgettable Alpine drives — Gotthard switchbacks, Great St Bernard, Dolomites loops — with timing, tolls, and rental logistics.

Each route below balances scenery with realistic pacing — no 14-hour heroics that end in white-knuckle night descents.

Gotthard and Grimsel combinations link central Switzerland with dramatic engineering history — start early for pullouts.

Italian Dolomites loops via Passo Gardena and Sella reward photographers; Cortina makes a strong base.

French Route des Grandes Alpes strings cols from Lake Geneva toward Nice — allow a week if you want café stops.

High passes open late spring through autumn; always verify dates the week before travel.

Summer weekends clog parking at iconic viewpoints — plan sunrise or late-afternoon slots.

Shoulder seasons trade some closures for empty roads and golden larch colour.

Choose adequate power for steep grades if fully loaded; automatic transmissions reduce fatigue on hairpins.

Avoid oversized SUVs in medieval village centres with tight gates and paid parking only.

Compare car rental deals with your exact route countries before booking.