Alexandre.ROSA/Shutterstock
From heavily congested motorways and accident-prone city streets to mountain passes with deadly drops, Europe is home to some of the most dangerous roads you can drive. Whether it’s the heavy traffic, tricky terrain, or severe weather, these routes are known for challenging even the most experienced drivers.
Read on to discover the most dangerous road in every European country*…
*Note: due to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, neither of these countries have been included.
Albania: European 762Simlinger/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Y9f0lULHgxSxnk8v3u6yUg–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/8aa0b94d9585f327d0670445554f2f9d>
The Inntal Autobahn (A12) slices through the stunning landscapes of Tyrol, but don’t be fooled by the scenic views – this stretch of motorway is one of Europe’s busiest and most congested roads. A key route for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) carrying cargo between Germany and Italy, it often experiences bottlenecks, especially around the Alpine crossings. To manage the chaos, the A12 has some strict rules in place, particularly for HGVs. Trucks over 7.5 tonnes face a night driving ban, while drivers of passenger cars also have to stick to 68 miles per hour (110 km/h) after dark, compared to the 80 miles per hour (130 km/h) allowed during the day.
Belarus: M1RnDmS/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/LkW7xKOlO5Ekr9cLNy7Eug–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/4607b4392e39b1007f422094a73f6787>
The M18 road is reportedly the southwest European country’s most dangerous artery. Its reputation for danger stems from a combination of factors, including frequent two-lane sections that make overtaking risky, as well as poorly maintained surfaces riddled with potholes. Part of the European route E762, the M18 stretches through mountainous terrain, adding to the peril with its winding curves and unpredictable weather conditions.
Bulgaria: A1stoyanh/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/OKItAHCEs8eT6ZFHIzkPsw–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/09e8f0d0e6724223df96c41fdb35f550>
In 2023, Bulgaria held the unfortunate title of having the highest road fatality rate in the European Union, with 82 deaths per million inhabitants – a stark contrast to the EU average of 46 per million. One of the deadliest roads contributing to this statistic is the A1, or Awtomagistrala Trakija. This major motorway connects Sofia, the nation’s capital, with Plovdiv, its second-largest city, before stretching all the way to Burgas on the picturesque Black Sea coast. Despite its importance for national and international travel, the A1 has a reputation for dangerous accidents, thanks to heavy traffic and variable driving conditions.
Croatia: D512Anton_Ivanov/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/merBrvRqyCCy4FQH5vV6ZQ–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/eff29063d84499bc043479fa11cd3042>
Anton_Ivanov/Shutterstock
Finland is known for having one of the lowest road fatality rates in Europe, thanks to its strong focus on safety and infrastructure. One of the country’s most important and busiest highways is the E75, which spans 805 miles (1,295km) from Helsinki in the south to Utsjoki in the far north. However, Finnish drivers face unique challenges, especially during autumn. September is peak season for moose collisions, particularly in regions like Northern Ostrobothnia and Uusimaa. Moose are more active during this time, and slippery conditions from wet leaves or frost can make the roads even more dangerous.
France: RN79MikeDotta/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/idMUqi1NFxsFwLBbUroAOw–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/87e57b90173d5fa9b4418bb7096e26a2>
The RN79, also known as the Centre-Europe Atlantique (RCEA), is a major route across France, linking Royan on the Atlantic coast to the Rhône Valley and continuing toward the Mont Blanc tunnel. Historically, it has been a high-risk road, known for frequent accidents due to its heavy traffic, with around 40% of its 10,000 to 15,000 daily vehicles being HGVs. In response to these safety concerns, significant upgrades have been made, and although these upgrades have likely improved conditions, the road retains its reputation as one of France’s most dangerous routes.
Germany: B12Fanouria/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/i1Ltxy.tSRLKOoyWD.c8uw–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/989166b1ccd74de26a3bb8109f38b2d5>
Driving in Athens can test even the most laid-back drivers, but it’s the mountainous roads of Greece that pose the real challenge. Some of the country’s most dangerous routes include the Patiopoulo-Perdikaki road and the stretch between Prousos and Karpenisi, both located in central Greece. The road from Karpenisi is particularly treacherous, with its narrow, winding paths and steep drops making it nearly impossible for two cars to pass in certain sections. Additional hazards like rockfalls and heavy snow, especially in winter when avalanche warnings are common, further increase the risks on these precipitous roads.
Hungary: M1GELEFIN/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/vA4sVl_IonvwmNoM6cDgKg–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/831e77b6e47c2be0590a043ff4c1b84c>
The M1 motorway, connecting Budapest and Vienna, is one of Hungary’s busiest and most accident-prone highways. In 2022, it saw 59 major accidents, giving it the highest accident rate per kilometre in the country. A critical route for both domestic and international trade, the M1 experiences heavy traffic, making it a hotspot for collisions. One of the worst incidents happened in 2023 when a sudden dust storm caused a massive pile-up involving over 40 vehicles, including five trucks. This crash led to one death and 39 injuries, with several vehicles catching fire. Thankfully, the motorway is undergoing a major upgrade, including improvements to the road surface and infrastructure.
Iceland: Route 622RnDmS/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/bJ4.fxaRtBRD4hjOW22Bzw–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/120b8c72cf40d4d06e99d2de01e68bf6>
While most of Iceland feels very safe with well-maintained infrastructure, the rugged Westfjords peninsula presents a different story. One of the most challenging drives in this region is Route 622, also known as Svalvogur Road. This gravel road, suitable only for 4×4 vehicles, is carved into cliffs along the coast between Dýrafjörður and Arnarfjörður. Even on a clear day, it’s a nerve-wracking drive with its narrow, exposed paths and steep drops. The road becomes even more perilous in bad weather – which is why it is closed in winter – and in summer, low tide is essential for parts of the road that dip below sea level.
Ireland: N59Alexandre.ROSA/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ajkPfP8OVfcVioylhZX1Pg–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/d932c669b0ddee64a47541e79c7ae13e>
Alexandre.ROSA/Shutterstock
The Cetinje to Kotor Panoramic Road in Montenegro offers a dramatic and challenging drive through some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes. Spanning around 23 miles (36 km), this serpentine road is famous for its 16 sharp hairpin bends, making it a demanding experience for drivers. Originally a trade route from Roman times, the road was formally developed into its modern form in the late 19th century. Driving this route requires full concentration due to its narrow width, steep inclines and stone walls on either side, combined with blind corners and frequent encounters with buses.
Netherlands: A4Fogcatcher/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/NFmw.y92xalTBLG495jhog–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/e18707e97d18180d8af87bf55395d3f2>
Norway may have some of the safest roads in Europe, but it’s also home to one of the world’s most dangerous routes: the treacherous Trollstigen. This winding mountain road, with its 11 sharp hairpin bends, leads up to Åndalsnes in the northern fjords. Currently closed due to an elevated risk of deadly rockfalls, Trollstigen has been shut to all vehicles for the year and will remain closed for the rest of the season. However, you can still admire its infamous curves by driving from the Geiranger/Valldal side to the Trollstigen Plateau viewing platform.
Poland: National Road No. 7Nahlik/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/BxnzjjRKPwpqGQon7HGmKQ–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/d4f59451a31667a966866f42119ffba4>
Poland saw a significant 47% reduction in road deaths between 2012 and 2022, an achievement recognised by the European Transport Safety Council, which awarded the country its 2023 Road Safety Performance Index Award for the first time. This reduction far exceeds the EU average of 22%. Despite this progress, one of Poland’s most dangerous roads remains National Road No. 7, a busy route that connects Żukowo near Gdańsk with Warsaw and Kraków, where high traffic levels contribute to frequent accidents.
Portugal: IC19DMZ001/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/NG3OsEWrOBGhbb1iFLCaNg–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/35c4b964e6d8b347b872c78fcf45aa9c>
Some of Europe’s most deadly roads are in Serbia, including the country’s most dangerous route known as Ibarska Magistrala or ‘black highway’ by locals. This busy thoroughfare connects Belgrade, via Čačak and Užice, with Montenegro and can be a hazardous drive due to its poor surface conditions, narrow, steep stretches and heavy traffic.
Slovakia: D1joan_bautista/Shutterstock src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/z0MzxFEzCxEycTZMg8lcaw–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYxOQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/loveexploring_uk_835/8f9205e927e79b176b6b8c86f1e5abc9>
joan_bautista/Shutterstock
The Carretera de l’Arrabassada, winding through the Collserola mountains, offers both stunning views and a notoriously nerve-wracking drive. Connecting Barcelona with Sant Cugat, this scenic route is considered one of Spain’s deadliest roads due to its sharp curves and narrow sections. Drivers not only have to navigate the steep terrain but also be cautious of vehicles slowing down or stopping to admire the breathtaking views of Barcelona below. Adding to its dangers, the remote, hilly road has been a hotspot for illegal street races involving high-speed cars and motorcycles.
Sweden: E20
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Publish date : 2024-10-21 08:28:00
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