A Journey That Reveals the Continent for Real
Practical tips and personal experience from a road trip across Europe are shared by Liudmyla Syvak, a representative of the international magazine Business Woman in Norway.
There are trips from which you bring back a fridge magnet. And there are those from which you bring back something entirely different: memories that remain in your heart forever.
That was exactly what our family road trip from Norway to Spain became. We consciously chose not to take a quick flight because we wanted to show our children the real Europe—not the one seen through an airplane window, but the one you can feel along the way. Where outside the window, countries, architecture, nature, traditions, and even the mood of the people slowly change.
A road trip is freedom. Freedom to stop by a picturesque lake, stay longer in a favorite city, drink coffee at a deserted gas station, or unexpectedly discover a place you won’t find in travel guidebooks.
This story isn’t just about kilometers. It is a story about family, discovery, and a Europe that becomes so much closer when you get to know it on the road.
From Norway to Denmark: When the Journey Begins with the Sea
The first stage of our trip was a ferry from Larvik to Denmark.
Four hours at sea feel like a separate little journey. Familiar Norwegian shores slowly disappear behind the horizon, and a new world opens up ahead.
For the kids, it was a genuine discovery. They spent hours walking on the deck, watching seagulls, ships, and the open sea.
A ferry is more than just transport. It is a special moment between two countries, leaving the North behind and heading towards a warmer Europe.
Here, you can leisurely enjoy a cup of coffee, browse Duty Free shops, watch other travelers, or simply take in the sea air. Remarkably, it’s during such crossings that strangers start talking to each other most often.
Denmark: A Country Where Travelers Are Already Cared For
The first few kilometers through Denmark immediately make it clear: everything here is built for a comfortable journey.
Flawless road surfaces, modern infrastructure, massive bridges, neat towns, and endless fields make driving easy and pleasant.
The level of service is especially impressive.
Approximately every 20–30 kilometers, there are modern gas stations and comfortable rest areas.
Free, clean restrooms, good coffee, and the ability to pay for fuel with a card right at the pump—these seemingly small details create a feeling of genuine care for every driver.
It was in Denmark that our children saw huge wind turbines up close for the first time, so close that it felt as if their blades were moving the clouds themselves.
Germany: Autobahns Setting the Rhythm
Germany has a distinct character.
Its autobahns have long been legendary among drivers worldwide. At times, it feels as though the car isn’t driving, but gliding along the road.
However, speed is never the main thing here. What impresses the most is the driving culture, discipline, and mutual respect among all road users.
We chose a comfortable, relaxed family pace, and that was precisely how we enjoyed the road the most.
At the same time, the service along the autobahns differs somewhat from Denmark.
Restrooms here are mostly paid, cleanliness is average, food choices are mostly limited to fast food, and you need to walk inside to the cashier to pay for fuel.
The pleasant news was that there were no toll roads along our route.
Frankfurt am Main: A City Worth a Separate Day
Along the way, we passed Frankfurt am Main, a city often viewed solely as Germany’s financial hub.
In reality, it can pleasantly surprise you.
Modern skyscrapers harmoniously blend here with historic quarters and world-class museums.
If time allows, be sure to visit the Städel Museum—one of the country’s finest art museums, featuring works by Rembrandt, Monet, Picasso, and contemporary artists.
Equally interesting is the Museumsufer, the famous “museum embankment” along the Main River, as well as the Goethe House, where the great writer was born.
Frankfurt makes a great place for an overnight stay to continue the journey with renewed energy the next morning.
France: When the Road Itself Becomes a Pleasure
You hear various stories about French motorways.
That is why we chose toll roads—and it proved to be the right decision.
The comfort, surface quality, and safety fully justify the cost.
French gas stations resemble modern shopping complexes.
There is a wide selection of fresh pastries, local cheeses, desserts, drinks, children’s items, souvenirs, and even famous French lavender.
Restrooms are free, very clean, and equipped with baby changing facilities.
Throughout the entire trip, we didn’t encounter a single unpleasant situation of the kind often mentioned on the internet.
Southern France: A Place Where You Want to Slow Down
The closer you get to Spain, the more scenic the landscapes become.
Mountains gradually give way to endless vineyards, and ancient fortresses resemble movie sets from historical films.
One of the best stops along the way is Carcassonne.
It is the largest medieval fortified city in Europe, located right off the A61 motorway.
Two lines of mighty walls, 52 towers, and an unmatched atmosphere make it one of the most beautiful spots of the entire journey.
Between Carcassonne and Perpignan, the famous Corbières vineyards stretch out—one of France’s largest wine-producing regions.
When palm trees appear outside the window and the air becomes genuinely hot, you realize: Spain is just around the corner.
The Way Home: Through Two Symbols of Modern Europe
We decided to return via a different route—through Denmark and Sweden.
There was one main reason: to see two legendary bridges that are true masterpieces of engineering.
The Storebælt (Great Belt) stretches almost 18 kilometers over the sea.
While driving across, you get the feeling that your car is traveling right between the sky and the water.
No less impressive is the Øresund Bridge, connecting Denmark and Sweden.
It is more than a transit structure. It is a symbol of unity between two nations, two cultures, and a modern Europe without borders.
Moments like these are what make road trips so special.
Tips from Liudmyla Syvak for Planning a European Road Trip
• Always double-check your route in the GPS—sometimes it doesn’t offer the best options.
• Always cross-check any information obtained from AI, as it may miss crucial route details.
• Whenever possible, opt for toll roads. They are significantly more comfortable, safer, and save energy for the driver.
• Never leave your car unattended, especially on major highways.
• Keep in mind that most European highways are unlit at night. Exceptions apply only to specific stretches, such as the Barcelona bypass.
• If there is only one driver, make sure to plan overnight stops. Safety is always more important than speed.
• Before the trip, arrange travel insurance for all family members and check your car insurance. In Norway, simply contact your insurance provider—their specialists will advise you on the necessary documents and coverage for traveling in Europe.
Europe Opens Up to Those Ready to Drive
A road trip is so much more than traveling from point A to point B.
It is the freedom to choose your own pace, discover new places, change your route at the call of your heart, and collect memories rather than kilometers.
Europe truly opens up only to those who are ready to drive towards it. And then, every bridge, every road, and every random stop becomes part of a grand personal story.
Wishing you easy roads, safe routes, unforgettable discoveries, and journeys that will make you want to hit the road all over again.
Read also: Let’s Remember: 912 Pancakes in 55 Minutes — A Record That United a Community for a Good Cause
Author: Liudmyla Suvak
Photo: from the author’s archive