Trucks
One of the benefits of being a truck driver is the opportunity to visit new places and travel on roads rarely seen by the average tourist. We asked truck drivers from across the world to nominate their favorite routes when it comes to scenery and driving experience.
“I love this road in every season because each one shows a completely different side of the Arctic”
E6 between Tromsø and Alta, Norway
“The road passes through picturesque places such as Nordkjosbotn, Skibotn, Storslett and the mountain pass Kvænangsfjellet, one of the most famous viewpoints in Northern Norway. Along the way, you can admire Lyngenfjord, Reisafjord, and the stunning Lyngen Alps.
“I love this road in every season because each one shows a completely different side of the Arctic. In summer, everything is green and alive, and the views change constantly. For almost two months, the sun never sets. During winter, we have the polar night, when the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon. It’s a special time, because you can see the northern lights.
“I transport many types of goods: fish from local fisheries, food products for grocery stores, and various other loads. You should always add extra time – the roads are winding, the weather can change quickly, and there are few places to overtake.
“Sometimes I stop for a break in a scenic spot just to wake up with a view over a fjord – that’s one of the most beautiful parts of this job. Up here, you have to be patient, flexible, and ready for anything, because no two days are ever the same – and that’s exactly what makes this route so special.”
Karolina Plecha is a Polish truck driver who is now based in northern Norway. You can read about her experiences on her website, or see more of her stunning photos on her Instagram page.
“It is a moment that reminds you of the privilege of driving in Italy”
SS585/SS18, Calabria, Italy
“This route is my favorite because it offers unexpected scenic contrasts and a long coastal driving experience. The surprise begins on the SS585, south of Naples, which winds through the mountainous interior and the valley floor of the Noce River. Suddenly, among the hills, the view opens up like an unexpected gift: you are catapulted in front of the deep blue of the Gulf of Policastro, with the island of Dino rising majestically from the sea. It is a moment that reminds you of the privilege of driving in Italy.
“Once you reach the coast, the journey continues on the SS18, from Tortora to Falerna. It is a continuous spectacle: beaches, coves and cliffs. It is the perfect combination of a challenging route for a truck and constant scenic beauty.
“The best time to travel this road is undoubtedly late spring or early summer. The temperatures are perfect, the colors are vibrant and the sea is calm and deep blue. The ideal time of day is late morning or early afternoon. At this time, the light is bright and powerful, enhancing the colors of the sea and cliffs and allowing you to fully enjoy the sea breeze.
“The point where you can admire the Palazzo dei Principi Lanza di Trabia (the one in the photo) and the Arcomagno di San Nicola Arcella offers one of the most iconic views of the coast. It is the most picturesque stretch of coastline in the area.
“On the SS18, especially near coastal towns, it is essential to stay calm and enjoy the slow pace of Calabria.”
Alessandro Sarro lives in San Nicola Arcella, a small village in Calabria. He is the owner and driver for Autotrasporti Sarro Bruno.
“The sight of the mountains feels like a small gift for every driver who passes by”
Rembang–Bangil toll road, Java, Indonesia
“I love this route because whenever I pass through it, especially when the weather is clear, I can see the mountains standing tall in the distance. The air feels fresher, the atmosphere is calmer, and it gives me a moment to appreciate the beauty of nature in the middle of a busy day. That mountain view serves as a reminder that behind every long and demanding journey, there’s always something beautiful to be grateful for.
“This road feels special because of its simplicity. There’s nothing overly dramatic or complicated about it, yet that’s where its charm lies. The sight of the mountains appearing along the route feels like a small gift for every driver who passes by. It’s a reminder to enjoy the process, not just the destination. Every time I travel this road, I find a sense of calm that’s hard to get elsewhere.”
Dika Buda Atmaja, PT PQ Silicas, has been driving trucks for 19 years and has covered countless routes across Indoneisa.
“You really feel that nature is in charge, not people.”
E69 from Olderfjord to Nordkapp, Norway
“Northern Norway has countless beautiful roads, and E69 is one of my favorites. It starts in Olderfjord and winds its way towards Honningsvåg and out to Nordkapp. There’s something special about this route – the landscape is completely raw and untouched. The sea and time have shaped the mountains, and you really feel that nature is in charge, not people.
“Along the way, you see everything from steep cliffs and towering rock faces to reindeer moving along the shoreline. I’ve even spotted porpoises out in the water. One of my favorite stops is the rest area near the Nordkapp Tunnel, where you can walk up a small hill and take in the whole view over the Magerøysundet strait.
“It’s also a stretch that demands respect. The wind can sweep down from the mountains with such force that trucks have been knocked over. And in winter, conditions can shift from perfect grip to black ice in a matter of seconds. The challenge is finding the right speed.
“I don’t drive this road as often anymore, but for a couple of years I travelled on it almost every other week. I mainly transported fishing nets from Spain, via Denmark, up to the fishing companies in Honningsvåg. It’s a small, traditional fishing town where time seems to stand still. To reach the harbor, you drive through the old part of the village, with wooden houses lining the narrow streets.”
Filip Berg lives in Halmstad, Sweden, and drives for the Danish haulage company Vendelbo.
“You can savor the aroma of the grape harvest”
E70/A33/SS28, Manerba del Garda to Ormea, Northern Italy
“Beautiful in spring when the meadows start to turn that bright green and equally beautiful in autumn when you’re beside the hills of the Oltrepò Pavese while they’re bathed in a thousand colors. In autumn, along the route from Asti towards the Langhe, you can savor the aroma of the grape harvest going up to Barolo among the vineyards and villages.
“From there, you travel through the Tanaro valley up to Ceva, where you are a stone's throw from the sea of Savona. From here, we take the SS28 to Col di Nava, Bagnasco, Garessio and finally arrive in Ormea.
“After a couple of hours loading and unloading – and a coffee from the vending machine – it’s back up into the hills in time to enjoy the sunset. Driving back through the hills of Cuneo with a full load is tougher for the truck, but at the top of the Novello climb, we get a view of the Alps and the first dusting of snow.
“From there, we slowly descend through the vineyards and hazelnut plantations of the Alba plain – who knows how much Nutella they make with all those hazelnuts. But now we are back in Asti-est and evening has come!”
Carlo Castelli is from Spinone al Lago, a small village near Bergamo city, and works for Dolci Autotrasporti.
“This road is special because it gives you a bit of everything”
Mumbai–Nashik Expressway, India
“This is my personal choice as the most scenic road in India. The 150 km stretch lets you first navigate the busy sections around Kalyan and soon indulges you in the calm, scenic views of Kasara Ghat.
“This road is special because it gives you a bit of everything. You begin in the busy city traffic, then cross the big tunnel, and soon the view opens to hills and greenery. After that, the drive becomes calm and peaceful.
“But the best part of this journey is always the Kasara Ghat. Driving through Kasara Ghat is a different experience altogether. The moment I enter the ghat section, I stay fully alert because the curves, slopes, and climbs demand proper control. I enjoy that part because it feels like real driving.”
Jaspreet Singh, Delhivery Ltd, has been a truck driver for four years.
Disclaimer: All drivers featured in this article have confirmed that they did not take any photos while driving. And it should be reiterated that photos should never be taken while driving a vehicle.
