The incredible European motorway stretching 2,722 miles across 10 countries

The European Route E75 is one of the longest motorways in the world and it stretches a whopping 2,722 miles (4,380 km).

European Motorway E75

The European Route E75 is one of the longest motorways in the world. (Image: Getty)

Europe's E75 is one of the longest motorways in the world and it stretches a whopping 2,722 miles (4,380 km) from the far north of Norway to the shores of Crete, Greece.

As part of the International E-road network, the E75 passes through ten countries. It is an important part of infrastructure as it connects many parts of Europe from the Arctic Circle to the Mediterranean.

The road starts in a small Norwegian town called Vardø located on the Barents Sea coast. 

It then travels south through Finland, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Greece before ending on the island of Crete.

It’s the longest route within the European road system and is frequently used for both transporting goods and as a popular tourist attraction.

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Road signs in Austria to reach the border and various European place names

The E75 travels through countries like Finland, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. (Image: Getty)

The E75 is very unique in that it passes through many different landscapes.

It begins with a Norwegian arctic setting before it moves into Finland’s forests. Then further south, the road passes through Central Europe’s historical cities and countryside. 

Major cities like Helsinki, Warsaw, Prague, and Athens are all linked by the road.

Malia, Crete, Greece. The Newly Paved E75 a National road toward Agios Nikolaos.

The E75 ends in Crete, Greece. (Image: Getty)

Certain parts of the E75 even include ferry connections as the route crosses the Baltic Sea between Poland and Finland, as well as from mainland Greece to Crete.

The E75 is not only very important for the European economy but it is also a popular choice for tourists who wish to experience the many cultures and natural sights of Europe.

For those venturing through the north, the route offers stunning views of Finland’s wilderness, where tourists might even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights or encounter a reindeer along the road. 

In the south, it ends in Crete, where the environment changes completely due to the Mediterranean climate.

Evening View of the Palace of Culture and Science

The E75 travels through many major European cities, including Warsaw. (Image: Getty)

While the E75 is known for its length and the number of countries it crosses, it also plays an important role in European trade, connecting ports and industrial centres. 

It serves as a lifeline for businesses and tourists, as it offers smooth and uninterrupted travel across the continent. 

While it is impossible to know how long it would exactly take to travel the entire length of the route, it is estimated that at least 10 to 12 days are needed.

This is without including traffic conditions, speed limits and the time it takes to cross borders. 

Still, though, it sounds like a great adventure for someone who enjoys long drives and a variety of landscapes. 


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