The Fiat Panda 4x4 is not just a compact for the city; it is a versatile travel buddy designed to take on Europe's most beautiful and remote landscapes. No matter whether crossing twisting mountain passes or exploring the quiet lakeshore, the Panda 4x4's agility, compact size and solid design make it the ideal vehicle for adventurous travel. In this article, we explore nine breathtaking destinations throughout Europe-mountains and lakes-perfect for an expedition with the Panda 4x4.1. Stelvio Pass, ItalyIn the heart of the Italian Alps there is the Stelvio Pass, one of the most famous mountain roads existing. The serpentine curves and 48 hairpin bends are a sight for motorists and photographers alike from all directions. Straddling the Italian-Swiss border, at an elevation of 2,757 meters above sea level, the Stelvio Pass is absolutely impressive. From every direction it offers hundreds of trails and nature walks, with countless hiking trails or simply to enjoy other nearby peaks. Thanks to your Panda 4x4, you will have no problem riding the slalom of hairpin bends and hills.Suggested stops:
- Trafoi
- The Carlo Donegani Historical Museum
- Messner Mountain Museum Ortles
- Solda
- Santa Caterina Valfurva
- Prato allo Stelvio
- Martello and the Val Martello
- Peio
- The wildlife area of Peio
- Venini Fort
2. Lago di Braies, ItalyOne place not to be missed is Lake Braies, located in the middle of the Dolomites. Nestled among the peaks, this “Pearl of the Alps” offers breathtaking views and bright waters that invite adventure or relaxation by the lake. The roads leading to one of the most beautiful alpine lakes are winding and not always perfectly smooth, which is no problem for our little Panda 4x4. When you arrive, you can spend the day boating or hiking various trails. If you are a bit more adventurous, there is also the possibility of rock climbing or mountain biking along the forest trails.Recommended stops:
- Boat tour on Lake Braies
- “Prato Piazza” viewpoint
- San Candido and the Three Peaks Nature Park
- DoloMythos - The World Natural Heritage Museum
- Lake Dobbiaco
- Trip to the city of Lienz (Austria)
- Fiscalina Valley and the sundial of Sesto
3. Grossglockner High Alpine Road, AustriaGrossglockner Alpine Road twists its way through the Austrian mountains to show you some of Austria's best views and offer to automotive fans a bit of paradise. The track is full of tight corners and serious elevation changes so it would be a perfect run through by an all-wheel-drive vehicle, (the Panda 4x4 it is implied). Along the route there are many opportunities to stop and view local fauna, stunning panoramas or visit the Grossglockner Glacier itself which is one of nature's most impressive sights inside Europe.Recommended stops:
- Großglockner National Park
- Haus Alpine Naturschau Museum
- St Vincent's Church
- Glocknerwiesen Wunderwelt Trail
- Pfarrkirche Heiligenblut Church (Hl. Vinzenz)
- Piffkar Nature Trail
- Hochgebirgsstauseen
4. Lake Garda, ItalyLake Garda — Italy's biggest lake — is rimmed by colorful villages, vineyards and many mountains creating an ideal blend of relaxation, culture & adventure. Surrounded by the narrow roads that wind through the lake, they were ideal territory for a Panda 4x4. There are the opportunities to explore the historic towns of Sirmione and Riva del Garda, before embarking on a boat trip onto the lake or wine tasting in typical local wineries.Recommended stops:
- Peschiera del Garda
- Lazise
- Visit Punta San Vigilio
- Stop in Cassone to admire the Aril, the world's shortest river
- Malcesine
- Limone sul Garda
- Tremosine, terrace of thrills
- Forra Road
- Visit to Gardone Riviera
- Sirmione
5. Cortina d'Ampezzo, ItalyThe ski town of Cortina d'Ampezzo, on the other hand, is one which has earned its title "Queen of the Dolomites with peaks reaching upwards 3,k meters. For exploring the hills around Cortina, you might need an all-wheel-drive car that can handle the steep inclines to chalets on and out of towns perched up high in this stunning ski paradise; it doesn't hurt at all for snow-and-rocky terrain tourism. The ski or trekking in the mountains of Cortina provides a mix solitude and luxury to no experience which offers similar, with views on beautiful Dolomites.Recommended stops:
- Giau Pass
- Three Peaks of Lavaredo
- Lake Misurina
- Fanes Waterfalls
- Five Towers
- Faloria Refuge
6. Lake Bled, SloveniaLake Bled — with its iconic tiny island and church, is one of the most picture perfect places in Slovenia — is somewhere not to be missed; among a landscape backdrop of mountains and wooded forests that breathes peace. The Panda 4x4 even feels right at home on the miles of twisty and narrow roads near Lake Bled. A very nice local attraction is to take a ride in one of the traditional Pletna boats (passenger rowing boats) out to Bled Island, explore its church and climb up on top of it for an unbeatable view over Lake Bled with its castle above the town or hike along some nearby trails giving especially beautiful sunset viewpoints from this lake; farther vistas are available westwards into remote mountain ranges.Recommended stops:
- Lake trip by “pletna,” a traditional Slovenian boat
- Visit to the island of Bled
- Triglav National Park
- Mount Straža
- Mount Ojstrica
- Vintgar and Pokljuka gorges
7. Mont Blanc, France/Italy BorderFrom the tranquil surroundings of Chamonix in France, Mont Blanc (the highest mountain peak in the Alps) provides stunning vistas and an array of outdoor experiences for those after something a bit more adventurous. All weighty and wiggly roads to Mont Blanc demands a vehicle with good control and stability, both of which - you guessed it -- come as part of Panda 4x4. Highlights include a cable car offering panoramic views of the area, several hiking trails in Mont Blanc massif such as Escarene Pass or simply soaking up that stunning scenery.Recommended stops:
- Chamonix
- Skyway Mont Blanc-the highest cable car in the world
- Aiguille du Midi
- Col du Montets
- Mer de Glace Glacier
- Bourget Lake
- Val Ferret
- Les Houches
- Mer de Glace and the Montagne de la Côte
- Col de Balme
8. Lago di Como, ItalyLake Como is a symbol of luxury and also offers vast scenic beauty; set among mountains and sprinkled with characteristic villages, where nature blends seamlessly with culture. So head for the most famous of attractions (and probably the one that will seem familiar enough by now): you can visit the Villa del Balbianello, take a boat ride around the shores of Lake Como, or simply stroll around the pretty town of Bellagio.Recommended stops:
- Visiting the historic center of Como
- Ancient Via Regina
- Moltrasio
- Comacina Island
- Lenno and visit to Villa Visconti
- Menaggio
9. Plitvice Lakes National Park, CroatiaRecognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Plitvice Lakes National Park is characterized by the association of lakes and waterfalls with forested areas and is an ideal destination for reconnecting with nature on weekends. The Panda 4x4 will certainly have no trouble with the park's off-road trails and in its more remote locations. Start with the most popular activities, walks on meandering wooden trails throughout Plitvice Park and boat rides between lakes to admire Plitvice's biodiversity.Recommended stops:
- Rastoke
- Town of Karlovac
- Barac caves and bear shelters in Kuterevo
- Beach trip to Senj
