Europe's most extraordinary roadside services - from a Finnish spot with a sauna to an Italian foodie hub (plus those that drivers can't stand)

Saunas, gourmet food halls and breathtaking Alpine panoramas are probably not what spring to mind when you think of a motorway service station.

But across Europe, some roadside stops are a world away from the usual misery of overpriced sandwiches, lukewarm coffee and cramped toilets.

From a Finnish wellness retreat to a futuristic Italian architectural masterpiece, these are the service stations turning an ordinary pit stop into an experience in itself.

The Daily Mail takes a look at some of Europe's most extraordinary examples – alongside a few that motorists would rather forget.

Niemenharju Rest Area, Finland 

First up on the list is Niemenharju Rest Area, Finland

It even has an on-site sauna

By name, this Finnish spot is a 'rest area' – conjuring up images of roadside coffee and tired drivers.

In truth, though, it's more of a full-blown wellness resort – and was named the world's best petrol station by DesignCurial in 2017.

The Niemenharju Rest Area has petrol and food facilities, but its standout feature is the onsite hotel on its second floor.

The best part? There's a sauna available for weary travellers to truly kick back and relax.

Breakfast and sauna are included in the room rates. 

Meyers Manx, Switzerland 

Meyers Manx cafe, taken from Instagram (@manxcafestmoritz)

Meyers Manx is not merely a petrol station – it's a cafe and concept store too, that has lured in car enthusiasts since 2023.

Just outside of St Moritz in Switzerland, the former Shell garage that stood here fell into disrepair – before it was bought by British car enthusiast Richard Gauntlett, the son of the former owner of Aston Martin.

Nowadays, filling up cars with petrol is more of its secondary role.

It's become a veritable hotspot for motorists seeking a classy break, a quality cup of coffee and car merchandise.

Aire de Montelimar Ouest, France 

Aire de Montelimar Ouest is home to Autogrill (image taken from @autogrillfrance Instagram)

Often considered one of the best service stations in France, Aire de Montelimar Ouest is located on the A7 motorway near Montélimar.

It has all you could desire from a quick break – McDonald's, a Starbucks, EV charging and petrol.

But its real claim to fame? It's a gourmet spot in the home of nougat, with 300 tons of the nutty snack sold each year here.

One Google review read: 'It is tedious journey but when you reach you can see all the beauty of the nature and the villages around it.'

Another wrote a year ago: 'About as good as it gets in terms of autoroute stops. Shop selling a variety of things - including great Italian biscuits - with coffees/fresh goods like sandwiches, baguettes and croissants. Easy parking.'

Marché Bellinzona Sud, Switzerland

Marché Bellinzona Sud has a stunning mountain backdrop (taken from @marche.ch Instagram)

Located on the A2 motorway in Monte Carasso, Marché Bellinzona Sud is a popular rest area.

It also has a fresh food marketplace.

'These are amazing services. Great variety of food and nice nature for a dog walk nearby. Highly recommend!' said one visitor.

Another wrote: 'Very nice stop. Good is fresh and tasty and big variety, nice outside and inside playground for kids and good infrastructure both for electric charging and normal gas station.'

Skovshoved Petrol Station, Denmark

Joining the list is Skovshoved Petrol Station, Denmark

Historic spot Skovshoved Petrol Station first opened in 1937.

Known as 'the Toadstool' for its rounded roof, the distinctive design by Arne Jacobsen is a work of art.

The modernist architecture is unique – especially for a petrol station.

It was built as the first element in Mr Jacobsen's 'white city' project at Bellevue, on the outskirts of Copenhagen, a modernist redevelopment of the region.

White, functional, and featuring a minimalist clock design, it's certainly one of the more unique places on the list.

Autogrill Villoresi Est, Italy 

Futuristic three-arch architecture of the Villoresi motorway service station

The striking futuristic design of Autogrill Villoresi Est is what makes it stand out.

Designed like a living cell, water is key to the entire organism of Villoresi, starting with the coils that lead from its volcano structure. 

The building can also capture rainfall and run-off water for air conditioning, irrigation of plants, toilets and fire fighting. 

Villoresi Est is located in nature: 19,000 square metres of maple, plane, poplar and birch trees, hawthorn and sweet broom bushes surround it, providing respite from long road trips.

Aire de la Baie de Somme, France 

Aire de la Baie de Somme overlooks the water

Walking trails are accessible nearby, so it's almost worth visiting for a day out in its own right

Not all service stations have a view of the water – but this one does.

Aire de la Baie de Somme in France has views that you'd more likely associate with a nature reserve – and many do, of course, take advantage of this while driving along the A16 in France, where this is located.

Picnic tables, a deli restaurant and a Starbucks are among the offerings.  

Walking trails are accessible nearby, so it's almost worth visiting for a day out in its own right.

Eataly x Autogrill Secchia Ovest, Italy 

The Eataly service station, taken from @talesfromthefood Instagram

If you've heard of Eataly, it's more likely you'd associate it with the likes of the glamorous food hall in cities such as London and Paris.

But the Eataly branch at this service station in Modena provides all the classics you may desire.

Located along the A1 motorway between Milan and Bologna, Eataly x Autogrill Secchia Ovest is a foodie paradise.

With everything on offer from margherita pizzas to focaccia, brioche with pistachio and tiramisu, it's a veritable gastronomic haven.

Raststätte Irschenberg, Germany

Stunning views from Raststätte Irschenberg, Germany, taken from @0986_ss on Instagram

It's not the services that really shine at Raststätte Irschenberg – it's the views. 

One visitor said: 'Stopped there when I was travelling from the UK, I was lucky it wasn't crowded so I really enjoyed it. Expensive but that's expected, everything is expensive in the autobahn. Clean area, the food was nice and the views from the outside even nicer!'

Another wrote: 'Very good rest stop. Lots of food choice. Good shop. Lots of seats with great views as well.'

Gotthard Raststätte, Switzerland

Rounding out the list is Gotthard Raststätte (image from social media)

You'd be forgiven for thinking Gotthard Raststätte in Switzerland was an Alpine hotel, rather than a mere rest spot.

It is nestled among imposing Alpine scenery, 12 miles from the Gotthard Tunnel. 

'The Service Area is loved by travellers and commuters in its region and beyond, thanks not only to its stunning location in the Swiss Alps but also because of its modern and generous architecture, the clean amenities and welcoming atmosphere,' says its website.

Expect gorgeous views, modern interiors and restaurants with indoor and outdoor seating. 

... and which are the worst?

According to one study, Area di parcheggio Costa Gaia Nord in Italy is the worst service station in Europe.

It has just 2.1 stars on Google reviews.

One visitor wrote: 'Very dirty parking,you can see garbage everywhere.'

Another added: 'Potentially a nice highway parking lot, but it's poorly maintained. Dirt everywhere and an abandoned dog walking area, which wasn't really needed in that location. In short, an unnecessary waste of money.' 

Second worst is Aire de la Coulerouze in France, with just 2.2 stars.

'Friends, acquaintances, colleagues, good day to all. I want to tell you about an amazing place, on the A20 autobahn in France. You'll rarely see anything like this,' began one visitor this year.

'This forester, with four truck spaces, looks like the apocalypse with beautiful nature. There's not a single light in the parking lot, and the restrooms are just awful. No water, no paper, no light in the men's room. 21st century Europe!