Alkmaar to Krems an der Donau: Road Trip Guide

Driving from Alkmaar—famous for its cheese market—to Krems an der Donau, a UNESCO-listed town on the Danube, takes you across five countries: the Netherlands, Germany, possibly a short cut through Belgium, then into Austria. The total distance is approximately 1000 km (620 miles), with a driving time of about 9–10 hours without breaks. Expect to spend 11–13 hours total including stops.

The best stops between Alkmaar and Krems an der Donau include charming German towns, the scenic Rhine Valley, and the Bavarian Forest. This guide covers how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Your primary route is A9/E45 from Alkmaar to the Dutch-German border, then A3/E35/E45 toward Cologne and Frankfurt. After Frankfurt, take A3/E45 toward Würzburg, then A7/E45 to Nuremberg. From Nuremberg, take A3/E56 to Passau, then A9/E55 into Austria, finishing on the S33 to Krems.

• Fuel costs for a petrol car: around €150–200 one-way, depending on vehicle. Diesel is slightly cheaper. Toll roads: Austria requires a vignette (€10 for 10 days, purchased at border gas stations).
• Parking in Krems is paid; use Parkhaus Altstadt (€2/hour). in Alkmaar, use Q-Park for €15/day.

The route passes through diverse landscapes: the flat polders of North Holland, the industrial Rhine-Ruhr region, the rolling hills of the Rhineland-Palatinate, the thick forests of Bavaria, and finally the Wachau valley near Krems.

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the way: Cologne Cathedral (A3 detour), the Upper Middle Rhine Valley (between Bingen and Koblenz), and the historic centre of Regensburg (close to the A3).
• Climatic conditions: the journey is best done in late spring or early autumn to avoid extreme heat or winter snow. Summer temps range 15–25°C; winter requires winter tires from October to Easter.

Local commerce thrives in weekly farmer's markets and specialty shops. In Alkmaar, buy Dutch cheese; in the Rhine region, sample Rüdesheimer Kaffee; in Passau (near Krems), try Bavarian beer; in Krems, visit wineries for Grüner Veltliner.

Infrastructure quality is excellent throughout the route. German autobahns have variable speed limits (130 km/h recommended) but sections with no limit. Austrian highways are limited to 130 km/h with strict enforcement.

• Family stops: recommend an early stop at the Netherlands Open Air Museum in Arnhem (A12/A50 junction), the Rhine Valley cruise town of Rüdesheim, and the Playmobil FunPark in Zirndorf near Nuremberg.
• Pet-friendly: all German and Austrian highway rest stops have designated pet areas. Hotels in Krems accept pets with prior notice.
• Fatigue management: plan a stop every 2 hours. Notable rest zones: Raststätte Siegburg (A3, km 170) with good food, and Raststätte Bayerischer Wald (A3, km 450) with scenic view.