Amiens to Krems an der Donau: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

The drive from Amiens to Krems an der Donau covers about 1,100 kilometers, predominantly via the A1/E19 and A4/E40 highways through Belgium, Germany, and Austria. A lesser-known fact: the route crosses the former Iron Curtain near the Czech border, where remnants of border fortifications can still be spotted. The journey typically takes 10-12 hours of pure driving, but with strategic stops, it becomes a multi-day cultural expedition. This guide answers the question 'is it worth driving Amiens to Krems an der Donau?' with a resounding yes, offering diverse landscapes from French Gothic cathedrals to Austrian wine terraces.

For those wondering 'how long to drive Amiens to Krems an der Donau?', expect a full day of highway driving, but we recommend splitting it over two days to savor the highlights. Our curated list of things to do between Amiens and Krems an der Donau includes UNESCO sites, scenic detours, and local culinary stops. Use our how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities guide to enhance your trip.

Road quality is excellent on German autobahns (unlimited sections require caution) and Austrian roads. Lighting is good except for rural stretches near the Czech border. Night driving: avoid the A5 between Baden-Baden and Karlsruhe due to frequent fog. Safety tips: keep a first-aid kit and warning triangle (mandatory in Austria). For families, stop at the Phantasialand amusement park near Cologne (detour +1h) or the Technik Museum Speyer (directly off A61). Pet-friendly: Autobahn rest stops like 'Raststätte Rhön' (A7) have designated dog walking areas; many Austrian gas stations allow leashed pets on terraces.

Fatigue management: precise nap spots include the 'Parkplatz Steigerwald' (A3 near Würzburg) with shaded benches, and 'Rasthof Bayerischer Wald' (A3 near Passau) with quiet zones. Hidden off-route gems: the village of Rothenburg ob der Tauber (5 min from A7) offers medieval charm; the abandoned former border watchtower in Mühlbach (B85 near Passau) is a 10-min detour. Culinary breaks: try Flammkuchen at 'Zur Linde' in Baden-Baden (off A5), or Leberkäse at a bakery in Landshut (A92).

Starting in Amiens, take the A29 towards Reims. From Reims, the A4/E50 merges to the A4/E25 towards Metz and Luxembourg. In Germany, the A6 (via Saarbrücken) transitions to the A5 towards Frankfurt, then the A3 to Nuremberg. Near Passau, switch to the A3/A8 into Austria, then the S5 to Krems. Toll roads: sections in France (A4) and Austria (S5) require vignettes—purchase in advance. Fuel costs for a diesel car average €120-150 total, with higher prices in Germany than in France and Austria. Fuel stations are abundant every 30-50 km along highways, but some stretches between Reims and Luxembourg have fewer options—fill up in Reims or Metz.

• Highways: A29, A4, A6, A5, A3, A8, S5
• Toll vignettes: Austria (€9.90 for 10 days), France (pay per section via toll booths)
• Fuel prices (as of 2025): France ~€1.85/L, Germany ~€1.90/L, Austria ~€1.70/L
• Recommended apps: ViaMichelin, Tolltickets, and Waze for live traffic

Geographically, the route transitions from the flat plains of Picardy to the rolling hills of Champagne, then the Ardennes forests, the Rhine Valley, and finally the Danube River basin. The most dramatic shift occurs between Nuremberg and Passau, where the landscape morphs from Bavarian farmland into the foothills of the Bohemian Massif. Sunset viewpoints: near the Danube bend at Schlögen (Austria) offers a stunning panorama; for a photo stop, park at the Aussichtsturm Schlögen. Along the Rhine, the Loreley cliff (near St. Goar) provides a legendary vista.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the route: Champagne hillsides and cellars (Reims), Speyer Cathedral (detour 20 min), Old Town of Regensburg (close to highway), Wachau Cultural Landscape (Krems area). For local commerce, stop at roadside farm stands in Alsace to buy mirabelle plums or eau-de-vie. Near Krems, the Wachau region is famous for apricot products: apricot jam, strudel, and liqueur—available at stalls in Dürnstein or Weißenkirchen.