Andermatt to Krems an der Donau: Road Trip Guide

Andermatt sits at 1,447 meters elevation in the Gotthard region, while Krems an der Donau lies at 203 meters in the Danube Valley. The route covers 650 km, crossing four passes and transitioning from Alpine peaks to vineyard-covered hills. The drive takes about 7.5 hours without stops.

On the old Gotthard road, you'll pass the Schöllenen Gorge, where the Devil's Bridge dates back to 1230. This stretch features a steep gradient and sharp turns—an early test of your driving focus.

The primary route is A2/E35 from Andermatt to Altdorf, then A4/E41 to Zurich, A1/E60 to St. Gallen, A14/E43 to Bregenz, and finally A1/E60 through Austria to Krems. Toll vignettes required: Swiss (40 CHF, 14 days) and Austrian (9.50 EUR, 10 days).

• Fuel stations: Dense in Switzerland (every 20 km), sparse on rural Austrian A1 (every 40 km).
• Fuel costs: Petrol ~1.80 CHF/L in Switzerland, ~1.40 EUR/L in Austria. Total cost ~110 EUR (65L tank).
• Efficiency tips: Use cruise control at 110 km/h in Austria to save 10-15% fuel; avoid AC in mountain sections.

Geographical shifts are dramatic: from Andermatt's granite peaks and glacial streams to the rolling hills of the Swiss Plateau, then Lake Constance's shimmering blue, and finally the Danube's terraced vineyards. The most striking change occurs around Sargans, where the Alpine chain suddenly ends.

• UNESCO sites: St. Gallen Abbey (Abbey Library and Cathedral) is a 2-minute detour from A1 exit St. Gallen. Also the Wachau Valley (a 20-min drive from Krems) is a UNESCO Cultural Landscape.
• Hidden off-route: The village of Quinten on Lake Walenstadt (no cars, accessed by ferry from Weesen) is 5 min from A3 exit Weesen. Also the ruins of Alt-Sax castle near Buchs.

Local commerce: Purchase Appenzeller cheese at the Appenzell village (exit A1 at Gossau). In the Wachau, stop at a Heuriger (wine tavern) for Grüner Veltliner. Traditional crafts: Wood carving in Brienz (detour near Interlaken, but worth it).

• Roadside stalls: Near Feldkirch, buy Montafon mountain honey.
• Market: Saturdays in Krems at the Pfarrplatz have fresh apricot products.

Road quality: Excellent throughout—smooth asphalt, well-marked, with tunnels (Gotthard, Seelisberg) and bridges. Caution: heavy trucks on A1 near Zurich; fog in the Rhine Valley. Night illumination: Good on motorways, but some sections near Andermatt lack lights.

• Fatigue management: Rest zones at A1 Raststätte Würenlos (Switzerland) with a cafeteria, and A1 Tankstelle Schörfling (Austria) with a kip area for truckers.
• Family stops: Swiss Transport Museum in Lucerne (10 min from A2 exit Lucerne) and the Conny-Land amusement park near Kreuzlingen (A1 exit Kreuzlingen).
• Pet-friendly: Rest areas along A1 in Austria have designated dog zones; cafe Bernhardzell near St. Gallen welcomes dogs.