Appenzell to Colmar Road Trip Guide: Scenic Drive

The drive from Appenzell to Colmar covers roughly 220 kilometers, crossing from the rolling hills of eastern Switzerland into the Alsatian plains of France. The fastest route uses the A1 motorway from St. Gallen to Zürich, then the A3/A5 to Basel, and finally the A35 into Colmar. However, the most scenic path follows the northern shore of Lake Constance (Bodensee) via the B466 and B31 (Germany) before rejoining the A5.

One little-known fact: near the village of Berneck, the route passes within 500 meters of the spot where the borders of Switzerland, Austria, and Germany meet — a tripoint marked by a small stone monument. This geographical quirk is often missed by drivers focused on the highway.

For travelers wondering how long to drive Appenzell to Colmar: the direct highway journey takes 2 hours 45 minutes without traffic, while the scenic route via the lake adds about 45 minutes. The question is it worth driving Appenzell to Colmar is answered by the ever-changing views: from Alpine pastures to the blue expanse of Lake Constance, and finally the Vosges foothills.

To make the most of the journey, consider how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities — a skill that transforms a simple transfer into a memorable road trip.

Geographical Shifts

Leaving Appenzell, you traverse the Appenzell Alps (rolling pastures, dairy farms). Descend toward Lake Constance — the lake appears suddenly near the town of Arbon. The drive along the northern shore (German side) offers views of the lake and Swiss mountains. After crossing the Rhine near Basel, the landscape flattens into the Alsace plain, with vineyards and the Vosges Mountains to the west.

The most dramatic vista is at the Rorschach pier (Switzerland), where you can see the lake, the Alps, and the German coast in a single glance. Sunset from this spot (around 20:15 in June) paints the lake orange.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Two UNESCO sites lie within a short detour: the Old Town of Bern (1 hour south of the A1) and the Strasbourg Grande Île (40 minutes north of Colmar). Along the route itself, the Abbey of St. Gallen (UNESCO, just 15 minutes from Appenzell) boasts a magnificent Baroque library. Also, the prehistoric pile dwellings around Lake Constance are UNESCO-listed — look for info boards near the lakefront at Unteruhldingen.

Culinary Infrastructure

Along the Swiss section, traditional Swiss restaurants (Wirtshäuser) offer rösti and fondue. The town of Heiden (near Appenzell) has the Hotel Heiden, known for its Älplermagronen. On the German lakeside, the Fischerhütte in Lindau serves fresh Bodenseefelchen (lake whitefish). In Alsace, the Route des Vins offers winstubs (wine taverns) serving tarte flambée and choucroute.

• Appenzell region: Gasthaus Hof (Appenzeller beer and cheese)
• Lake Constance: Restaurant Kress (near Meersburg, excellent fish)
• Near Colmar: Winstub La Petite Venise (Alsatian specialties)

Local Commerce & Culture

Appenzell is famous for its intricately embroidered fabrics and Appenzeller cheese. Roadside stalls near Urnäsch sell cheese and dried meats. In Germany, the Lake Constance region produces wine and fruit brandies — stop at a Straußwirtschaft (seasonal winery tavern) in Hagnau. Alsace offers pottery (Soufflenheim) and Christmas decorations in Kaysersberg.

Don't miss the weekly market in Colmar's Place de l'Ancienne Douane (Thursday and Saturday mornings), where local artisans sell woven baskets and foie gras.

Family and Child Suitability

For children, the highlight is the Sea Life aquarium in Konstanz (exit on the B33). In Bregenz (Austria, just off the route), the Pfänder cable car offers mountain views and a wildlife park. Along the French A35, the Cité de l'Automobile in Mulhouse (55 km south of Colmar) has a massive car collection that fascinates kids. Another stop: the Vogelpark in Steißlingen (Germany) has a petting zoo.

Pet-Friendly Framework

Dogs are allowed on Swiss ferries (e.g., from Romanshorn to Friedrichshafen) with a leash. Many lakeside restaurants have outdoor seating that accepts pets — the Biergarten at Seerestaurant in Meersburg is dog-friendly. In Colmar, the Parc du Champ de Mars has ample space for dog walks. Pet-friendly cafes include Café de la Foire in Colmar (water bowls provided).

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

Ideal rest stops: a picnic area near the Rheinkniebrücke in Basel (exit A3, parking available). Another safe nap spot is the Autobahnraststätte Hegau-Ost on the A81 (Germany), which has secure parking and a rest area. If you need a 20-minute nap, pull into the rest area Witenwil on the A1 near Wil (Switzerland).

• Rest area Güterhof (A1, near Frauenfeld): large, clean, with playground
• Raststätte Gotthard (A13, near Altdorf): scenic but busy
• Parc de la Marseillaise (Colmar): green space for a quick break

Hidden Off-Route Spots

Five minutes off the A1 at exit 62 (Oberbüren), the village of Niederwil has a tiny 12th-century chapel (Kapelle St. Georg) with frescoes. Near the A35 exit 24 (Sélestat), the ruined Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg is a 10-minute detour — a massive restored castle with panoramic views of the Rhine valley. Another hidden gem: the small town of Eguisheim (7 minutes from Colmar), a circular medieval village with half-timbered houses, far less crowded than Riquewihr.

Fuel and Route Economics

Fuel costs for this route vary by vehicle: a compact car averaging 6.0 L/100 km will consume about 17 liters of gasoline, costing roughly €30-35 across the three countries. Diesel vehicles will save about 15%.

Fuel stations are abundant on Swiss highways (A1, A3, A5) typically every 20-30 km, but prices are higher in Switzerland than in Germany or France. Topography impacts fuel efficiency: the climb out of Appenzell (780 m to 900 m) requires more fuel, while the descent toward Basel and Colmar allows coasting.

• Average fuel price in Switzerland: CHF 1.80/L (~€1.85)
• In Germany (just after border): €1.65/L
• In France (A35): €1.70/L
• Recommendation: Fill up in Germany near Singen (exit A81) for the best price.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality

Swiss highways are immaculate with excellent signage, but note that the A1 between St. Gallen and Zürich can be congested during morning rush (7:30-9:30) and evening (16:30-18:30). German sections (B31 along Lake Constance) are well-maintained but include narrow stretches near Meersburg. French A35 is a modern dual carriageway.

No tolls apply on Swiss roads (vignette required, CHF 40). German highways are toll-free for cars. French A35 is toll-free except for the section near Strasbourg. Night illumination: most of the route has street lighting, but the B31 lacks lighting in spots — drive with caution after dark.