Arezzo to Speyer Road Trip Guide: Hidden Gems and Scenic Drives

This 850-kilometer journey from Arezzo (43.4668° N, 11.8821° E) to Speyer (49.3167° N, 8.4333° E) traces the ancient Via Francigena, a pilgrim route connecting Rome to the Rhineland. The modern drive merges Italy’s A1 Autostrada, Switzerland’s A2, and Germany’s A5 and A6, crossing the Apennines, Alps, and Rhine Valley. Expect 8–9 hours of pure driving time, excluding stops and border delays.

When planning your itinerary, consider our guide on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities. The route offers a dramatic change in landscapes, from Tuscan hills to Alpine tunnels and the flat Rhine plain. Fuel costs average €90–€110 for a petrol car, with Italy and Germany cheaper than Swiss motorway charges.

Leaving Arezzo, you cross the Apennines via the A1 pass near Barberino di Mugello – watch for dense fog in autumn mornings. After Bologna, the Po Valley offers flat agricultural plains. The real highlight is the Gotthard massif: the 17-km tunnel bypasses the historic pass but you can exit at Airolo to drive the old pass road (snow-free May–October) for stunning views.

• UNESCO sites en route: Modena (Cathedral, Torre Civica, Piazza Grande) – 10 km detour at Modena exit on A1. Also, the old town of Bern (detour via A1/A6) and Speyer Cathedral itself.
• Best sunset spot: Viewpoint on the A5 near Freiburg, looking west over the Black Forest.
• Local delicacies: In Arezzo, buy panforte; near Modena, balsamic vinegar; at Swiss rest stops, Gruyère cheese; near Speyer, Saumagen (Palatinate pork dish).

Off-route hidden gem: the abandoned San Pellegrino in Alpe village (20 min detour from A1 near Castelnuovo di Garfagnana exit) – a ghost town with medieval ruins, perfect for a quiet picnic. Also, the Ponte della Maddalena (Devil’s Bridge) at Borgo a Mozzano, just 5 min from the A11/A1 junction, is a striking medieval stone arch bridge.

Road surfaces are generally excellent on motorways. The A1 in Italy has good lighting near cities but is dark in rural stretches. Swiss tunnels (Gotthard, San Gottardo) are well-lit but have strict speed limits (80 km/h) and no overtaking. German autobahns have variable speed signs – obey them, as sections without limits still call for caution. Toll booths in Italy can cause congestion; use Telepass lanes if available.

• Family stop: Naturhistorisches Museum Basel (dinosaur skeletons) – 1 km from A2 exit 7. Also, Swiss Transport Museum in Lucerne (2 km from A2 exit 27).
• Pet-friendly: Rest area 'Raststätte Würenlos' (A1/A3 junction) has a dedicated dog walking park. In Italy, 'Autogrill Chiusi' (A1) allows dogs on leash.
• Fatigue management: 'Italo Rest-stop' at A1 Fiorenzuola (km 110) – quiet parking area shaded by trees, ideal for a 20-minute nap. Near Speyer, 'Parkplatz Wileroltigen' (A1 exit 31) has a calm rest area with picnic tables.

Things to do between Arezzo and Speyer include visiting the Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen (10 km detour from A4 exit 2) – the largest waterfall in Europe, with boat trips. For children, the 'Technik Museum Speyer' (directly at your destination) features a Boeing 747 and a submarine.

Italy’s A1 is tolled: expect €0.07 per km (around €24 from Arezzo to Milan). Switzerland requires a vignette (€40 for a year) for motorway use. Germany’s autobahns are toll-free for cars. Fuel stations are dense every 30 km in Italy and Germany, but in Switzerland they cluster at motorway rest stops open 6 AM–10 PM. Carry cash for Swiss tolls and some Italian Autogrill services.

• Fuel price average (May 2025): Italy €1.85/L, Switzerland €1.90/L, Germany €1.75/L.
• Fill up before entering Switzerland to avoid premium prices at rest stops.
• Efficient driving: use cruise control at 110 km/h on Autobahn to save up to 15% fuel.