Cochem to Thun Road Trip: Moselle, Black Forest & Alps

This 450-kilometer route from Cochem (50.1469° N, 7.1667° E) to Thun (46.7580° N, 7.6280° E) crosses three countries—Germany, France (briefly along the Rhine), and Switzerland—and passes through three distinct geographic zones: the Moselle valley, the Black Forest, and the Swiss Plateau. The drive takes roughly 5.5 hours without stops, but you'll want at least two days to explore.

A peculiar local driving quirk: in the Moselle region, many vineyard roads are single-lane with pull-offs for oncoming traffic, and locals expect you to yield uphill. This is not marked; it's an unwritten rule. Knowing this saves frustration.

Safety infrastructure: German Autobahn sections have emergency phones every 2 km. In Switzerland, tunnels (like the Belchen Tunnel on the A2) have SOS niches. Winter tires are mandatory in both countries from October to Easter. Speed cameras are abundant; use Waze.

Best family stops include the Steinwasen Park (between Freiburg and Todtnau, with a high ropes course and toboggan run) and the Freiburg Münster (climb the 116 m spire for kids aged 8+). For pets, the Black Forest offers numerous dog-friendly hiking trails; the Titisee has a designated dog swimming area.

Fatigue management: Designated rest zones (Rastplatz) with picnic tables and toilets include Rastplatz Alb-Donau near Ulm and Rastplatz Lützelsee near Singen. Swiss rest stops often have playgrounds. Avoid driving between 2-4 pm when afternoon drowsiness peaks.

Hidden off-route spots: Take the B31 detour to the Wutachschlucht gorge (a 40-minute stop for a short hike to the Schattenmühle waterfall). Near the border, stop at the Sauschwänzlebahn railway museum in Fützen—a historic spiral railway with a steam locomotive in summer.

Fuel costs vary significantly: Germany averages €1.80/L for premium, Switzerland €1.95/L. Fill up before crossing the border. Toll vignettes: Switzerland requires a €40 annual sticker (available at border gas stations). No tolls on German Autobahn.

Road quality is excellent except for some sections of the Black Forest High Road (B500) north of Freudenstadt, where frost heaves create minor bumps in spring. The A81 near Singen has frequent construction in summer; check how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities for real-time updates.

• Parking: In Cochem, use the Moselparkplatz (free first 2h). In Thun, use Bahnhof parking (CHF 2.50/h).
• Charging: Tesla Superchargers in Freiburg, Offenburg, and Bern. CCS stations available along A5.
• Currency: Germany uses Euro, Switzerland Swiss Franc. Card widely accepted.

The route begins in the Moselle Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (2002) for its terraced vineyards and Roman heritage. Stop at Reichsburg Castle (Cochem) for panoramic views over the meandering river. Just south, the Calmont Klettersteig (near Bremm) offers Europe's steepest vineyard hike. For families, the Moselle Adventure Park in Cochem has climbing ropes.

As you cross into the Black Forest, the landscape shifts to dense pine forests and rolling hills. The B500 passes the Mummelsee (a glacial lake) and the Hornisgrinde (highest peak in the Northern Black Forest). At Freudenstadt, the market square is Europe's largest closed market square (4.5 hectares). Local commerce: try traditional Black Forest ham (Schwarzwälder Schinken) at a Bauernhof.

The final approach to Thun enters the Bernese Oberland, with views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau on clear days. Thun itself features the 12th-century Schloss Thun overlooking the Aare River. The weekly vegetable market on Rathausplatz is excellent for local cheese and Bünzli (a local pastry).