Introduction
The A35 autoroute from Colmar to Basel, then the E43/E60 through Switzerland, covers roughly 310 kilometers to St. Moritz. This route crosses the Rhine at Basel and climbs into the Swiss Alps via the Julier Pass, a historic Roman road known for its 6% gradients and 28 hairpin turns. The journey takes about 4.5 hours without stops, but the landscape demands exploration. This is not a highway dash; it is a transition from Alsatian vineyards to Engadin peaks.
Driving Colmar to St. Moritz reveals three distinct geographical zones: the Rhine plain, the Jura foothills, and the Alpine massif. The most significant elevation gain occurs after Chur, where the road ascends 1,500 meters in 50 kilometers. Fuel costs vary: 75-100 euros for a typical car depending on petrol prices and driving style. Is it worth driving Colmar to St. Moritz? Absolutely, if you value scenic transitions and freedom. The best stops Colmar to St. Moritz include Basel for art, Chur for history, and the Julier Pass for views.
| Section | Distance (km) | Time | Key Roads |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colmar to Basel | 70 | 45 min | A35 |
| Basel to Chur | 150 | 1h 40min | A3, A13 |
| Chur to St. Moritz | 90 | 1h 45min | A13, H3, Julier Pass |
Natural Landscapes and Local Commerce
The route transitions from Alsace's vineyard-covered hills to the Jura ridges, then into the high Alps. From Colmar to Basel, the Vosges foothills give way to the Rhine floodplain, dotted with cornfields and poplar trees. After Basel, the Jura mountains appear as gentle folds, then the landscape sharpens around Chur as the Rhine gorge narrows. The Julier Pass offers lunar-like scree slopes above 2,000 meters, with the Engadin valley unfolding into a broad alpine meadow punctuated by lakes.
- Natural landmarks: The Rhine at Basel (view from the Mittlere Brücke), Schynige Platte (butterbur fields), Julier Pass summit (2284 m) with its bronze celestial globe sculpture.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Rhaetian Railway in the Albula/Bernina landscapes is a short detour from Chur (take the A13 to Thusis, then follow signs to Filisur). The Albula line is a UNESCO site, not directly on the driving route, but accessible within 30 minutes.
- Local commerce: In Chur, the Old Town has shops selling Bündnerfleisch (air-dried beef) and Engadin nuts. Along the Julier Pass, mobile cheese sellers appear in summer, offering Alpkäse. In St. Moritz, the Via Serlas boutique street features Swiss watches, but for authentic crafts, visit the Engadin Museum.
For natural landscapes, stop at the Lake Silvaplana viewpoint (off H3 before St. Moritz) for reflections of Piz Corvatsch. In autumn, the larch forests around Bivio turn gold. Spring brings alpine crocuses on Julier at snowmelt. To learn how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, use offline maps to locate hidden viewpoints.
Route Logistics and Infrastructure
From Colmar, take the D83/E25 south to the A35, then continue on the German A5 to Basel. After Basel, join the Swiss A3 to Zurich, then A13 to Chur. The final leg up to St. Moritz uses the H3 and the Julier Pass (Pass da Julier). Tolls: French A35 is toll-free; Swiss motorways require a vignette (40 CHF for one year; no short-term pass). The Julier Pass is toll-free. Fuel stations are abundant on highways but sparse on the pass; fill up in Chur. For electric vehicles, charging stations exist at major rest areas every 30-40 km.
- Distance: 310 km, 4.5 hours driving time without stops.
- Fuel cost: approx. 80 euros for a compact car (petrol 1.60 €/L).
- Tolls: Swiss motorway vignette mandatory (40 CHF).
- Road condition: Excellent on highways; Julier Pass is well-maintained but narrow in places.
Plan fuel stops in Basel (first major station after Colmar) and Chur (last chance before the climb). On the Julier Pass, there is one petrol station at Bivio (open seasonally). If you are wondering how long to drive Colmar to St. Moritz, budget 5-6 hours with a lunch break and photo stops.
Road Safety, Family Stops, and Fatigue Management
The A13 is a well-lit motorway with emergency phones every 2 km. The Julier Pass has no lighting; drive with high beams but dip for oncoming traffic. Snow chains are mandatory from November to April on the pass; carry them even in late spring. The pass has several pullouts for photo stops or short rest. Surface condition is good but watch for gravel patches near the summit. Toll gates exist only before the entrance to the A13 (at a toll station near Bellinzona, not on this route).
- Family spots: The Basel Zoo area has a children's playground and is just off the A3 exit 8. In Chur, the Rätisches Museum has an interactive geology section. At Bivio, a small park with slides is next to the post office.
- Pet-friendly: Most rest stops on the A13 allow dogs on leads. The Julier Pass has dog-friendly hiking trails from the summit. In Chur, the restaurant "Adler" allows dogs on the terrace.
- Fatigue management: The A13 rest area "San Bernardino" (exit 23) has a dedicated nap room with recliners. On the Julier, use the parking lot at the summit (free, safe, scenic). Another good spot is the Silser See car park, 5 km before St. Moritz.
For hidden off-route spots, take the exit to Pignia (5 min off A13), an abandoned mill village with a waterfall. Or follow the gravel road at Spundis to an old watermill (4 min drive).
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best route from Colmar to St. Moritz?
The best route is via Basel and Chur, then over the Julier Pass. This offers the most scenic and direct drive.
How long does it take to drive from Colmar to St. Moritz?
The driving time is about 4.5 hours without stops, but budget 5-6 hours for breaks and sightseeing.
What are the essential stops along the way?
Key stops include Basel for the Old Town, Chur for history, and the Julier Pass summit for Alpine views.
Is the Julier Pass safe in winter?
Yes, but snow chains are mandatory from November to April. Check weather before driving and use caution on icy roads.
Are there any tolls on this route?
The French section is free, but Swiss motorways require a vignette (40 CHF). The Julier Pass has no tolls.
Can I do this drive with an electric car?
Yes, charging stations are available along the A3/A13 and in Chur. Plan a charge at Basel or Chur, as the pass has limited chargers.
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