Como to Bregenz Road Trip: Alps, Lakes & Hidden Gems

The A9 motorway from Como to Bregenz passes through the only point where Italy, Switzerland, and Austria meet. At the Swiss border near Chiasso, the road climbs abruptly from 200 m to over 2000 m at the San Bernardino Pass. This 310 km drive (3.5 hours without stops) offers more elevation change than any other transalpine route.

Most travelers wonder is it worth driving Como to Bregenz? The answer is a resounding yes, because the route crosses three countries, two language regions, and landscapes ranging from subalpine lakes to high alpine meadows.

For tips on uncovering hidden gems along the way, read how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality: The Swiss sections (A2, A13) are well-maintained with smooth asphalt and excellent signage. Illumination is good in tunnels but absent on mountain sections—fog and ice possible even in summer at San Bernardino. Speed limits: 120 km/h on Swiss highways, 130 km/h on Austrian. Note: Swiss radar enforcement is strict; fines start at CHF 40. In Austria, section control on A14 near Feldkirch.

Recommended safety stops: Rastplatz Pian Casoro (A2, km 25 from Como) offers a clean rest area with panoramic view. Raststätte San Bernardino (A13, 46.495° N, 9.172° E) has tables, toilets, and a café.

Family and Child Suitability: The Swissminiatur park in Melide (exit Melide, A2) features miniature models of Swiss landmarks. Children love the Alpamare water park near Pfäffikon (detour 20 min). For interactive nature, the Naturpark Beverin near Thusis offers short walking trails and a petting zoo.

Roadside play areas: Spielplatz Landquart (A13 exit Landquart) has swings and slides right off the highway.

Pet-Friendly Framework: Most Swiss rest areas allow dogs on leashes. Raststätte Heidiland (A13, near Bad Ragaz) has a designated dog run and water bowls. Restaurants like Berggasthaus Pizol (exit Wangs) accept dogs on their terrace.

Caution: The San Bernardino Pass is at high altitude; dogs with short snouts (pugs, bulldogs) may struggle. Plan a 15-minute break there for them to cool down.

Hidden Off-Route Spots: Exit at kilometer 45 on A13 and drive 3 minutes to the abandoned village of Spina (46.525° N, 9.333° E). This hamlet was evacuated in the 1960s after a landslide threat; empty stone houses are now overgrown with ivy. Another gem: Alter Rhein near Bregenz (47.505° N, 9.671° E)—a former riverbed turned nature reserve with birdwatching platforms.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones: The most comfortable place for a nap is the Raststätte Chur Süd (A13, 46.855° N, 9.538° E) which has a quiet parking area with shade. Alternatively, the Autobahnraststätte Rheintal (A14, exit 7) offers a sleeping cabin for CHF 20 per hour. Safety tip: never sleep on the shoulder; always use designated rest areas.

Geographical Shifts: From Lake Como’s Mediterranean vegetation (olive trees, cypresses) at 200 m, the road climbs through chestnut forests near Lugano, then into alpine pastures at San Bernardino (2066 m). Descending into the Rhine Valley near Chur, the vegetation changes to spruce forests and vineyards on south-facing slopes.

Along the way, massive granite cliffs line the A13 through the Via Mala gorge—a 300-meter-deep canyon. Pull over at the Raststätte San Bernardino (46.495° N, 9.172° E) for a viewpoint.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The route passes within 5 km of the Three Castles of Bellinzona (UNESCO World Heritage since 2000). The castles Castelgrande, Montebello, and Sasso Corbaro dominate the valley. A short detour from the A2 exit Bellinzona Sud (45 km from Como) lets you explore medieval ramparts in under an hour.

No other UNESCO sites lie directly on the route, but the Rhaetian Railway in the Albula/Bernina area is a 30-minute detour from Chur.

Local Commerce & Culture: Roadside stalls near Lugano sell fresh chestnuts and local honey. In the village of San Bernardino, stop at the Heimatmuseum for traditional Walser culture artifacts. The Bregenzer Festspiele (summer) offers floating stage opera on Lake Constance.

Fuel and Route Economics: The total distance is roughly 310 km as the crow flies, but actual driving distance due to mountain curves totals about 350 km. Estimated fuel cost for a mid-size car (7 L/100 km) at €1.60/L is €39. Fuel stations are abundant on Swiss highways (A2, A13) but sparse on the Austrian A14 around Feldkirch. Fill up in Switzerland before crossing to Austria, where prices are slightly higher.

Swiss motorway vignette (€40, valid for 1 year) is mandatory. Austrian vignette (€9.50 for 10 days) needed for A14. Tolls on the A13 San Bernardino Tunnel (CHF 15) are paid at barrier.

• Key highways: A9 (Italy), A2 (Switzerland), A13 (Switzerland–Austria), A14 (Austria).
• Driving time: 3.5 hours non-stop; plan 5–6 hours with stops for the best stops Como to Bregenz.
• GPS coordinates for passes: San Bernardino Pass 46.495° N, 9.172° E; Arlberg Tunnel 47.133° N, 10.250° E (detour).