Como to Schladming Road Trip Guide: Alps Adventure

The transalpine corridor from Como (201 m above sea level) to Schladming (745 m) crosses three countries and six distinct climatic zones. The shortest route spans about 540 km (335 miles) via the A9 motorway through Austria, but many drivers choose the scenic variant through the Grossglockner High Alpine Road – adding 2-3 hours for unparalleled mountain vistas.

A unique geographical detail: this route follows the ancient Roman road Via Claudia Augusta, which connected the Po Valley to the Danube. Near the Brenner Pass, you'll drive on sections that overlay the original Roman paving stones, which have been modernized over centuries.

Family-Friendly Features: Most Austrian rest stops along the A9 have clean toilets, playgrounds, and changing tables. The 'Raststation Brenner' has a children's play corner and a small cinema. Schladming itself offers family hotels with supervised kids' clubs and mini-golf.

Pet-Friendly Stops: Dogs are allowed in most Austrian rest stops if leashed. The 'Tiergarten' at the Brenner Pass has a designated dog exercise area. In Schladming, many hotels allow dogs; the hiking trails at Planai are dog-friendly with water stations.

Fatigue Management Points: Drive no more than 3-4 hours without a break. Recommended rest areas:

• After 90 min: Bozen (Bolzano) service area – has a pharmacy and fresh espresso.
• After 3 h: Raststation Zillertal (near Innsbruck) – offers a short walking trail along the Ziller River.
• Before Schladming: Gasthof Eder (Liezen) – local cuisine and a garden terrace.

Infrastructure Safety: Austrian motorways have emergency phones every 2 km. In winter, snow chains are mandatory on some Alpine passes (e.g., the B99 between Radstadt and Schladming). Check ÖAMTC (Austrian auto club) for live traffic. The entire route is well-lit except for the B99 at night; use high beams cautiously.

Fuel Economy & Tolls: Italy and Austria require a vignette for motorways. The Austrian vignette (10-day: €9.90) is mandatory; you can buy it at border gas stations. Fuel costs average €1.60/L in Italy and €1.45/L in Austria. For a 540 km drive, budget about €70-80 for a typical SUV.

• Toll roads: Brenner A13 (€11.50 one-way) and Tauern A10 (€13.50) have additional tolls.
• Cheapest gas: In Austria, OMV and Jet stations near the A9/A10 are competitive. Avoid autobahn gas stations on the German section if detouring.

Highway Quality: The A9 from Modena to Brenner is well-maintained but can have heavy truck traffic. The A10 Tauern Autobahn features long tunnels (e.g., Tauerntunnel, 6.4 km) with speed limits of 80 km/h. The B99 through the Enns Valley to Schladming is a two-lane scenic road with curves; allow extra time.

For more tips on finding off-beat experiences, see our guide on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The Dolomites Appear After Bolzano: As you exit the Brenner Pass, the view opens to the South Tyrolean Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The massif's pale limestone reflects orange and pink at sunset. Stop at the A22 Brenner service area 'Brennerblick' for a panoramic photo.

UNESCO and Nature Parks: Three UNESCO World Heritage sites are near the route: the Dolomites (Italy), Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape (Austria), and the Historic Centre of Salzburg (a slight detour). Also, the Gesäuse National Park, near Schladming, is Europe's youngest national park, featuring limestone gorges and hiking trails.

• Dolomites viewpoint: Passo di Monte Giovo (turnoff at Brixen).
• Hallstatt area: From Schladming, drive 40 minutes to Hallstatt; combine with the Dachstein ice cave (Rieseneishöhle).

Local Commerce & Culinary Stops: In South Tyrol, buy speck (dry-cured ham) and apples. In Austria, seek out 'Almdudler' soda and local cheese from the Enns Valley. Schladming's weekly farmers market (Wednesdays, 8am-1pm) sells mountain cheese, herbal teas, and woodcrafts.