Copenhagen to Krems an der Donau: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

The drive from Copenhagen to Krems an der Donau spans roughly 1,100 kilometers, crossing Denmark, Germany, and Austria. The fastest route takes about 11 hours pure driving time, but the journey offers far more than a simple point-to-point transit.

A little-known fact: the Danish island of Falster, part of the route, sits at the exact same latitude as Krems, yet the climatic shift from maritime to continental is dramatic — you'll leave behind cool Baltic breezes and arrive in the warm Pannonian basin, famous for its apricot orchards.

The journey blends modern highways with historic trade routes. From Copenhagen, you'll head south on the E20 (Øresund Motorway), cross the Fehmarn Belt by tunnel or bridge (soon a tunnel), then speed down Germany's A1 and A7 before entering Austria on the A8 towards Linz, then east on the S3 to Krems.

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Use this guide to unlock how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The primary highway route from Copenhagen to Krems uses the E20, A1, A7, and A8. It is almost entirely motorway except for the final approach to Krems on the S3 expressway. Tolls apply in Austria: a motorway vignette is mandatory (10-day pass around 9.90 EUR). Germany has no tolls for cars, but Denmark has the Øresund bridge toll (48 EUR).

• Denmark: E20 from Copenhagen to Rødbyhavn (ferry or tunnel), then E47/E55 to Lübeck.
• Germany: A1 from Lübeck to Hamburg, A7 to Würzburg, A3 to Nuremberg, then A9/A8 towards Passau.
• Austria: A8 (Innkreis Autobahn) to A7 (Mühlkreis Autobahn), then S3 to Krems.

Fuel prices vary: Denmark is most expensive (approx. 2.10 EUR/litre), Germany cheaper (1.80), Austria cheapest (1.70). Consider filling up in Austria if possible. Services along the route are frequent; rest stops every 50 km on German autobahns.

Parking in Krems: the city has several paid parking lots near the old town; the P&R Krems Süd is free and connects by bus.

The route transitions through four distinct natural zones. Starting in Denmark: flat farmland, beech forests, and the Baltic coast. Crossing the Fehmarn Belt offers sea views.

Germany: rolling hills of Schleswig-Holstein, then the Lüneburg Heath. In central Germany, you'll encounter the Spessart Mountains near Würzburg, and later the Franconian Jura. The final stretch through Bavaria into Austria reveals the Danube Valley with its terraced vineyards and ruined castles.

Culture shifts from Danish hygge to German orderliness, then Austrian gemütlichkeit. Markets: stop at Lübeck's Christmas market (if winter) or Nuremberg's Hauptmarkt for local sausages.

Local commerce includes farmer's stands selling asparagus in spring (especially around Beelitz) or apricots in the Wachau valley. In Krems, visit the Steiner Tor gate and the historic old town with its art galleries.

• Natural highlights: Saxony Switzerland National Park (detour), Danube bend near Melk.
• Cultural: Nuremberg's Documentation Center (Nazi rally grounds), Melk Abbey.

German autobahns have no general speed limit, but many sections have variable limits. Danish and Austrian motorways have a 130 km/h limit. Be prepared for high-speed traffic. Rest every 2 hours. Fatigue management: planned stops at Rasthofs like Rasthof Grundbergsee (near Hamburg) with playgrounds.

• Child-friendly: Legoland Billund (Denmark) is a 2-hour detour. Hansa-Park (Germany) near Lübeck.
• Pet-friendly: Most rest stops allow dogs on leash. Accommodations: many hotels in Krems accept pets with prior notice.

Road quality is excellent overall. Construction zones are common in Germany; check ADAC traffic alerts. Safety tips: keep a European breakdown kit (warning triangle, hi-vis vest) mandatory in Austria. Hidden off-route spots: the medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber (near Nuremberg) and the Dürnstein castle ruins (near Krems) where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned.