Copenhagen to Lindau Road Trip: A Complete Guide

The drive from Copenhagen to Lindau spans roughly 1,200 kilometers, crossing Denmark, Germany, and a sliver of Austria. Most drivers take the E47 from Copenhagen to Lübeck, then merge onto the A1 and A7 through Hamburg and Hanover, before heading south on the A8 towards Ulm and Lindau. The complete journey, without stops, clocks in at about 11-12 hours of pure driving time.

One curious fact: near the town of Krusau, just south of the Danish-German border, the motorway briefly narrows to two lanes without a hard shoulder—a reminder that infrastructure varies across borders. This route features a mix of flat Danish farmlands, the rolling hills of the German Mittelgebirge, and finally the Alpine foothills of Bavaria.

The landscape evolves dramatically. Starting from Copenhagen, the route crosses the Øresund Bridge, then traverses the flat, open farmland of Lolland and Falster. After the Fehmarn Belt (ferry or bridge crossing), the scenery shifts to the gentle hills of Schleswig-Holstein, home to thatched-roof villages and lush meadows.

From Hamburg southwards, the Lüneburg Heath offers a purple-hued landscape in late August. Further down, the Weserbergland and the Harz mountains present forested ridges and river valleys. The final stretch from Ulm to Lindau winds through the Allgäu region, with green pastures, dairy farms, and distant Alps.

• Copenhagen to Lübeck: Coastal views, rolling farmland; best in summer with green fields.
• Hamburg to Hanover: Flat, then slightly hilly; dense forests near the Harz foothills.
• Würzburg to Ulm: Vineyards along the River Main; medieval towns like Rothenburg ob der Tauber (detour).
• Ulm to Lindau: Alpine vistas, Lake Constance shoreline; peak season is crowded.

Local commerce along the route includes small farm stands selling fresh produce, especially in the Allgäu region. In Denmark, roadside stalls offer strawberries, potatoes, and seasonal flowers. In Germany, look for Strudel, bratwurst, and locally brewed beer at rest stops. For a deeper cultural experience, explore the Erlebniswelt (experience worlds) near Nuremberg or the Christmas markets (if visiting in winter).

Don't miss the opportunity to venture off the main road. For instance, near Lübeck, a short detour to Travemünde offers a historic seaside resort with a promenade and lighthouses. Alternatively, approach Lindau via the Austrian side through Bregenz for panoramic lake views. For more tips on finding hidden gems, check out this guide: how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Fuel prices in Denmark are among the highest in Europe, often 10-15% more expensive than in Germany. Cross the border into Germany to fill up at lower prices, especially at budget stations like Aral, Shell, or Jet. Autobahn rest stops (Raststätte) have higher prices; venturing a few kilometers off the highway can save you up to 0.20 EUR per liter.

• Denmark: Fuel stations open 24/7 on highways, credit cards widely accepted.
• Germany: Many stations close on Sundays in rural areas, but Autobahn stations remain open.
• Austria (for a short stretch near Lindau): Vignette required for highways; buy at border or online beforehand.

Highway quality is excellent throughout: Danish motorways are smooth with clear signage. German Autobahns are well-maintained, but beware of construction zones and speed limits that vary. Between Hamburg and Hanover, the A7 often has no speed limit, but sections near Kassel and Würzburg have permanent limits due to congestion.

Tolls are non-existent on most of the route except for a few tunnels in Germany (e.g., Elbtunnel in Hamburg, fee 1-2 EUR). The short Austrian stretch requires a 10-day vignette (approx. 9.90 EUR). Electronic toll collection (e-toll) is available; consider a box or app for convenience.

• Parking in Lindau: Central parking garages cost 1.50-2.50 EUR per hour; street parking is limited and paid.
• EV charging: Fast chargers available at major rest stops; plan stops every 200-250 km.

General safety is high: both Denmark and Germany have low accident rates. However, German Autobahns demand attention due to high speeds; always use the right lane except to pass. Speed cameras are plentiful in Germany, especially near construction zones; adhere to limits.

• Speed limits: Denmark: 130 km/h (80 mph); Germany: no limit on many sections, but advisory 130 km/h; Austria: 130 km/h on highways.
• Emergency numbers: Denmark: 112; Germany: 110 (police), 112 (medical/fire); Austria: 112 or 122.
• Winter driving: Snow tires mandatory in Germany if conditions warrant; chains allowed in Alps.

For families, the route offers child-friendly attractions. In Denmark, the Knuthenborg Safari Park (near Maribo) or the Lalandia water park in Rødby can break up the drive. In Germany, the Hamburg Zoo, the Autostadt in Wolfsburg (Volkswagen factory tour), and the LEGOLAND in Günzburg (just off the A8, near Ulm) are excellent stops. Lindau itself has a small beach and a harbor with paddleboat rentals.

• Breaks: Plan a stop every 2-3 hours. Rest stops with playgrounds are common on German Autobahns.
• Accommodation: Family-friendly hotels with pools near highways; book in advance in summer.

Pet-friendly travel is straightforward. Denmark and Germany allow dogs in most accommodations with a fee. Bring a leash and vaccination documents; a muzzle is required on public transport in Germany. Many rest stops have designated dog walking areas. In Lindau, dogs are allowed on the promenade but not on some beaches (look for signs).

Fatigue management is crucial: Use the numerous rest areas every 2 hours. The German Autobahn has high-quality Raststätten with showers, restaurants, and sometimes sleep cabins. A power nap of 20 minutes can significantly improve alertness. Avoid driving between 2-5 pm when post-lunch drowsiness is common.

Hidden off-route spots include Hintersee Lake (near Ramsau, southeast of Munich) for a pristine alpine swim, or the Steiff Museum in Giengen (near Ulm) for teddy bear history. For a detour into nature, the Nationalpark Bayerischer Wald (Bavarian Forest) offers hiking and wolf enclosures. Only attempt these if you have an extra day, as they add 1-2 hours driving each way.