Davos to Eguisheim Road Trip Guide: Alpine Views & Alsace Charm

The route from Davos to Eguisheim traverses over 300 kilometers of Alpine passes, Swiss valleys, and Alsatian vineyards. A notable driving quirk: the A13 motorway near Chur features a 5.8-kilometer-long San Bernardino tunnel, one of Switzerland's longest, which bypasses the historic mountain pass. The journey typically takes 4.5 to 5.5 hours without stops, but the real value lies in the detours through the Swiss National Park and the Rhine Valley. For those wondering how long to drive Davos to Eguisheim, the direct route is manageable in a day, but you'll want more time to explore. Is it worth driving Davos to Eguisheim? Absolutely, as it offers a dramatic transition from high alpine terrain to the gentle hills of Alsace. For insights on finding hidden gems along the way, check out this resource on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Geographical shifts from high Alpine meadows (Davos) to the Rhine Valley's broad plains, then to the Vosges foothills. The Swiss National Park is a highlight: Europe's oldest park, offering marked trails and ibex sightings. UNESCO World Heritage Sites include the Lavaux Vineyards (short detour near Lausanne) and Strasbourg Cathedral (accessible from Colmar).

• Natural stop: Via Mala gorge (20 min detour north of Chur).
• Cultural stop: Basel's Kunstmuseum (modern art).
• Off-route: Maison du Fromage in Echarlens (cheese tasting).
• Market: Rue des Marchands in Colmar (Saturdays).

Road quality is excellent on Swiss motorways (A13/A3) with full illumination near tunnels. French A35 is also well-maintained. Watch for fog in the Rhine Valley during autumn. For family-friendly breaks, consider the Swiss Science Center Technorama in Winterthur (off A1, 2.5 hr from Davos). Pet-friendly stops include the petting zoo at Tierpark Bocholt in Basel.

• Rest zone: Raststätte Gotthard (A2) with playground and picnic area.
• Hidden off-route: Abandoned castle ruins of Hohenklingen (near Stein am Rhein).
• Fatigue management: Use parking lot at Altdorf (A2 exit 37) for a nap.
• Pet-friendly cafe: Café Central in Colmar allows dogs.

The recommended route uses A13 from Davos to Chur, then A3/A5 to Basel, and finally A35 to Colmar and D1 into Eguisheim. Fuel costs for a standard sedan average around 70-90 euros, depending on fuel prices in Switzerland (higher) vs France (lower). Topography includes steep climbs from Davos (1,560 m) to the Julier Pass (2,284 m) if you take the scenic route instead of the tunnel; fuel efficiency drops by 15-20% on gradients. Fuel stations are plentiful along the A13 and A3, but sparse on the D-road sections near Eguisheim—fill up in Colmar.

• Swiss vignette required for A13/A3 (40 CHF).
• Toll-free in France when using A35 (except Colmar bypass).
• Parking in Eguisheim is limited; use lot at Rue Clemenceau (free).