Davos to Engelberg: Scenic Swiss Road Trip Guide

The route from Davos (1,560 m) to Engelberg (1,000 m) spans roughly 150 km and, under optimal conditions, takes 2 to 2.5 hours via the A13, A3, and A2 highways. A rarely mentioned fact: this drive crosses the watershed separating the Rhine and Rhône river basins near the Oberalp Pass, a geographic pivot that influences local weather patterns. One of the best stops Davos to Engelberg is the medieval town of Altdorf, where William Tell's legend is commemorated.

Geography shifts from the barren, high-alpine moonscapes of Davos to the lush, green valley of Engelberg. Between Chur and Altdorf, you traverse the Graubünden region with its terraced slopes and castle ruins. The route passes near the Rhine Gorge (Swiss Grand Canyon), a 13 km long canyon with vertical limestone walls.

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: No direct UNESCO sites are on the route, but a short 30-min detour from Chur leads to the Benedictine Convent of St. John in Müstair (a UNESCO site). The drive also skirts the Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona, a UNESCO World Heritage site (visible from the A13 near Flims).
• Local goods: In the village of Flims, stop for Bündner Nusstorte (nut pastry) at a local bakery. Near Altdorf, pick up Alpkäse (alpine cheese) from roadside stalls.

Culinary infrastructure includes the Gasthaus Lamm in Wassen (famous for its Älplermagronen) and the Bergrestaurant Flesch at the cable car base in Engelberg.

The drive begins on the H28 from Davos to Landquart, then merges onto the A13 (E43) south toward Chur. After Chur, take the A3 (E60) west to the A2 (E35) north at Altdorf, then follow the H11 to Engelberg. Toll stations are absent on Swiss motorways; a vignette is mandatory (CHF 40, valid for one year). Gas stations are plentiful in Chur, Altdorf, and near Engelberg, but sparse along the A13 between Thusis and Reichenau.

• Estimated fuel cost: For a typical petrol car, expect ~CHF 30–40 (€28–37) for the route, assuming 8 L/100 km and CHF 1.70/L.
• Fuel efficiency tip: Use engine braking on descents (e.g., Oberalp Pass) to save fuel; the average gradient is 6-8%.
• How long to drive Davos to Engelberg: 2 hours without stops, but add 1-2 hours for sightseeing.

For a detailed approach to planning scenic detours, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The A13 has good surface quality, but the section between Chur and Reichenau features many tunnels (e.g., Kerenzerberg Tunnel, 5.9 km) with strict speed limits (80 km/h). Night illumination is standard on motorways but limited on mountain passes; headlights are mandatory even during the day in some tunnels. Winter conditions often require winter tires on the H11 to Engelberg.

• Pet-friendly stops: At the Restplatz Wassen (rest area), there are marked dog zones. The village of Seedorf has a pet-friendly café, Café am See.
• Family spots: The Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne (a 45-min detour) is highly interactive. Closer to the route, the Tell-Denkmal in Altdorf and the miniature railway at Seelisberg appeal to children.
• Fatigue management: Ideal rest points are the Andermatt rest area (A2, GPS 46.6348, 8.5848) with benches and shade, and the Fluelen picnic spot by Lake Lucerne (GPS 46.9021, 8.6194) for a short nap.

Hidden off-route spots: (1) Ruins of Castle Kropfenstein (5 min off A13 near Waltensburg) – a cliff-fortress embedded in rock. (2) The ghost town of Müslen (5 min from H11 near Attinghausen) – abandoned stone houses from landslide danger. (3) The Waschenbach Waterfall (5 min from H11 near Seedorf) – a 40m drop accessible via a short trail.