Davos to Ferrara Road Trip Guide: Alps to Renaissance

The road from Davos, Switzerland (1,560 m above sea level) to Ferrara, Italy (9 m above sea level) is a dramatic descent from the high Alps to the flat plains of the Po Valley. Covering approximately 600 km via the A13, A14, E43, and A22 motorways, the journey typically takes 6–7 hours of driving time, but with stops, it easily becomes a full-day adventure. The route passes through four countries — Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, and Italy — each offering distinct landscapes, cuisines, and driving quirks.

A specific local driving quirk: on the Swiss A13 near Thusis (46.6976° N, 9.4399° E), expect sudden crosswinds from the San Bernardino Pass. In Italy, the A22 autostrada has frequent speed cameras (autovelox) between Bolzano and Modena, so keep cruise control at 130 km/h. How to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities is key to making this drive memorable.

The route splits into three main legs: Davos–Chur (winding mountain roads), Chur–Bolzano (mostly highway via the Reschen Pass or Brenner Pass), and Bolzano–Ferrara (flat autostrada). The best stops Davos to Ferrara include the medieval town of Bormio, the spa resort of Merano, and the Renaissance city of Verona.

For fuel costs: expect to pay around €1.80 €/L in Switzerland, €1.50 €/L in Austria, and €1.70 €/L in Italy. Total fuel cost for a car averaging 8 L/100km is roughly €85–€95. Fuel stations are plentiful on highways, but on the Swiss A13 near Thusis, they are 30–50 km apart. Pro tip: fill up in Austria where fuel is cheapest.

• Swiss motorway vignette required (€40 per year) – valid on A13.
• Austrian highway vignette required (€9.50 for 10 days).
• Italy uses a toll system: pick a ticket on entry, pay at exit with cash or card.
• Estimated toll costs: €25–€30 from Brenner to Ferrara.

The geographical shift is breathtaking: start in the alpine Davos valley (larch forests, snow-capped peaks), descend via the A13 to Chur (Rhine valley, vineyards), then climb again toward the Reschen Pass (1,507 m) with the iconic Reschensee lake and its submerged church tower. After the pass, you enter the Vinschgau Valley in South Tyrol, known for apple orchards and dry stone walls.

• Reschensee (46.8055° N, 10.5318° E) – a detour off the main road, 5 min from the pass.
• St. Moritz (46.4977° N, 9.8372° E) – a short 20‑min detour from Celerina for a glimpse of the glamorous lake and mountain backdrop.
• Merano (46.6692° N, 11.1601° E) – a thermal spa town with a promenade lined with palm trees and Austrian-style pastries.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the route: the Stelvio Pass (not directly on the route but a 30‑min detour), the Dolomites (UNESCO World Heritage) visible from the A22 near Bolzano, and the city of Ferrara itself (UNESCO World Heritage) with its Renaissance walls and palaces. Additionally, the Valposchiavo region (Switzerland) is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Local commerce: stop in Vinschgau to buy dried apples, speck (cured ham), and South Tyrolean wine (Gewürztraminer). In Ferrara, visit the Mercato Albinelli for salama da sugo, cappellacci di zucca, and Coppia Ferrarese bread.

Road quality is excellent throughout: Swiss and Austrian motorways are well‑maintained, with clear signage. The Italian A22 is also in good condition but watch for heavy truck traffic near Verona. Night illumination is good on highways, but mountain passes have no lighting – drive with care after dark. Toll gates are well‑signed; keep cash or a card ready.

For families: the Aquarena Fun Park in Merano (indoor water slides and thermal pools) is a hit with kids. Another great stop is the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano, home to Ötzi the Iceman. All are within 5–10 min from the highway.

Pet-friendly stops: many highway service areas in Italy (e.g., Autogrill) have designated pet areas. In Switzerland, the rest area at Splügen (46.5582° N, 9.3193° E) has a fenced meadow for dogs. In Austria, the Raststation St. Valentin offers a dog run.

Fatigue management: recommended nap spots include the Reschensee parking lot (quiet with a view) and the Sommacampagna rest area (45°26'48.2"N 10°52'51.3"E) on the A22 before Verona, which has shaded benches. For safe overnight parking, consider a truck stop at Bressanone Süd (46°45'19.0"N 11°39'21.8"E) with 24‑h security.

Hidden off-route gems: the abandoned village of Bagni di Bormio (46.4581° N, 10.3718° E) – 3 min from the SS38, a ghost hamlet with hot springs. Also, the medieval watchtower of Tubre (46.6475° N, 10.4632° E) – a 2‑min detour from the Reschen road.