Davos to Fulda Road Trip: Scenic Route, Stops & Tips

Leaving Davos (1,560 m) near the Flüela Pass, you descend via the A27 toward Chur, then merge onto the A13/E43 heading north. This road trip spans approximately 580 km (360 miles) through Switzerland, Austria, and Germany, ending in Fulda at the foot of the Rhön Mountains.

The journey crosses three countries and several climatic zones, from Alpine passes to river valleys and rolling hills. A little-known fact: near the border at Lustenau, the A13 intersects the former Roman road Via Claudia Augusta, which once connected Italy to Germany.

Estimated driving time is 6.5 to 7.5 hours without stops, but you should plan for 8-10 hours with breaks. The route offers excellent highway coverage except for a short mountain section near Davos.

For tips on discovering hidden gems between cities, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Geographical Shift

The route starts in Alpine terrain (Davos 1,560 m) and descends into the Rhine Valley (Chur 580 m). Then through the Austrian Vorarlberg, past Lake Constance (Bodensee) at the eastern tip, into the rolling hills of Upper Swabia, and finally the Rhön Mountains near Fulda.

• Alpine section: Davos to Chur – steep gradients, hairpin turns, and stunning views of the Landwasser and Rhine valleys.
• Forested hills: Austrian section near Feldkirch features wooded slopes and castles.
• Lake Constance: A brief glimpse from the A14 near Bregenz; consider a 10-min detour to Lindau island.
• Ulm to Fulda: Gently rolling farmland, then the Rhön Biosphere Reserve with open grasslands and volcanic peaks.

Local Commerce and Delicacies

• Swiss: Bündner Nusstorte (nut pastry) in Davos or Chur. Look for roadside stands near Landquart.
• Austrian: Vorarlberg cheese (Käse) and schnapps. Stop at a Bauernladen (farm shop) near Dornbirn.
• German: Swabian Maultaschen and Spätzle. Near Ulm, try the local beer (Ulmer Münster).
• Fulda region: Rhön mountain cheese and traditional herbal liqueurs (Kräuterlikör).

Fuel costs for this route vary by country: Switzerland (higher), Austria, and Germany (lower). Assuming 8 L/100 km and 1.80 CHF/L in Switzerland, 1.50 EUR/L in Austria, and 1.70 EUR/L in Germany, expect total fuel cost around 80-95 EUR.

Topography affects fuel economy: the climb out of Davos and the Flüela Pass consume more fuel, while the flat sections in Austria and Germany allow better efficiency. Shift to higher gears early on descents.

• Fuel stations: Dense in Germany (every 30-50 km), sparse in Switzerland between Davos and Chur (last station before pass: Davos Platz).
• Tolls: Swiss vignette required (40 CHF); Austrian sections (A14) require vignette (9.90 EUR for 10 days); German highways are toll-free for cars.
• Road quality: Excellent on A13, A14, A96, A7; some older sections of A7 near Würzburg have construction zones.

Parking: Rest stops (Raststätte) every 30-50 km on German Autobahns; Swiss rest areas less frequent but well-equipped. Overnight parking at dedicated truck stops or service plazas.

Road Safety and Quality

Surface condition: excellent on the entire route. Swiss A13 is well-maintained but narrow in places; Austrian A14 is modern; German A7 is typically in good condition with some concrete sections.

• Night illumination: well-lit on A14 and A7; A13 in Switzerland has modest lighting, especially in tunnels.
• Toll gates: None on this route (vignettes required).
• Safety tips: Watch for wildlife (deer) on A7 near the Rhön; maintain safe distance in construction zones.

Family and Child Suitability

• Swiss: Swiss Science Center Technorama (Winterthur, 30 min detour) – hands-on science.
• Austrian: Inatura (Dornbirn) – nature museum with interactive exhibits.
• German: Ulm’s Botanical Garden or the Lego Factory tour in Günzburg (Legoland).
• Rest stops: Most German Raststätte have playgrounds; Swiss ones less common.

Pet-Friendly Framework

• Walking dogs: Rest stops with grassy areas. Official dog toilets at Swiss Raststätte (e.g., Mels).
• Pet-friendly cafes: In Bregenz (Seecafé) allows dogs on leash; similar in Ulm (Café Einstein).

Fatigue Management and Rest Zones

• Short nap spots: Raststätte Illertal (A7) has designated rest areas with slumber cabins.
• Parking for nap: At the Raststätte Bodensee-Ost (A14) with shaded parking.
• Scenic sunset viewpoints: Near Bregenz on the Pfänder mountain (via cable car, but parking at base).
• Sunsets: Best viewed from the Rhön plateau near Gersfeld (detour 10 min).

Hidden Off-Route Spots

• Swiss: The ruined castle of Alt-Süns (near Chur) – 5 min from A13 exit Chur Nord.
• Austrian: The medieval village of Rankweil with its Basilica – 5 min from A14 exit Rankweil.
• German: The abandoned railway bridge near Ehingen (A7 exit) – now a hiking trail.