Davos to Füssen Road Trip: Alpine Wonders Beyond the Map

The drive from Davos to Füssen covers roughly 200 kilometers via the A13 and B179/B12 highways, crossing the Swiss-Austrian border at St. Margrethen. A fascinating fact: the route passes through the Prättigau valley, where the Rätikon mountain range creates a rain shadow that makes the area drier than the rest of the Alps. This unique microclimate influences the local flora and the types of roadside farms you'll see.

Estimated driving time is 3 to 3.5 hours without stops, but to truly experience the region, plan for a full day. The route offers a dramatic shift from the high-altitude Alpine scenery of Davos (1,560 m) to the rolling hills and lakes around Füssen (800 m). Along the way, you'll find everything from medieval castles to hidden swimming spots.

The main route from Davos to Füssen begins on the A13/E43 heading north. After Landquart, you join the A13/E60 towards St. Margrethen, then cross into Austria via the A14/E60 to Bregenz. From Bregenz, take the B12/B308 to Oberstdorf, then the B310 to Füssen. The entire route is well-paved, but expect single-lane sections in the Austrian Alps.

Fuel and Route Economics

Fuel costs for the 200 km drive: assuming a consumption of 8 L/100 km and petrol at 1.80 EUR/L, you'll spend about 29 EUR. However, fuel prices in Switzerland are higher (around 2.00 CHF/L) than in Austria (1.60 EUR/L). To save, fill up just before the border. Fuel stations are plentiful in Switzerland (every 10-15 km on the A13) but sparse in the Austrian mountains between Bregenz and Füssen. Plan to refuel in Bludenz or Dornbirn.

• Swiss side: Coop Pronto, Shell, BP at Landquart, Maienfeld, Bad Ragaz.
• Austrian side: OMV, Shell in Bregenz, Dornbirn, and Oberstdorf.

Toll and Vignette Requirements

Swiss motorways require a vignette (40 CHF for 14 months). Austrian motorways also need a vignette (9.90 EUR for 10 days). Both are available at border crossings and service stations. The route uses no separate toll roads beyond these.

The drive transitions from the high Alpine valley of Davos to the lush Prättigau region, then along the Rhine valley towards Lake Constance. Near Bregenz, the landscape opens to the lake, and then you climb into the Allgäu Alps, with rolling green pastures and dramatic rock formations near Füssen.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

There are no UNESCO World Heritage Sites directly on the route. However, a short 15-minute detour from the highway near Bad Ragaz leads to the Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona, a UNESCO Global Geopark. The drive along the Rhine valley also offers views of the Rhine Falls (near Schaffhausen), a natural wonder, but that is a 1-hour detour.

Best Stops Davos to Füssen

One of the best stops is Maienfeld, the setting of the children's book 'Heidi'. Walk through the vineyards and visit the Heidi village. Another highlight is Bregenz with its lakeside promenade and the Pfänder mountain. For hidden gems between cities, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

• Maienfeld (15 min stop): Heidi's house, vineyard trails.
• Wildhaus: A charming village with wooden chalets and a small dairy.
• Egg (Austria): Panoramic tower with views of Lake Constance.

Local Commerce and Culture

Farmers' markets are common on weekends. In Bregenz, the weekly market (Saturdays) sells local cheese, Alpine herbs, and crafts. Along the B12 near Oberstdorf, look for homemade cheese and butter at 'Sennerei' farm shops. Buy a piece of Allgäu Bergkäse – a hard Alpine cheese produced in the region. Also, local breweries like Brauerei Zötler in Rettenberg offer beer tasting.

Road quality is excellent throughout, with well-maintained surfaces. The Swiss A13 has concrete barriers and good lighting at night. Austrian B-roads are narrower but well-paved. Watch for wildlife (deer, chamois) on sections near the border, especially at dawn and dusk. Some Austrian climbs (e.g., between Bregenz and Oberstdorf) have steep gradients and hairpin turns – use engine braking to avoid brake fade.

Family and Child Suitability

If you're wondering 'is it worth driving Davos to Füssen with kids?', yes. Highlights include Kinderland Schendlingen (playground near Bregenz), Märchenwald Galtür (fairy tale park, 30 min detour), and Neuschwanstein Castle from Füssen. For a pit stop, the Rastplatz Alblas near Feldkirch has a large play area.

• Bregenz: Pfänder cable car (kids love the wildlife park on top).
• Oberstdorf: 'Heini-Klopfer-Skiflugschanze' ski flying hill offers tours.
• Füssen: Lechfall (waterfall) with easy family paths.

Pet-Friendly Framework

Dogs are welcome on most trails and in many outdoor cafes. The Rastplatz Schattenburg near Kirchberg has a secure field for dogs. Several restaurants in Bregenz and Oberstdorf allow dogs on their terraces, like Seerestaurant in Bregenz. Pack a portable water bowl; there are few drinking fountains along the route.

Fatigue Management and Rest Zones

If you feel sleepy, the A13 Haslen rest stop (near Landquart) has a quiet zone with shaded parking. In Austria, the Raststätte Dornbirn on the A14 offers a rest area with reclining chairs. Safe parking for a quick nap can also be found at Rastplatz Lingenau (B12), a scenic layby with restroom facilities.