Davos to Garmisch-Partenkirchen Road Trip Guide

Driving from Davos to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, you'll conquer the legendary Silvretta High Alpine Road (B188), which reaches 2,032 meters at the Bielerhöhe pass. This road was built between 1938 and 1954, connecting the Swiss and Austrian Alps. The route is roughly 130 km and takes about 2.5 hours without stops, but plan for 4-6 hours to savor the views.

Best stops Davos to Garmisch-Partenkirchen include the Silvretta reservoir, the medieval town of Landeck, and the Zugspitze glacier. The driving experience is a loop through three countries: Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. Is it worth driving Davos to Garmisch-Partenkirchen? Absolutely, for the alpine panoramas and the Silvretta pass itself.

Fuel and Route Economics

Fuel costs for this route depend on your vehicle and driving style. Expect to spend approximately €30-€50 on fuel for a typical car. The topography is mountainous, so fuel efficiency decreases on steep inclines. Diesel cars perform better on long climbs. Fuel stations are sparse on the high alpine sections; fill up in Davos before departure and again in Landeck or Garmisch.

• Estimated fuel consumption: 8-10 L/100 km on mountain roads
• Average fuel price in Switzerland: CHF 1.80/L
• Average fuel price in Austria: €1.50/L
• Toll costs: Silvretta pass toll CHF 16 (one-way) + Austrian vignette €9.90 for 10 days

Road Quality and Safety

The entire route is paved and well-maintained. The Silvretta High Alpine Road is a two-lane road with guardrails and frequent passing bays. Watch for loose gravel near pass summits. The Austrian sections (B188 and B179) are smooth but curvy. Night driving is possible but not recommended due to wildlife and limited lighting.

• Road surface: Good, but check for snow from October to May
• Guardrails: Present on most curves
• Mobile reception: Patchy in valleys; breaks on passes
• Emergency phones: Every 2 km on the Silvretta road

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

There are no UNESCO World Heritage sites directly on the route. However, a short detour to the St. Gallen Abbey District (Switzerland) or to the Wadden Sea (Germany) is possible, but these are off the direct path. Closer but not UNESCO: the Zugspitze area is part of the Ammergau Alps Biosphere Reserve.

Pet-Friendly Framework

Dogs are welcome on most open trails but must be leashed. Pet-friendly cafes include Café Bistro am See at the Silvretta reservoir. There are grassy areas at the Bielerhöhe parking for a quick walk. In Landeck, the town park is pet-friendly. Always carry water and a bowl; mountain streams are safe for drinking.

• Dog walking spots: Bielerhöhe reservoir shore (leash required)
• Pet-friendly cafes: Café Rössle in Partenen
• Tips: Bring a dog bed for the car; altitude can affect pets

Family and Child Suitability

The route is child-friendly if you plan stops. Kids will love the Silvretta-Boulderpark near the reservoir (a giant climbing area). The Alpinarium in Galtür has interactive exhibits about avalanches. In Garmisch, the Zugspitze Glacier and the old town are perfect for families. Consider the Fernpass Wildpark for animal encounters.

• Interactive museums: Alpinarium Galtür
• Outdoor activities: Silvretta-Boulderpark, paddle boats at reservoir
• Play areas: Landeck town playground

Fatigue Management and Rest Zones

The curvy roads demand attention. Take breaks every 90 minutes. Recommended rest stops: the Bielerhöhe parking offers stunning views and benches. Another safe spot is the Raststation Landeck with a restaurant. For a quick nap, park at the Fernpass rest area (free, with toilets). Avoid roadside shoulders; use designated parking bays.

• Rest stop 1: Bielerhöhe (parking + toilets + café)
• Rest stop 2: Raststation Landeck (gas station + fast food)
• Rest stop 3: Fernpass Panoramarestaurant
• Safety tip: If drowsy, pull into a rest area every 2 hours

Infrastructure and Local Commerce

Regional crafts include woodcarvings from the Montafon valley. At the Gargellen village (small detour before the pass), you'll find traditional Loden clothing. The weekly market in Landeck (Saturdays) sells local honey, cheese, and art. Prices are moderate; bargaining is not expected.

• Must-buy: Silvretta mountain cheese, Enzian schnapps
• Souvenir tip: Hand-painted ceramics from Garmisch
• Roadside stalls: Look for signs for "Bauernladen" (farm shops)

For more tips on discover attractions, check out this guide: how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Geographical Shifts and Scenic Highlights

Starting from Davos (1,560 m), the route descends into the Landwasser valley, then climbs sharply to the Bielerhöhe pass. The landscape transforms from pine forests to alpine tundra with rocky peaks. The Silvretta reservoir is a turquoise masterpiece. After the pass, you descend into the Montafon valley with green meadows and traditional wooden houses.

• Davos to Klosters: Forest and river views
• Klosters to Bielerhöhe: 20 km of hairpin turns and waterfalls
• Bielerhöhe to Landeck: Open alpine landscape with glacial streams
• Landeck to Garmisch: Narrow gorge of the Inn River and the Fern Pass

Climatic Conditions and Best Time to Drive

The high altitude means weather changes rapidly. Summer (June-September) offers clear skies and comfortable 15-25°C. The pass is open from June to October. Spring and autumn bring fog and occasional snow. Sunset drives are magical at the Bielerhöhe, where the reservoir reflects orange light. Wind is common on exposed sections.

• Best time: July to September
• Average summer temperature: 18°C at pass, 22°C in valleys
• Sunset viewing spot: Parking at Bielerhöhe

Culinary Infrastructure and Local Goods

Along the route, stop in Partenen for a traditional Austrian Gasthof. The Gasthof Rössle is known for Käsespätzle. In Landeck, try the local schnitzel at Restaurant Brunnenhof. Look for roadside stands selling alpine cheese, dried meat (Bündnerfleisch in Switzerland), and herbal liqueurs. The town of Garmisch has Bavarian beer gardens.

• Breakfast: Café am Platz in Davos
• Lunch: Gasthof Silvretta at Bielerhöhe
• Dinner: Gasthof Fraundorfer in Garmisch
• To buy: Silvretta mountain honey, Allgäu cheese

Hidden Off-Route Spots

Just off the main road, explore the tiny village of Galtür (5 min detour), known for the 1999 avalanche disaster and the Alpinarium museum. Another hidden gem is the abandoned military bunker at Bielerhöhe, visible from the parking area. For a quick photo, pull over at the ruined castle of Schattenburg in Landeck (actually well-preserved, but off the highway).