Davos to Jena Road Trip: Best Stops and Hidden Gems

The drive from Davos to Jena spans roughly 800 kilometers, crossing three countries and four distinct geographical zones. One striking fact: the route follows the ancient Via Imperii, a medieval trade road linking central Europe. Along the way, you'll descend from the Swiss Alps at 1,560 meters to the gentle hills of the Saale valley at 150 meters. The journey takes about 8.5 hours without stops, but plan for at least two days—your first night ideally in Ulm.

• Route core highways: A13 (Switzerland) -> A96 (Germany) -> A7 -> A8 -> A9 -> A4
• Total driving time: Approximately 8 hours 30 minutes
• Key geographic shift: Alpine passes to lowland forests, crossing the Danube near Ulm

Before diving into specifics, check out our guide on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities for tips on planning detours.

Fuel prices vary significantly along the route. Switzerland has some of Europe's highest fuel prices (CHF 1.90/liter for petrol in 2025), while Germany averages €1.70/liter. To save, fill up just after crossing the border at German stations like Aral near Lindau. For a full tank (60L), expect costs from €102 to €114.

The route is entirely highway except for the initial descent from Davos to the Swiss A13. The A13 through the Rhine Valley is a scenic mountain highway with numerous tunnels and bridges. Snow is possible from October to April; snow tires are mandatory in Switzerland and recommended in Germany. Tolls: Switzerland requires a vignette (CHF 40 for a year) for all highways. Germany has no tolls for cars, but some tunnels (e.g., Plabutsch near Graz if you detour) do.

• Toll cost: Swiss vignette CHF 40 (mandatory), Germany free
• Speed limits: Switzerland 120 km/h, Germany 130 km/h (unlimited on some stretches)
• Night driving: Well-lit on German sections; Swiss A13 is dark with wildlife risks

Safety: Road quality is excellent throughout. Watch for deer on the A9 near Hof and sudden fog in the Thuringian Forest. Emergency services: dial 112 in both countries. Rest areas occur every 20-40 km on German highways, with toilets and snacks. For longer breaks, use the formal Raststätten (e.g., Raststätte Illertal on A7).

• Best rest stop for nap: Raststätte Donautal (A8, km 560) – quiet, shaded parking
• Pet-friendly stops: Raststätte Dreieck Allgäu (A96) has a fenced dog area

Safety on this route is high, but be prepared for changeable weather. In the Alps, glare from snow can be intense; wear polarised sunglasses. On the German sections, construction zones are common – obey temporary speed limits. Fatigue management: schedule a stop every 2 hours. Ideal spots: Raststätte Illertal (A7) with a large parking area; Raststätte Leipheim (A8) near the German-Donau bike path.

• Best sunset viewpoint: Aussichtsturm Höhenberg (near Günzburg, exit 68) offers panoramic views of the Danube valley.
• Child-friendly stop: Legoland Deutschland in Günzburg (directly off A8) – 5 minutes from highway.

Hidden off-route spots: Just 5 km east of the A9, the village of Stadtsteinach features a medieval market square and a fortress ruin. Another gem is the Kloster Lehnin (west of A9), a red-brick monastery with a peaceful garden. These easy detours reward without adding more than 15 minutes.

• Pet-friendly cafes: At Raststätte Frankenwald (A9), the McDonald's has a dog menu and outdoor seating.
• Local delicacies to try: Stop at a bakery in Bayreuth for a Wagner Fleischkäsebrötchen.

Geography transitions dramatically: from the high Alpine valley near Davos (with views of the Weisshorn), down through the Swiss Rhine Valley (apple orchards and vineyards around Maienfeld), then across Lake Constance (Bodensee) region, into the rolling Swabian Alb, the Danube valley, and finally the forested hills of Thuringia near Jena. Each region offers distinct natural beauty.

• Swiss Alps to Lake Constance: Look for the Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen (slight detour).
• Swabian Alb: Blautopf spring and Ulm's cathedral (world's tallest) just off the highway.
• Thuringian Forest: Dense coniferous forests and the Saale valley near Jena.

For commerce, stop at farmer's markets or roadside stands. In the Allgäu, buy Bergkase (mountain cheese). Near Ulm, local breweries sell Gold Ochsen beer. In Thuringia, pick up Thüringer Rostbratwurst and handmade wooden toys. These small-scale purchases support local crafts and agriculture.

• Cultural detour: Visit the Museum für Klemmbausteine in Nuremberg (a brick-building museum) – fantastic for families.
• UNESCO sites: The Old Town of Bamberg (on a short detour east of A9) and the Wadden Sea (far off) – but along the direct route, no UNESCO sites are encountered.