Davos to Kinderdijk Road Trip Guide: Alpine Meadows to Dutch Windmills

Did you know that the shortest road route from Davos to Kinderdijk passes through the Swabian Alb, a region known for its Jurassic limestone caves and steep vineyards? This 850-kilometer drive, primarily via the A13, A1, and A59, takes you from the Grisons Alps to the lowland polders of South Holland. The contrast is stark: icy peaks to windmill-studded meadows, heavy investment in winter tires to canal-side cycle paths. This guide covers everything you need for this trans-European journey.

Key highways include the Swiss A13 (San Bernardino route), German A81, A6, and A3, and Dutch A15. Estimated driving time without stops is 8.5 hours, but with recommended breaks, plan for at least 11 hours. The route passes through four countries: Switzerland, Germany, possibly a short stint in Belgium (if taking A67/A2), and the Netherlands. Is it worth driving Davos to Kinderdijk? Absolutely, if you crave a cross-section of Europe's diverse scenery.

For optimizing your stops, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The geographical shift is dramatic: leaving the snow-capped peaks of the Davos Parsenn area, you descend through the Rhine Gorge (Swiss Grand Canyon) near Ilanz. Then via the A13 you enter the Swiss Mittelland, passing Zurich's lake shores. Crossing the Rhine at Schaffhausen (detour to Rhine Falls: 15 min extra), you enter the German Swabian Alb. Here, limestone mountains and medieval towns like Reutlingen appear. The route then crosses the Jura, the Franconian Keuper landscape, and through the Rhine-Main region with its vineyards near Wiesbaden.

Finally, near Arnhem (NL), you enter the lowlands: meadows, canals, and the iconic Kinderdijk windmills. The contrast is one of the most rewarding aspects of this drive.

• UNESCO Sites along the route: Rhine Gorge (Switzerland) doesn't cover our exact path, but the Wadden Sea (Netherlands) is a detour (>2 hrs). Near Kinderdijk itself: the Kinderdijk windmills are a UNESCO site (1997). Also near Stuttgart: the Caves and Ice Age Art of the Swabian Jura (UNESCO, 2017), e.g., Hohle Fels – 10 km off the A81 near Blaubeuren.
• Short detour suggestion: from A81 exit at Rottenburg, visit the Hohenzollern Castle (10 min detour) for sweeping views.

Culinary Infrastructure

Along the way, regional cuisine is diverse. In Switzerland, try Bündner Nusstorte (walnut cake) at the Landquart rest stop. In Germany, the Swabian region offers Maultaschen (dumplings) at Autobahnraststätte Sindelfingen (A81). Near A3 exit 44 (Köln), sample Rheinischer Sauerbraten at Raststätte Köln. In the Netherlands, before reaching Kinderdijk, stop at Restaurant De Viersprong (near A15 exit 23) for authentic erwtensoep (pea soup).

• Rest stop Raststätte Uhldingen (A81): lakeside terrace, seasonal fish dishes.
• Rasthof Baden-Baden (A5): fine dining, but off our main route; use A5 briefly if fatigue manageable.
• Dutch B&B De Wilgespreng (A15/N3 junction): offers organic breakfasts.

Road quality is excellent throughout, save for occasional construction in Germany (A6 between Heilbronn and Mannheim, 2024). Swiss Alpine roads can have sharp bends; use engine braking. Toll booths are only on the Swiss A13 at San Bernardino (vignette check). Safety tip: in the Netherlands, cyclists have priority at many roundabouts; look twice before merging.

For families, interactive stops include the Technik Museum Sinsheim (A6 exit 34) – 5 minutes off route, with planes and old trains. Children will love the Simulator Park. Another: Wildpark Schwäbisch Hall (near Schwäbisch Hall, A6 exit 44), with native animals. In the Netherlands, before Kinderdijk, the Archeon theme park (Alphen aan den Rijn) living history, 20 min detour.

Pet-friendly framework: most German rest stops have designated dog toilets (Auslaufwiesen). Notable dog-friendly cafes: Café Schwanen in Reutlingen (A81 exit 3) has water bowls. Swiss rest areas (e.g., Raststätte Maienfeld) offer dog runs. In Netherlands, Kinderdijk windmill area is dog-friendly on leash.

Fatigue management: ideal rest points for a nap. After the Alpine stretch, Raststätte Rheinau (Swiss A13, after Chur) has a dedicated nap room. In Germany, the Autobahnkapelle inside Raststätte Wernau (A81) provides quiet benches. Another: Raststätte Bensberg (A3) – quiet bays with shade. In the Netherlands, the verzorgingsplaats De Paal (A15) has a rest area with reclining chairs.

Hidden off-route spots:

• Abandoned castle ruins near Lichtenstein (5 min from A81 exit 6): ruins of Burg Lichtenstein, no entry but good photo spot.
• Deserted village of Morsbronn (near A6 exit 48): a ghost village due to quarry expansion.
• Bunker 638 in the Netherlands (near A15 exit 26): a Cold War bunker open as museum (book ahead).

Local commerce & culture: in Switzerland, buy Bündner Trockenfleisch (air-dried beef) at the Chur market (Wednesdays). In Germany, Swabian Alb honey at the roadside stand near Raststätte Ulm (A7 exit 60). Dutch cheese farm Kaasboerderij Schoonenburg (5 min from A15 exit 25) sells Gouda straight from the farm. Also, Stroopwafels fresh from the grid at Markthal Rotterdam (detour 30 min).

Fuel costs vary significantly. In Switzerland, diesel averages €1.70 per liter; in Germany, €1.55; in the Netherlands, €1.75. For a typical car (7L/100km), total fuel cost is approximately €95–€105. Fuel stations are plentiful along German autobahns (every 30–40 km), but in Switzerland they are less frequent, especially in mountainous sections between Davos and Chur. Plan to fill up in Landquart (A13 exit) where prices are lower than mountain stations.

Toll roads: Switzerland requires a vignette (€40) for the A13. Germany has no tolls for cars, but some tunnels like the Elbtunnel near Hamburg (not on route) have small fees. Dutch roads are toll-free except for the Westerscheldetunnel (detour). Most autobahns have speed limits: 120 km/h in Switzerland, 130 km/h recommended in Germany (unlimited sections possible), and 130 km/h in the Netherlands. Observe carefully, as traffic enforcement is strict.

Night illumination is excellent on German and Dutch highways, but Swiss Alpine sections (San Bernardino tunnel) are well-lit. Warning: the A81 through the Black Forest can be foggy in autumn; use fog lights. Winter tires are mandatory in Switzerland from November to April. Summer: high UV exposure at altitude (Davos 1,560 m) – sunscreen recommended during breaks.