Davos to Konstanz: Alpine Drive Guide

The drive from Davos (1,560m above sea level) to Konstanz (405m) drops over 1,100 meters in elevation, crossing the Swiss-German border and traversing the Prättigau valley, the Rhine Valley, and the rolling hills of Eastern Switzerland. This 230-kilometer route typically takes 2.5 to 3 hours without stops, but the best stops Davos to Konstanz add half a day of exploration. The journey follows the A28, A13, and A1 motorways, with the last stretch crossing into Germany via the B33. Historically, this corridor was used by medieval traders moving salt from the Alpine passes to Lake Constance.

Is it worth driving Davos to Konstanz? Absolutely: the geological shift from high alpine tundra to lakeside vineyards is visible within a single tank of fuel. For those wondering how long to drive Davos to Konstanz, the pure driving time is approximately 2 hours 45 minutes, but factoring in breaks, plan for 4-5 hours to enjoy the journey. Use our guide on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities to maximize your experience.

The route primarily uses Swiss National Roads: from Davos, take the A28 through Klosters and Landquart. At Landquart, merge onto the A13 towards St. Margrethen, then switch to the A1 westbound near St. Gallen. Exit at Arbon-Romanshorn onto the B33 for the final 20 km to Konstanz. German roads are toll-free, but Swiss motorways require a vignette. Fuel stations are plentiful: every 20-30 km on the A13, but less frequent on the A28.

• Fuel Costs: Estimate CHF 30-40 (€30-40) for a standard car (7.5L/100km) with Swiss fuel prices around CHF 1.70/L. Use top-tier stations (Agrola, Coop) near highway exits.
• Rest Stops: Notable rest areas include Maienfeld (A13, exit 9) with panoramic views, and St. Margrethen (A1/A13 junction) with a large service plaza.
• Tolls: No additional tolls beyond Swiss vignette. German sections are free.

Road quality is excellent: Swiss motorways are well-maintained with reflective markers and frequent emergency call boxes. The A28 mountain section is narrower with no central barrier; drive cautiously in rain or fog (common in valleys). German B33 is a dual carriageway with good lighting. Speed limits: 120 km/h on A13/A1, 80 km/h on A28, 100 km/h on B33. Check weather forecasts for the Gotthard wind effect—crosswinds can be strong near St. Gallen.

• Family Stops: Swiss Science Center Technorama (Winterthur, 15 min detour) offers interactive exhibits. The Rheinfall in Schaffhausen (30 min detour) is Europe's largest waterfall and a hit with kids.
• Pet-Friendly Framework: Rest areas at Maienfeld and St. Margrethen have designated dog-walking fields and waste stations. Café Bistro at Rorschach harbor allows dogs on terraces.
• Fatigue Management: Use the Maienfeld rest area (km 90) for a power nap (free parking, max 2 hours). Alternatively, the Arbon lakeside park (km 190) has shaded benches and a playground for longer breaks.

The landscape shifts from alpine meadows and conifer forests near Davos (UNESCO Biosphere Reserve) to the deep gorge of the Landquart River. After Landquart, the Rhine Valley opens wide with vineyards on the slopes, especially around Maienfeld (Heidi's village). Near St. Gallen, the terrain becomes hilly with forests and small lakes, before flattening into the Lake Constance basin. The final stretch into Konstanz treats drivers to the shimmering blue of the lake, often with the Swiss Alps as a backdrop.

• Natural Attractions: Stop at the Maienfeld viewpoint (47.005°N, 9.528°E) for a panoramic shot of the Rhine Valley; Rorschach promenade (A1 exit 7) for a lakeside break.
• UNESCO Sites: The Benedictine Convent of St. John in Müstair (Worth detour: +60 min) is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Also, the old town of St. Gallen with its Abbey District is 10 min off-route.
• Local Commerce: Buy Bündner Nusstorte (nut pastry) at the Landquart factory outlet, or Appenzeller cheese at roadside stalls near Heiden. In Konstanz, the weekly market (Tue/Sat) sells fresh fish from the lake.