Davos to Krems an der Donau Road Trip Guide: Alps to Danube

The Davos to Krems an der Donau route traverses three countries—Switzerland, Austria, and a sliver of Germany—over 550 kilometres. The road climbs from the Landwasser valley (1,560 m) in Davos, crosses the Arlberg Pass (1,793 m) on the A14, then descends into the Inn valley before reaching the Danube valley near Krems at about 200 m elevation. This 650-metre vertical drop dramatically changes landscapes from Alpine peaks to rolling vineyard-covered hills.

One specific quirk: near St. Anton am Arlberg, the Arlberg Tunnel (a 14 km toll tunnel) shaves 30 minutes off the drive but costs €11 for cars. Above ground, the old Arlberg Pass road is free but adds 20 km and is closed in winter. For the best balance of time and scenery, we recommend the tunnel in winter and the pass in summer. The total drive time is roughly 6.5 hours without stops, but plan for at least 9 hours with sightseeing.

The route from Davos to Krems an der Donau offers a breathtaking cross-section of Central European geography. Starting in the Silvretta massif, the drive descends through the Arlberg region—famous for its crystal-clear Alpine streams and pine forests. In spring, the meadows near Landeck explode with edelweiss and gentian. As you approach the Inn valley, the valley widens, revealing the medieval town of Hall in Tirol.

Continuing east, the Salzkammergut lakes—such as Wolfgangsee and Attersee—beckon with their emerald waters. A short detour to St. Gilgen offers the chance to ride the Zwölferhorn cable car for panoramic views. Near Salzburg, the landscape flattens into the Alpine foothills, then rises again into the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, terraced vineyards line the Danube, and apricot orchards fill the air with fragrance in late spring. Local commerce thrives: in the Wachau, farmers sell apricot liqueur (Marillenlikör) and Grüner Veltliner wine at roadside stands.

The region between Salzburg and Krems is dotted with farmers' markets every Saturday. In Melk, the Benedictine Abbey dominates the skyline, and local artisans offer woodcarvings and pottery. For those wondering is it worth driving Davos to Krems an der Donau, the answer is a resounding yes, if only for the diversity of landscapes compressed into one road trip.

Fuel stations are abundant along the Austrian A1 and A2 motorways, with prices averaging €1.70 per litre. However, in Switzerland, fuel costs ~€1.90/litre. Fill up in Austria when crossing from Davos via the A14. Tolls: Swiss vignette (€40/year) required; Austria requires a toll sticker (€9.90 for 10 days). The Arlberg Tunnel adds an extra €11 fee.

Tolls can be paid via credit card at toll booths. Some sections, like the A1 near Salzburg, have open tolling (video detection) – ensure your rental has a valid toll device. For the best stops Davos to Krems an der Donau, consider these fuel stops: (1) Bludenz, just after the Swiss-Austrian border, (2) Innsbruck for cheaper Austrian fuel, (3) Salzburg for a full tank before the final leg. Avoid motorway service stations in Germany on the A8 near Munich (overpriced).

• Davos to Krems an der Donau total distance: 550 km
• Estimated drive time: 6.5 hours without stops
• Recommended stops: 2-3 for fuel, food, and attractions
• Toll costs: ~€60 (suisse vignette + Austrian 10-day + Arlberg tunnel)

Road quality is excellent throughout: Swiss and Austrian motorways are smooth, well-marked, and equipped with emergency phones every 2 km. The Arlberg Tunnel has emergency lay-bys and a speed limit of 80 km/h. In winter, snow tyres are mandatory in both countries (1 October to 15 April). Avalanche warnings near the Arlberg Pass can cause closures; check www.arbeiterkammer.at for real-time updates.

• Rest zones: Every 30 km on Austrian motorways (e.g., Raststationen with WC, picnic tables). Recommended: Raststation Völserplatte near Innsbruck has a kids' playground.
• Pet-friendly framework: Most German and Austrian rest stops allow dogs on leads. Hotels like the Pension Alpendorf near St. Johann (Tirol) explicitly welcome pets at no extra charge. Carry a pet first-aid kit and check for tick-prone areas (common in the Salzkammergut).

Family and child suitability: The route offers numerous kid-friendly attractions. The Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens (near Innsbruck) have a magical garden and play area. The Haus der Natur museum in Salzburg features a dinosaur hall and a reptile zoo. In the Wachau, a family-friendly bike path runs from Melk to Krems along the Danube (25 km, mostly flat). For things to do between Davos and Krems an der Donau, consider a stop at the Salzwelten Hallein salt mine (children can slide down miner's slides).

Fatigue management: The long descent from the Arlberg can cause drowsiness. Plan a break every 2 hours. Tipps: Use the Raststation Großglockner (A10 exit) for a coffee with a mountain view. For those seeking hidden gems, look for how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities—our guide suggests using local Facebook groups or the Waze app with “avoid highways” setting for spontaneous detours. Off the beaten path, the Krimml Waterfalls (highest in Central Europe) are a 30-minute detour near Zell am See, and the Eisriesenwelt Ice Caves (near Werfen) are the world’s largest accessible ice caves.