Davos to Melk: A Scenic Swiss-Austrian Road Trip Guide

Driving from Davos (1,560 m) to Melk (213 m) is a plunge from the high Alps into the gentle wine terraces of the Danube. The route spans about 450 km—depending on detours—and typically takes 4.5 to 6 hours of pure driving. Most of the journey follows the A13/E43 through the Swiss Rhine Valley, then the A14/E60 through Liechtenstein and Austria, before joining the A1 at St. Pölten.

A little-known quirk: the ascent from Landquart to Klosters passes under the 19th-century Landwasser Viaduct, though the road itself skirts the famous railway viaduct. The Prättigau valley, which connects Davos to the Rhine, was historically a key trade route for salt and wine. Today, it offers a foreshadowing of the cultural blend between Swiss and Austrian influences.

For those wondering how long to drive Davos to Melk, factor in at least one full day with stops. But is it worth driving Davos to Melk? Absolutely—the transition from Alpine pastures to the Baroque splendor of Melk Abbey is unforgettable.

Estimated fuel costs: assume a car consuming 7 L/100 km. With current fuel prices in Switzerland and Austria around CHF 1.80/L (Swiss) and EUR 1.50/L (Austrian), the cost of fuel alone for the journey is approximately CHF 56 (Swiss portion) and EUR 27 (Austrian portion). Total around CHF 90 or EUR 80. Use the A13 from Davos to Sankt Margrethen, then the A14/A1 to Melk. Tolls needed: Swiss vignette (CHF 40) and Austrian vignette (EUR 9.90 for 10 days).

Road conditions are excellent throughout. The Swiss A13 is mostly well-lit with cat's eyes and guardrails; Austrian A1 has modern asphalt with frequent SOS phones. Snow can be an issue even in late spring near Davos—check conditions before departure. The descent from Davos to Klosters is steep with sharp bends; use low gear and avoid brake overheating.

For families, a stop at the Villa Falkenhorst in Thüringen (Vorarlberg) offers a dinosaur-themed playground. In the Wachau, the Kunstmeile Krems has interactive art installations for children. Pet-friendly spots include the rest area Raststation Wels (A1) with a dedicated dog run, and the Illspitz park in Feldkirch, where dogs can swim in the Ill river.

• Fatigue management: Recommended rest zones include Raststätte Biberwier (A1, near Salzburg) with a view of the mountains, and the Rasthaus Rheintal (A13, near Au) for a quick nap in a quiet parking area
• Safety tips: Watch for wildlife between Landquart and Feldkirch (deer, boar); headlights on in tunnels. Speed cameras frequent in Austria—max 130 km/h on A1, 80 km/h on Swiss A13 in valleys.
• Hidden off-route spots: The ruined castle Burgruine Neu-Montfort in Götzis (5 min from A14 exit Götzis) offers a panoramic view. The Höllenkar waterfall near Scharnitz (5 min from A12) is a short walk from the road.
• Family stops: Inatura in Dornbirn (hands-on science museum), Wachauer Marillenladen in Spitz (free apricot juice for kids).

The journey from Davos to Melk is well-signed but requires attention to vignettes and tolls. Your first major junction is Landquart, where the A13 heads north through the Rhine Valley. Fuel stations are abundant in Switzerland—every 20 km on the A13—but become slightly sparser in the Vorarlberg region. In Austria, the A1 has rest stops every 30 km with fuel, food, and WC.

For best stops Davos to Melk, consider a lunch break at Feldkirch (old town) or a scenic detour to the Bregenzerwald. If you're interested in things to do between Davos and Melk, the route offers castles, vineyards, and river cruises. Learn more about how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

• Key roads: A13 (Swiss A13), E43, A14 (Austrian S16), A1 (West Autobahn)
• Toll vignettes required: Swiss (CHF 40, annual) and Austrian (EUR 9.90 for 10 days)
• Fuel efficiency tip: Use cruise control on flat sections (A13 near Lake Constance) and anticipate engine braking on descents from Davos to Klosters
• Fuel stations: OMV, Shell, BP in Austria; Migrol, Avia in Switzerland
• Best rest stop: Raststation Vösendorf (A1 near Vienna) or Raststation Ohlsdorf (A1 near Gmunden)

Leaving Davos, you descend through the Prättigau valley, where mountain pine forests give way to the broad Rhine Valley. Near the border at Sankt Margrethen, the landscape flattens as you skirt the southern shore of Lake Constance (Bodensee). This area, known for its mild microclimate, is prime fruit-growing country: in spring, the apple and cherry blossoms are spectacular.

Crossing into Austria at Feldkirch, the road hugs the Ill river before climbing to the Arlberg massif (though the route bypasses the tunnel). After Bregenz, you enter the Allgäu region, glimpses of the Alps to the south. The A1 then cuts through the rolling hills of the Mostviertel, Austria's largest fruit-growing region, before descending to the Danube at Melk.

• Natural attractions: Prättigau valley, Lake Constance views near Bregenz, the Wachau Valley (from Krems to Melk)
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Wachau Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 2000); Melk Abbey is part of this designation. Also, if you detour to Graz, the historic city center is UNESCO.
• Local commerce: In the Prättigau, buy Bündnerfleisch (air-dried beef) at a Butti. In the Wachau, stop for apricot brandy (Marillenschnaps) and handmade candles.
• Village markets: The weekly market in Feldkirch (Saturdays) sells local cheeses and crafts. In Melk, the farmers' market on the main square offers regional produce.