Davos to Mulhouse Road Trip: Alpine Passes & Alsatian Charm

The A13 from Davos to Mulhouse is a rare route that descends from Switzerland’s highest year-round road pass, the Flüela Pass (2,383 m), past the deep blue depths of Lake Walensee, and into the rolling vineyards of Alsace. One peculiar fact: the section between Davos and Landquart includes a 10-kilometer stretch of single-lane road with rockfall warnings and avalanche galleries, making it one of the most dynamic short drives in Europe. The entire journey covers roughly 230 km and typically takes 3.5 to 4 hours, but wise travelers add at least two hours for breaks and detours. Wondering is it worth driving Davos to Mulhouse? Absolutely—the transformation from alpine peaks to medieval towns offers a condensed tour of northern Switzerland and eastern France.

Optimizing your drive begins with planning. The fastest route uses the A28 and A1 via Chur, Zurich, and Basel, but the scenic A13 via the Rheintal and via the scenic A35 after the border often rewards with fewer trucks and better views. Our guide covers everything from fuel economics to hidden cafes, ensuring you don't miss the nuances of this trans-border adventure.

The geographical shift is dramatic: from the high Alpine tundra of Davos (pine forests, granite peaks) to the lower Rhine Valley (lush meadows, vineyards). The best place to witness the transition is at the Flüela Pass viewing point (coord: 46.745° N, 9.947° E). Another must-photograph is Lake Walensee, with turquoise water backed by steep cliffs. For sunset, park at the Weesen viewpoint (exit A3 at Weesen).

• UNESCO sites: No direct UNESCO objects on the route, but a 20-minute detour to St. Gallen’s Abbey District (UNESCO) is worthwhile for its library and baroque architecture.
• Local commerce: At the border near Basel, you can buy Swiss chocolate at deeper discounts than in tourist shops. In Mulhouse, visit the Marché du Canal Couvert for Alsatian wine, pretzels, and Saucisse de Strasbourg.
• Culinary stops: In Davos, try the traditional Swiss rösti at Restaurant Rössli. In Chur, the “Ochsen” serves Bündnerfleisch (air-dried beef) the authentic way. Near Basel, stop at “Zum Goldenen Kopf” in Riehen for Flammkuchen.
• Hidden off-route spots: A 5-min detour from the A13 at exit 11 leads to the abandoned “Belvedere Hotel” above Bad Ragaz—a stunning Belle Époque ruin with panoramic views. Also, the tiny village of Bregaglia (just off the A28) has a 12th-century church with frescoes.

For authentic goods, buy “Bündner Nusstorte” (nut cake) in Davos or Chur. Alsace offers “Mirabelle” plum jam and “Gewürztraminer” wine—perfect souvenirs. The route also passes through the Maienfeld region (Heidi’s village), where you can buy alpine cheese directly from farmers.

• Climatic conditions: The alpine section can be snowy as late as May; the Rhine Valley is often foggy in autumn. Wind tunnels at Flüela Pass can be dangerous for high-sided vehicles. The best time for scenic sunsets is from the Weesen viewpoint (A3 exit) in spring or fall, when the light catches the cliffs.
• Route aesthetics: The most photogenic stretch is the 5-km curve around Lake Walensee. For a prime sunset spot, park at the rest area “Raststätte Walensee” (eastbound) around 8 PM in July.

The route can be divided into three distinct segments: the alpine descent from Davos to Landquart (A28), the Swiss autobahn dash from Landquart to Basel (A13/A1/A3), and the final French leg from Basel to Mulhouse (A35). The alpine section (50 km) takes about 1 hour due to sharp curves and occasional slow traffic behind caravans. The highway portion (150 km) is a steady 120 km/h cruise. The French segment (30 km) is a quick 20-minute sprint.

• Fuel costs: Diesel approx. CHF 1.70/L in Switzerland, €1.50/L in France. Total cost for an average sedan: CHF 40–55 (€38–52).
• Fuel efficiency tips: In the alpine section, use engine braking to save fuel; on the highway, maintain 110 km/h for best economy (avoid 120 km/h).
• Fuel station distribution: Good coverage in Switzerland (every 20-30 km) except on the A28 between Davos and Landquart (no stations for 40 km). Fill up in Davos or Chur.
• Toll information: Switzerland requires a vignette (annual sticker) for all cars. France’s A35 is toll-free west of Basel.
• Parking: Mulhouse has several Park & Ride lots (e.g., P+R Châtaigniers, €3/day) convenient for city visits.

Road quality is excellent on Swiss highways (concrete surface, well-lit tunnels), but the A28 alpine section demands attention: single-lane with rockfall nets, 80 km/h limit, and sudden curves. Night driving is safe—tunnels are well-lit—but headlights are mandatory in all Swiss tunnels. French A35 is in good condition but has many speed cameras. Toll booths in Switzerland are only at the border; keep your vignette visible in the windshield.

• Fatigue management: Three dedicated rest zones: “Raststätte Maienfeld” (A13, 30 km south of Basel) has a quiet parking area with grassy banks—ideal for a 20-minute nap. “Aire de Saint-Louis-Embranchement” (A35, just after border) has a shaded picnic area. “Flüela Pass summit” has free parking (altitude 2,383 m) where you can nap with your engine off for 15 minutes; the cold air helps alertness.
• Family activities: Swiss Transport Museum in Lucerne (1.5-hour detour) is world-class. Closer: “Knies Kinderzoo” in Rapperswil (off A3) has 300 animals and a petting zoo. In Mulhouse, the “Cité de l’Automobile” (car museum) thrills kids with vintage cars and a driving simulator.
• Pet-friendly stops: The “Eichbühl” rest stop on A13 (exits 19-20) has a fenced dog walking area. In Basel, restaurant “Volkshaus” welcomes dogs on their terrace. The Flüela Pass summit allows off-leash hiking on marked trails—perfect for dogs needing exercise.

For those searching how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, our detailed guide covers advanced techniques for spontaneous detours. The route offers multiple short detours: the Klöntal lake (5 min from A3 exit Bilten) is a hidden fjord-like gem. Also, the village of Wernetshausen has a 14th-century wooden bridge (300 m detour).

• Safety tips: Watch for deer at dusk between Landquart and Maienfeld (deer crossing signs). In the French section, beware of cyclists on Sundays. Always carry CHF cash for mountain parking fees (some coin-operated). Keep a warm blanket in the car—alpine temperatures can drop below 10°C even in summer.
• Infrastructure: All rest areas have toilets (some require CHF 1 coin). Free WiFi is available at Raststätte Maienfeld and Aire de Saint-Louis. Electric vehicle charging stations are common on A13 and A35 (Fastned and Ionity).