Davos to Schladming Road Trip: Alpine Drive Guide

The drive from Davos to Schladming traverses 350 kilometers of the eastern Alps, crossing from Switzerland into Austria via the A13 and A10 motorways. This route passes through the Silvretta and Niedere Tauern ranges, with a history of medieval salt trading.

Unlike the shorter Gotthard route, this path offers fewer tunnels and more alpine passes. The best stops Davos to Schladming include the Engadin valley and the Dachstein massif. A typical drive takes 4.5 hours without stops, but plan for 6-8 hours to explore.

For maximizing your journey, learn how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Road quality is excellent, but watch for sudden fog in the Arlberg tunnel and strong winds near Radstadt. Night illumination is present on A10, not on side roads. Toll gates cause occasional queues.

• Family: Murmelpark Flatnitz (petting zoo, km 200).
• Pet-friendly: Rastplatz Pfarrwerfen with dog run.
• Fatigue: Raststation Weißenbach (nap cabins available).

Hidden off-route: the ruined castle of Hohenwerfen near Werfen (5 min detour). For an extended break, the Wayro route planner suggests stopping at Bad Gastein's waterfall.

The landscape shifts from Davos' glacial valleys to the Engadin's crystal-clear lakes. The A10 follows the Enns river through the Niedere Tauern. Sunset viewpoints near Sillian offer panoramic mountain silhouettes.

• Landquart: medieval old town and local cheese market.
• St. Johann im Pongau: wood-carving workshops.
• Schladming: traditional schnapps distillery.

UNESCO sites within detour: Hallstatt-Dachstein Salzkammergut (1 hour from Schladming). The cultural heritage includes alpine farming and copper mining history.

Fuel stations are frequent along the A13 and A10, often 30-50 km apart. Expect fuel costs of €80-100 for a typical sedan. The topography involves sustained climbs and descents, affecting fuel efficiency. In Switzerland, fuel is slightly cheaper than in Austria.

• Swiss vignette required (CHF 40, annual).
• Austrian vignette for A10 (€9.90 for 10 days).
• Toll on Tauernautobahn (€13.50 for cars).

Parking rest areas like Raststätte Zillertal (km 140) and Raststation Flachau (km 250) are well-lit and secure. Use the Wayro app to find real-time prices and stops.