Davos to Stralsund Road Trip: Alpine Peaks to Baltic Coast

The A13 from Davos snakes through the Landwasser Valley, where the iconic Landwasser Viaduct—a UNESCO World Heritage Railway site—looms 65 meters above the river. This 1,100 km drive to Stralsund crosses five German states, descending from 1,560 meters to sea level.

Most drivers complete the journey in 11–12 hours of pure driving time, but stretching it over two days reveals the route's full character. The transition from Alpine meadows to North Sea mudflats is one of Europe's most dramatic geographic shifts.

German autobahns have excellent surfaces but variable speed limits. In the Alps, hairpin bends require low gears. Night driving is safe but deer warning signs near forests.

Family-friendly stops include LEGOLAND Germany (Günzburg), and the Ozeaneum in Stralsund. Pet-friendly rest areas with dog runs exist every 50 km along A9.

• Fatigue stops: Raststätte Frankenwald (nap rooms), Rastplatz am Windmühlberg.
• Hidden gems: Abandoned radar station near Waren (Müritz), 5 min from A19.
• Weather: Sunny in summer, foggy in autumn; winter snow possible north of Berlin.

The route uses Swiss A13, then German A8, A9, A20. No tolls in Germany, but Switzerland requires a vignette (40 CHF). Fuel costs average €120-150 for the trip.

• Fuel stops: Every 30-50 km on German autobahns; fewer in Swiss mountains.
• Diesel is cheaper than petrol; consider a fuel-efficient car.
• Electric charging stations are abundant along A9.

Learn how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities for a richer experience.

From Davos, the Swiss National Park offers alpine meadows and ibex sightings. The A8 passes Lake Constance, where vineyards and orchards cling to moraine hills.

• Geographic shift: Alpine gravel → Bavarian forests → North German Plain.
• UNESCO sites: Würzburg Residence (detour 30 min), Berlin Museumsinsel (on route).
• Local buys: Appenzeller cheese, Nuremberg bratwurst, Meissen porcelain.

Near Berlin, the Spreewald biosphere reserve offers canoe tours through canals lined by Slavic villages.