Davos to Ulm Road Trip: Alp to Danube Guide

The journey from Davos (1,560 m) in the Swiss canton of Graubünden to Ulm (478 m) in Baden-Württemberg covers roughly 300 km of dramatic topographic change. The route descends from the steep Rhaetian Alps, through the Austrian state of Vorarlberg and Bavaria, finally reaching the flatlands of the Swabian Jura. A curious detail: the stretch between Davos and the border crossing at St. Margrethen is one of the steepest sustained descents in the region, losing over 1,000 m in just 60 km. This means engine braking is essential for safe descent.

Drivers should budget about 4 to 4.5 hours without stops, but the high number of scenic overlooks and cultural points means you'll want to add at least 2–3 hours. For those wondering best stops Davos to Ulm, consider the medieval town of Lindau on Lake Constance, the Pfänder mountain near Bregenz, and the historic city center of Memmingen. The drive covers the A13, A1, E43, and A7 highways, each with distinct characteristics.

How to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities

Fuel and Costs

Fuel prices vary significantly: in Switzerland, a liter of gasoline costs about CHF 1.80 (~€1.85), while in Austria it drops to €1.50, and in Germany around €1.70. For a typical sedan with 7 L/100 km consumption, the entire trip costs roughly €35-40. The descent from Davos saves fuel, but the climbs onto the Swabian Jura near Ulm increase consumption. Fill up in Austria for best value, especially at the border station in Lustenau.

• Switzerland: Expensive, pump at Davos or Klosters
• Austria: Cheapest, stations at Bregenz, Dornbirn
• Germany: Moderate, avoid autobahn rest stops for real savings

Toll and Vignette

Swiss highways require an annual vignette (CHF 40), purchasable at border shops. Austria also requires a vignette (€9.90 for 10 days). German autobahns are free for cars. Ensure you have both vignettes displayed properly; fines are steep. The route uses predominantly Swiss and Austrian highways until Lindau, then German free roads.

Rest Stops and Parking

Well-equipped rest areas exist every 20-30 km. Notable ones: Raststätte Bodensee (German side) with panoramic lake views, and Raststation Pfändertunnel (Austria) with a playground. Parking in Ulm city center costs €2–3 per hour; use Parkhaus Ulm-Centrum near the cathedral.

Geographic Shifts

The drive begins in the high alpine valley of Davos, surrounded by peaks over 2,000 m. As you drop through the Prättigau valley, the landscape shifts to rolling hills and then to the vast Lake Constance basin. After crossing into Germany, you climb gently onto the Swabian Jura, a limestone plateau with beech forests. The final approach to Ulm reveals the Danube valley and the towering Ulm Minster (the world's tallest church).

• Davos: Alpine meadows, larch forests
• Prättigau: Narrow valley, river Landquart
• Bodensee region: Lake views, orchards
• Swabian Jura: Caves, castle ruins

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Though no UNESCO site lies directly on the route, the Pfahlbauten (prehistoric pile dwellings) around Lake Constance are a short detour. The town of Lindau's old town is a candidate for UNESCO. Additionally, the Bregenz Festival stage on the lake is a cultural highlight.

Local Commerce and Delicacies

At roadside stalls near Lindau, buy Bodensee apples and 'Apfelküchle' (apple fritters). In Austrian villages, stop for 'Käsespätzle' (cheese noodles) at Gasthof Hirschen in Dornbirn. German bakeries in Memmingen sell 'Brezeln' and 'Maultaschen' (Swabian ravioli). Artisan cheese from the Alps is available at Chäs-Hüsli in Davos.

Road Quality and Safety

Swiss roads are pristine, with excellent markings and barriers. Austrian highways are good but have narrower shoulders (standstreifen). German autobahn sections are wide but can have speed limits near construction areas. Watch for wildlife on the Swabian Jura: deer and wild boar crossings are marked. Night illumination is good except on the Prättigau section (A28), which is unlit. Use low beams carefully in the tunnels around Pfänder.

• Speed limits: Switzerland 120 km/h, Austria 130 km/h, Germany variable (130 km/h recommended)
• Emergency call boxes: every 2 km on Austrian/German highways
• Winter tires mandatory November to April in Austria/Germany

Family Stops

Best for children: Inatura Erlebnis Naturschau in Dornbirn (interactive nature museum), playground at Raststätte Bodensee (with a large climbing net), and the LEGO Education Centre in Ulm (Bookable in advance). The Pfänderbahn cable car near Bregenz offers a family-friendly ride up with a wildlife park at the top.

Fatigue Management

Ideal nap spots: Parkplatz am Schönbühl (near Lindau, quiet, with lake view), or the Rastplatz Mühltal (just before Ulm on A7, shaded). Avoid parking on the hard shoulder. After the steep descent from Davos, take a break at the Prättigau service area 'Schanielabad' in Küblis for a quick coffee and a walk along the Landquart river.

Pet-Friendly Spots

Dogs are welcome at most rest stops, but specific dog-friendly cafes include 'Café Mocca' in Bregenz (with water bowls) and 'Ristorante Da Paolo' in Memmingen (pets allowed on the terrace). For walks, the trail around the Eriskircher Ried nature reserve near Friedrichshafen is ideal.

Hidden Off-Route Gems

5 minutes from the A13, visit the tiny village of Schiers (Switzerland) with its medieval wooden bridge. Near Bregenz, the Rappenlochschlucht gorge is a 10-minute detour with a suspension bridge. In Germany, the ruins of Schloss Neuschwanstein are 45 minutes off-route, but closer is the Wiblingen Abbey library near Ulm, a Rococo masterpiece.