Den Bosch to Krems: Epic Road Trip Guide

The drive from Den Bosch ('s-Hertogenbosch) to Krems an der Donau spans roughly 900 kilometers, crossing three countries: the Netherlands, Germany, and Austria. The quickest route follows the A2 south to the German A3/E35, then transitions to the A8/E52 past Munich and finally the A1/E60 through Austria to Krems. The journey takes about 8–9 hours of pure driving time, but plan for at least two days to savor the landscapes and cultural stops along the way.

Did you know that the Den Bosch region is famously the birthplace of medieval painter Hieronymus Bosch? Meanwhile, Krems sits at the heart of the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its terraced vineyards and apricot orchards. This road trip merges the flat, canal-laced Netherlands with the rolling hills of Central Germany and the dramatic Alpine foothills of Austria.

Tolls: German highways are toll-free for cars, but Austria requires a vignette (digital or sticker) for motorways and expressways. Purchase it before crossing the border at service stations or online. As of 2025, a 10-day vignette costs around €9.90 for cars. The A1 from Salzburg to Krems has many tunnels; tolls are included in the vignette.

Fuel stops: Major highway rest areas (Raststätte) occur every 30–50 km in Germany and Austria. Prices fluctuate; fill up in Germany before entering Austria, where fuel is typically €0.20–0.30 more per liter. Notable stations: Tank & Rast at Wüstenrot (near Heilbronn) and Raststation Ried (A8).

• Den Bosch to Frankfurt: Use A2 to Utrecht, then A3/E35. Avoid rush hours near Cologne.
• Frankfurt to Munich: A3 southeast to Würzburg, then A7 south to Ulm, finally A8 east to Munich. Consider A9 bypass for lighter traffic.
• Munich to Krems: A8 east to Salzburg, then A1 east past Linz to Krems. The Dürnstein tunnel near Krems can have construction delays.

German Autobahn sections have no speed limit on certain stretches; stay in the right lane unless overtaking and watch for high-speed traffic. Austrian motorways have a standard 130 km/h limit, reduced to 100 km/h on sections with environmental zones. Raststätten are equipped with clean restrooms, playgrounds, and family rooms. The Voralpenkreuz junction near Wels is notable for merging traffic—stay alert.

For fatigue management, plan stops every two hours. The A1 between Linz and Krems offers the Machlandsee rest area with a lake view and walking path. Pet-friendly: Many German Raststätten have designated dog walking areas; Austrian rest stops generally allow dogs but require a leash.

• Family stops: Play areas at Raststätte Frankenwald (A9), Rastplatz Wörthersee (A2), and the Outlet Center Zweibrücken (near Saarbrücken).
• Hidden off-route spots: The medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber (exit A7), the Celtic hillfort Heuneburg (near A8), and the Göttweig Abbey (close to Krems).
• Culinary infrastructure: Raststätten offer snacks, but for local food try Raststation Eisenschmitt (Eifel) or Gasthof zur Post in Ried. In Austria, seek Heurigen (wine taverns) for regional buffet.

From the flat polders of North Brabant to the German Mittelgebirge and Austrian Alpine foothills, the scenery evolves dramatically. In Germany, the stretch between Würzburg and Nuremberg crosses the Franconian wine region, known for its dry Silvaner wines. The Altmühltal Nature Park near Eichstätt offers Jurassic rock formations and the romantic Danube Gorge.

The Austro-Bavarian border features the Chiemsee lake area. Chiemsee, often called the Bavarian Sea, has a cycle path and boat trips to Herreninsel with its Versailles-inspired Herrenchiemsee Palace. Beyond Salzburg, the Salzkammergut region's lakes (Hallstatt, Wolfgangsee) tempt detours, but we stay on the A1, which hugs the Danube valley after Linz.

• UNESCO Sites: Wachau Valley (Krems–Melk), Altstadt of Regensburg (near A3), Würzburg Residence, Bamberg (short detour).
• Local products: Wachau apricots (Marillen), Austrian pumpkin seed oil, Franconian wine, Bavarian beer.
• Markets: Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt (Dec), Krems farmer's market (Sat mornings).