Durbuy to Krems an der Donau Road Trip Guide

The journey from Durbuy, the smallest city in Belgium, to Krems an der Donau, a historic wine town in Austria, covers about 900 kilometers. A unique aspect: the route roughly follows the ancient Roman road from Bavay to Vindobona (Vienna), crossing the Ardennes, the Rhine Valley, and the Danube. You'll drive on the A1, A3, A8, and A1 in Germany, then the A1 and S5 in Austria, with an estimated driving time of 9–10 hours without stops.

Road quality is excellent on German Autobahns and Austrian motorways, but Ardennes roads are narrower and curvy. Night illumination is good on highways, but the A1 near the Hunsrück has dark sections. Safety tips: watch for speed limits (130 km/h max on German Autobahns, 130 in Austria). Keep an emergency kit (first aid, reflective vest).

Family and Pet Stops

• At the Wildpark Rolandseck near Bad Honnef: pet-friendly walking trails and deer park.
• At the Sonnenland Erlebniswelt in Schierling: indoor play area for kids.
• Pet-friendly cafes: Cafe Fleck in Krems allows dogs inside.
• Rest area with dog run: Rastplatz Am Waldeck (A3 near Frankfurt).

Fatigue Management and Rest Zones

• Recommended resting points: Raststätte Hellberg (A1, near Koblenz) with a quiet zone.
• Nap spots: Parkplatz Schwedenschanze (A5 near Gießen) offers panoramic views and benches.
• For a longer break: the town of Wertheim (detour from A3) has a castle and gardens.

Hidden off-route spots: the ruined castle of Olbrück (Nickenich) is 5 minutes from the A61, and the abandoned railway bridge in Völklingen (Saar) is near the A8.

Fuel costs: At €1.80/liter (gasoline), a 900 km trip at 7 L/100 km costs about €113. Distances between fuel stations are short in Germany and Austria, but in the Ardennes, they can be 30–40 km apart. Toll roads: Germany is toll-free for cars, but Austria requires a vignette (€9.50 for 10 days). The route uses the A1, A3, and A8 in Germany, and the A1 and S5 in Austria.

• Topography affects fuel efficiency: climbing the Ardennes and the Franconian Jura reduces mileage by about 10%.
• Recommended stop for fuel: Total station at the Remich border (Luxembourg) where fuel is cheaper.

Plan your route: how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities. Use rest areas like Raststätte Wetterau (A5) or Raststätte Donautal (A3).

The drive transitions from the folded Ardennes (Durbuy) to the flat Rhine Valley (Koblenz), then to the Franconian Jura near Nuremberg, and finally the Danube Valley. UNESCO sites: the Upper Middle Rhine Valley (between Bingen and Koblenz) is a UNESCO World Heritage site (2002). Also, the old town of Regensburg (2006) is on the way. Short detour: visit the Römerstadt Carnuntum near Petronell, just 20 km east of Vienna.

Natural Attractions

• Ardennes: dense forests and the Ourthe River near Durbuy.
• Rhine Gorge: castle-lined cliffs from Bingen to Koblenz.
• Franconian Switzerland: rocky landscape between Nuremberg and Bayreuth.
• Wachau Valley: terraced vineyards along the Danube, a UNESCO cultural landscape.

Local Commerce and Culture

• Durbuy: buy local cheese (Fromage de Durbuy) and Ardennes ham.
• Bacharach (Rhine): buy rye bread from village bakeries.
• Nuremberg: try Lebkuchen (gingerbread) at stalls in the Hauptmarkt.
• Regensburg: buy Donaustrudel (Danube pie) at a bakery on the Stone Bridge.
• Krems: purchase apricot jam (Marillenmarmelade) from the Wachau region.