Enkhuizen to Krems an der Donau: A Scenic Road Trip Guide

The road from Enkhuizen to Krems an der Donau spans approximately 950 kilometers, crossing the Netherlands, Germany, and Austria. The route passes the former inner-German border near Helmstedt, a historical checkpoint that now marks a scenic stretch of autobahn.

This guide covers how long to drive Enkhuizen to Krems an der Donau, typically 9–10 hours without stops, and whether it is worth driving Enkhuizen to Krems an der Donau. The answer is yes, as the journey reveals diverse landscapes from Dutch polders to the Wachau Valley.

For tips on discovering unique stops, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The journey uses the A1 from Enkhuizen to Amsterdam, then A2 toward Utrecht, followed by A1/E30 to Osnabrück, A2 to Hanover, A7 to Kassel, A5/A3 to Nuremberg, and finally A3/E56 to Linz and B3 to Krems.

Tolls apply in Austria; a vignette is required (10-day €9.90). German autobahns are toll-free for cars. Fuel costs: approx. €120 for gasoline (8 L/100 km at €1.60/L). Diesel more efficient for long drives.

• Fuel stations every 20-30 km on German autobahns; many open 24/7. In Austria, fewer stations near Krems, so fill up in Linz.
• Topography is mostly flat until Nuremberg, then rolling hills; cruise control helps fuel efficiency.
• Rest stops: Parkplatz (free) and Raststätte (with facilities). Recommended: Raststätte Dammer Berge (km 150), Raststätte Füllenbach (km 400), Raststätte Wüstenei (km 650).

From Dutch polders and flat farmlands to the hills of the Teutoburg Forest, the scenery gradually rises. Near the Rhine near Wiesbaden, vineyards appear, culminating in the terraced slopes of the Wachau Valley near Krems.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the route: The Wadden Sea (near Enkhuizen, requires detour), the Upper Middle Rhine Valley (optional detour near Koblenz), and the Wachau Cultural Landscape (Krems).

• Climatic conditions: typical Central European; best time is May-September. Watch for fog in Alpine foreland near Linz.
• Scenic sunset spot: Rest area Hunsrückblick at km 480 on A61, with views over the Rhine valley.
• Culinary stops: Raststätte Kassel-Ost for regional sausages; Gasthof Post in Kitzbühel (detour) for Austrian schnitzel; Heuriger in Krems for local wine.

Road quality is excellent on German autobahns; Austrian B-roads are well-maintained. Night illumination exists on most stretches, but drive cautiously on unlit rural roads near Krems.

Family-friendly stops: Hansa-Park near Sierksdorf (detour in Germany), Playmobil FunPark near Nuremberg (exit 57 on A9), and the Danube Museum in Krems. Pet-friendly: Many Raststätte allow dogs in designated areas; walk breaks at rest stops with grass.

• Fatigue management: Power nap at Parkplatz Eltzer Berg (A61) with shaded parking; Liegewiese (sun loungers) at Raststätte Werratal.
• Hidden off-route spots (5 min from highway): The ruins of Hardenberg Castle near Nörten-Hardenberg (exit 73 on A7), and the abandoned Zorge railroad station near Braunlage (detour, B4).
• Local commerce: Buy Lüneburg heath honey at rest stops near Hanover; Swabian noodles (Spätzle) in southern Germany; Wachau apricots and wine in Krems.