Epic Road Trip Guide: Grindelwald to Krems an der Donau

This 800 km journey from Grindelwald (Switzerland) to Krems an der Donau (Austria) traverses three countries and dramatic geographic shifts. The route follows the A8 motorway from Interlaken toward Lucerne, then the A1 across Switzerland, before entering Germany near Singen and continuing along the A81, A8, and A3 to the Austrian border at Passau.

From Passau, the A9 (Pyhrn Autobahn) leads to the A1 in Austria, finally reaching Krems. Total driving time is approximately 8 to 9 hours without breaks, but plan for 10-12 hours with stops.

The route passes through the Swiss Plateau, the Black Forest, the Swabian Jura, the Bavarian Forest, and the Danube valley. Gas stations are plentiful along German autobahns, with the highest density in Switzerland. Toll roads apply in Switzerland (vignette required) and Austria (toll transponder or vignette). Average fuel consumption for a midsize car will be around 60 liters, costing roughly €100-120 depending on fuel prices.

For tips on finding hidden gems along this route, see our guide on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Road quality is excellent throughout. German autobahns have sections without speed limits, so watch for fast traffic; many stretches are monitored by stationary cameras in Austria and Switzerland. Night illumination is good on most highways, but the route through the Bavarian Forest has less lighting.

• Winter: Tires must be M+S rated; altitudes in Switzerland may require snow chains (Oct-Apr).
• Summer: Potential for road works in Germany; expect delays near major junctions like Munich.
• All three countries require a warning triangle, first-aid kit, and reflective vest.

For family breaks, stop at the Ravensburger Spieleland near Ravensburg (Germany) – an interactive theme park. In Linz, the Ars Electronica Center offers hands-on tech exhibits. Pet-friendly stops include the Hundeauslaufgebiet (dog park) near the Autobahn-Raststätte in Greding (A9).

• Rest zones with playgrounds: Raststätte Allgäu on A96; Raststätte Untererthal on A3.
• For a quick nap: Park at Autohof (truck stops) with designated rest areas along the A9 near Innsbruck.
• Danger zones: Crosswind areas near the Rhine valley and on exposed bridges.

The route is predominantly highway driving with few secondary roads. Swiss and Austrian authorities require a vignette for motorway use; purchase at border service stations or online. No vignette needed in Germany. Toll sections in Austria are covered by the Go-Box system or digital vignette.

• Swiss vignette: €40 valid for a year, must be affixed to windshield.
• Austrian vignette: 10-day option €9.50, digital or sticker.
• German sections are toll-free except for some tunnels (e.g., Elbtunnel near Hamburg, not on this route).

Fuel stations are spaced every 30-50 km on German autobahns; in Switzerland and Austria, similar density. Consider refueling in Germany where prices are lower than in Switzerland or on Austrian autobahns. For route stability, maintain speed around 120 km/h; higher speeds consume significantly more fuel.

• Estimated fuel cost: €100-130 for a sedan (60 L tank).
• Eco tip: Use cruise control on long stretches, avoid heavy acceleration.

The journey begins in the Bernese Oberland, with views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. As you descend, the landscape opens into rolling hills and lakes near Bern. Crossing into Germany, the Black Forest offers dense woodland and valley vistas.

• Near Singen, detour to Lake Constance (Bodensee) for a short walk along the promenade in Lindau.
• In Bavaria, the Altmühltal region features Jurassic limestone cliffs and picturesque villages.
• Enter Austria near Passau, where the Danube cuts through granite gorges toward the Wachau Valley – a UNESCO World Heritage site for its terraced vineyards and medieval architecture.

Local commerce along the route includes Swiss cheese markets in Interlaken, German woodcarving shops in the Black Forest, and Austrian apricot products in the Wachau. At village markets near Krems, buy Marillenknödel (apricot dumplings) or local wines.

• Grindelwald region: Try Berner Rösti and local fondue.
• Near Ulm: Swabian dumplings (Maultaschen) at Gasthof in the town of Blaustein.
• In Krems: Must-try is a Wachauer Marillenlikör (apricot liqueur) from Weingut Domäne Wachau.