Erfurt to Davos Road Trip Guide: Scenic Drive Through Germany & Switzerland

Erfurt, capital of Thuringia, sits at 51°N latitude, while Davos nestles in the Swiss Alps at 1,560 m elevation. The direct route spans about 680 km (423 miles) and takes roughly 7–8 hours driving time without breaks. The recommended itinerary uses the A4, A7, A96, A13, and A3 highways, crossing into Switzerland near St. Margrethen. This road trip traverses three distinct geographic zones: the rolling hills of Thuringia, the southern German pre-Alps, and the high Alpine valleys of Graubünden.

A little-known fact: the stretch between Memmingen and Bregenz follows the ancient Roman road Via Claudia Augusta, linking the Danube to the Adriatic. Today, that corridor offers spectacular views of Lake Constance as you approach the Swiss border.

Considering how long to drive Erfurt to Davos, budget at least 9–10 hours with breaks for fuel, meals, and scenic stops. Is it worth driving Erfurt to Davos? Absolutely—the changing landscapes make this one of Central Europe’s most rewarding road trips. To optimize your journey, learn how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Germany imposes no tolls on its autobahn network for cars, but from 2024, a partial CO2-based toll applies to heavy trucks only. Swiss motorway vignettes (CHF 40 for 1 year) are mandatory; buy at the border or petrol stations before entering the A3 near St. Margrethen.

Fuel stops are plentiful every 20–30 km on German highways; in Switzerland they’re more spaced out in mountain sections. Prices average €1.85/litre in Germany, €1.95 in Switzerland. Bring a credit card; many automated stations accept contactless.

• Best fuel stop near Ulm: Aral fill up at Autohof Nersingen (A7 exit 64).
• Swiss entry point: Lidl fill up at Haag (Rheintal) just before the A3.
• Last cheap diesel before Davos: Coop Pronto in Landquart.

Parking in Davos is expensive (CHF 2–4/hour). Pre-book a hotel with garage or use the Park+Ride at Davos Dorf (CHF 10/day). Onboard Wi-Fi on the A7 is patchy; download offline maps for Swiss mountain passes.

Road quality is excellent on both German and Swiss highways. However, winding mountain roads near Davos (N28) require careful driving; use engine braking on descents to avoid brake fade. Snow chains are mandatory in winter (November–April) on the Davos pass.

For families, the Playmobil FunPark inside the city is open all year. Near Ulm, the Legoland Deutschland in Günzburg (A7 exit 67) is huge—plan 3–4 hours. In Switzerland, the Knies Kinderzoo in Rapperswil combines animal interactions with lakeside picnics.

• Rest zones with playgrounds: Raststätte Weinfelder Süd (A1 near Fällanden) has a large outdoor play area.
• Pet-friendly framework: Most hotels along the route accept dogs; check Accor or Ibis properties. Petrol stations sell dog leashes and water bowls at Shell Autohöfe.
• Fatigue management: Stop every 2 hours or 180 km. The Rasthof Bayrischer Wald (A93) offers power naps pods.

Infrastructure safety: German autobahn has no speed limit sections, but Swiss A3 is limited to 120 km/h. Average speed cameras are common in Switzerland. The ADAC Pannenhilfe app works in Germany; Swiss Touring Club (TCS) provides assistance. For hidden off-route spots, detour through Appenzell – the colourful painted houses and cow-parade fields are Instagram gold.

For things to do between Erfurt and Davos, consider geology: stop at the Dinosaur Footprints in Lommiswil (near Solothurn) – 200 million-year-old tracks visible at low tide of the river.

Just past Erfurt, detour to the Weimar Bauhaus Museum (UNESCO site). The Bauhaus influence on modern design is palpable. In Weimar, buy a handcrafted Thuringian bratwurst from a street stall—pork, marjoram, and spices, grilled over charcoal.

South of Ulm, the city of Füssen hosts the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle (UNESCO pending). Though touristy, the 19th-century Romanesque Revival palace inspired Disney’s castle. Skip the crowds by hiking up to the Marienbrücke bridge for the best photo. Nearby, the Bavarian Alps offer first glimpses of Alpine flora—edelweiss and gentian in summer.

Crossing into Switzerland at St. Margrethen, the St. Gallen Abbey District (UNESCO) is a 20-minute detour. The Abbey Library contains books over 1,200 years old. Continue via the scenic A3 motorway along the Rhine Valley; watch for the Tamina Gorge near Bad Ragaz—a narrow canyon with turquoise pools.

• Natural highlights: Schluchsee (dark forest lake) near Freiburg – off-route but magnificent.
• Local commerce: Alp cheese from Davos’s dairy farms; buy at the Bergrestaurant Brämabüel.
• Hidden gem: Ruinaulta (Swiss Grand Canyon) near Ilanz – river rafting and hiking.

Culinary infrastructure ranges from Michelin-starred restaurants in Zurich (detour via A1) to humble Berggasthöfe serving rösti and fondue. Near Davos, stop at Klosters for a slice of Nusstorte (caramelized nut tart).