Erfurt to Varenna Road Trip: Alpine Crossings and Lakeside Splendor

Begin in Erfurt, the capital of Thuringia, whose cathedral holds a 13th-century Gothic sculpture. The route south follows the A9/E45 towards Munich, then the A93/Brenner motorway into Italy. The final leg winds through the Lombardian foothills to Varenna, a gem on Lake Como. At 17th-century Villa Monastero, the terraced gardens overlook the lake.

The drive stretches roughly 650 kilometers, taking about 7.5 hours without breaks. Yet many choose to linger and turn the journey into a two-day adventure. The following guide details the best stops, road conditions, and local secrets.

For help planning your own stops, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

From Erfurt, head south on the A71 to the A9 junction near Nürnberg. Continue on the A9 past Munich, then switch to the A93 through the Inntal valley. The Brenner Pass (A13 in Austria, A22 in Italy) is the main crossing. After Bolzano, take the SS38 to Merano, then the SS38dir over the Passo di Monte Giovo – a winding road down to Varenna.

Alternatively, stay on the A22 to the end at Verona, then take the A4 to Bergamo and the SS36 to Lecco. This adds 30 minutes but is safer in bad weather.

• Tankstellen: Gas stations are frequent every 30-40 km on German and Austrian motorways, less so on Italian state roads. Fuel up in Bolzano before the mountain leg.
• Vignette: Austria requires a motorway vignette (sticker) – buy at border stations or online. Italy uses a pay-as-you-go toll system; expect €50-80 total.
• Rest areas: German 'Raststätte' offer clean restrooms and food. Austrian 'Raststationen' have restaurants and shops. Italian 'Aree di Servizio' provide fuel and snacks.

The route is well-maintained, but the mountain sections have tight curves and elevation changes. In winter, snow chains may be mandatory in the Brenner area. Summer brings heavy traffic, especially on Saturdays. Allow extra time for tollbooth queues at the Brenner border.

For families, the Auto & Technik Museum in Sinsheim (a detour west of the A9) is popular. Along the route, the 'Family+' rest stops in Austria (e.g., Raststation Zillertal) offer playgrounds and changing tables.

• Fatigue management: Plan stops every 2 hours. The 'Truck Park' at Raststätte Fürholzen (near Munich) has a motel and showers. In Italy, 'Villoresi Est' (near Milan) is a large, modern rest area.
• Pet-friendly: Most Austrian rest stops allow dogs on leash. Varenna has several dog-friendly hotels like Hotel Du Lac. Beware of the 'Leash and Poop Bag' regulations in Italy.
• Culinary: In Bolzano, try 'Kaiserschmarrn' (shredded pancake) at the Waltherplatz. In Varenna, fresh lake fish (missoltino) at Ristorante La Vista.

The drive crosses three climate zones: the temperate German plains, the Alpine corridor, and the Mediterranean lake region. South of Munich, the Alps rise sharply. The Brenner Pass (1,374 m) offers panoramic views of the Stubai and Zillertal ranges. Descending into Italy, the landscape shifts to terraced vineyards and olive groves.

In Varenna, the lakefront promenade is lined with cypress trees and pastel-colored houses. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage candidate (part of the 'Venetian Works of Defence' but primarily recognized for its cultural landscape). Local commerce revolves around silk (since the 15th century) and artisanal gelato.

• Natural Attractions: South Tyrol’s Dolomites (UNESCO), Lake Resia with its submerged church tower, the Stelvio Pass.
• Best stops: Bolzano (Ötzi Museum), Merano (thermal baths), and the medieval village of Torbole on Lake Garda.
• Hidden gems: The remote village of Glorenza (Glurns) inside South Tyrol’s Vinschgau Valley, or the waterfall at Parco delle Cascate di Molina.