Ferrara to Krems an der Donau Road Trip Guide: Scenic Drive Through Austria & Italy

The road from Ferrara to Krems an der Donau follows the ancient route of amber traders and salt caravans. Today, it's a 700 km journey linking Italy's Po Valley with Austria's Wachau Valley.

The A1 motorway in Austria was completed in 1982, but the section through the Salzkammergut remains one of Europe's most scenic drives. The route crosses four major river systems: the Po, Adige, Inn, and Danube.

Estimated driving time is 7 hours without stops, but most travelers spend 9-10 hours exploring how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The main highways are A13 (Brenner Autobahn) and A1 (West Autobahn). Toll vignettes are required in Austria (10-day sticker €9.90 at border stations). Italy uses a pay-per-kilometer system with toll booths.

• Italian segment: A13 from Ferrara to Padua, then A4 to Verona. Average toll €0.09/km.
• Brenner Pass: A22 to Brenner, then A13 in Austria. Highest point at 1,374 m.
• After Innsbruck, A1 continues via Salzburg to the A1 exit St. Pölten, then B37 to Krems.

Fuel prices in Austria average €1.50/L for diesel, cheaper than Italy's €1.70/L. Fill up on the Austrian side of the Brenner Pass.

The route transitions from the flat Po Valley to the dramatic Dolomites and finally the gentle hills of the Wachau.

• Po Valley: Endless farmland with poplar rows. Stop at Mantua's Palazzo Te for Renaissance frescoes.
• Brenner Pass: Alpine scenery with switchbacks. The old Roman road is still visible beside the modern highway.
• Wipptal Valley narrow gorge south of Innsbruck; watch for rockfall warnings.
• Salzkammergut Lakes: detour to Hallstatt for a postcard view. UNESCO site since 1997.
• Wachau Valley: terraced vineyards and apricot orchards. Medieval town of Dürnstein where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned.

Local markets sell speck (smoked ham) in South Tyrol, Strudel in Salzburg, and Wachau apricot schnapps. Best purchase: a hand-carved wooden angel from Gröden valley artisans.

Road quality is excellent throughout, but watch for summer construction on the A1. Winter requires snow tires from November 1 to April 15 in Austria. Speed limits: 130 km/h on Austrian autobahn, 110 km/h in rain.

• Rest zones every 30-40 km on A1. Notable: Raststation Imst (playground, panoramic view).
• Child-friendly stops: Green Lake Nature Park (water play) or the Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens (interactive exhibits).
• Pet-friendly: Most rest stops have pet areas; the Hotel Motel One in Salzburg accepts dogs.
• Fatigue tip: break every 2 hours. Ideal coffee stop at Café Hofburg in Innsbruck for Viennese-style Melange.

Hidden off-route gem: the village of Mauthausen (20 min detour) has a sobering WWII memorial, but also a beautiful Danube riverbank walk.