Goslar to Appenzell: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

Did you know that the Goslar–Appenzell route passes through the town of Eisenach, where the first-ever German autobahn (the A4) was built in 1934? This road trip spans roughly 620 km (385 miles) of ever-changing terrain. You'll drive the A7, A5, and A81 through Germany, then cross into Switzerland via the A1 and A2. Expect a pure driving time of about 6–7 hours without stops.

The best Goslar to Appenzell drive weaves through the Harz mountains, the scenic Rhoen region, and the Swiss Jura. Along the way, you'll encounter medieval towns, rolling vineyards, and the iconic Alpine foothills. This guide covers everything from fuel economy to hidden off-route spots, so you can tailor the journey to your interests.

For more tips on spotting unique stops, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Below is a route overview table to help you plan the basics.

The route is dominated by German autobahns, which are generally toll-free except for some tunnels. In Switzerland, you need a vignette (40 CHF) for motorways. Fuel stations are frequent; expect prices around €1.80/liter in Germany and CHF 1.70 in Switzerland.

• Best refueling stops: near Fulda (A7) and just before the Swiss border at Singen (A81).
• Consider using the ADAC app for real-time traffic and fuel prices.

For electric vehicle owners, fast chargers are available at intervals of 30–50 km on major highways. The Ionity network covers the A7 and A81 well. A full charge from 10–80% takes about 20–25 minutes at 350 kW stations. Plan a stop near Ulm or Stuttgart for optimal charging.

Parking: In Goslar, park at "Parkhaus Goslar" (€1.50/h). In Appenzell, use the "Parkhaus Appenzell" (CHF 2/h). Many towns offer free overnight parking at campsites or designated Stellplätze.

Road conditions: autobahns are impeccable, but mountain roads to Appenzell are narrow and winding. Drive carefully on secondary roads near Meersburg.

From the Harz’s spruce forests to the Swiss Appenzell Alps, this route is a feast for the eyes. The Harz National Park, near Goslar, offers hiking trails like the "Brocken" peak. As you cross into Bavaria, the Franconian Switzerland region features dramatic limestone cliffs and caves. In Switzerland, the Alpstein massif surrounds Appenzell with towering peaks like the Säntis (2,502 m).

• Stop at the Franconian Wine Region (Würzburg area) for local Silvaner wines.
• In Appenzell, sample the local cheese (Appenzeller) at cheese dairies like Schaukäserei Stein.

Local commerce thrives on the route. In Goslar, the "Goslarer Schokoladenmanufaktur" produces handmade chocolate. In Nuremberg, the Christmas markets are famous (even off-season, the Lebkuchen shops are open). In Switzerland, Appenzell is known for its hand-embroidered textiles. Bargaining is not customary, but authenticity is guaranteed.

Things to do between Goslar and Appenzell: visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Old Town of Bamberg, explore the medieval Rothenburg ob der Tauber, or hike the Teufelstisch near Triberg. For a unique cultural stop, visit the Museum für Kommunikation in Frankfurt (free entry on Wednesdays).

Learn how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities to uncover artisan workshops and local festivals along the way.

Speed limits on German autobahns vary; sections have advisory limits of 130 km/h, but some stretches are unrestricted. In Switzerland, motorway limit is 120 km/h. Use cruise control to manage speed. Emergency phones are placed every 2 km on autobahns. In case of breakdown, dial 112 (EU) or 117 (Swiss police).

• Recommended rest areas: Raststätte Großenmoor (A7, km 240) has a playground and dog park.
• For families, the "Plästerlegge" waterpark near Winterberg is a fun detour.

Fatigue management: take a break every 2 hours or 200 km. The route offers several scenic stops: the Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen (just off A81) and the Blautopf spring near Blaubeuren (A7/A8). Sleep at Motel One Nuremberg (€80/night) or Gasthof Krone in Appenzell (CHF 120/night). For camping, consider Campingplatz Bad Waldsee (€25/night).

Pet-friendly framework: most rest stops provide dog walking areas. In Germany, dogs must be leashed. Several restaurants allow dogs on terraces. The Swiss are very pet-friendly; many hotels offer dog beds (extra charge CHF 15–30).

Hidden off-route spots: The "Höllental" (Hell Valley) near Freiburg offers a scenic winding road. The "Kinderdijk" windmills in the Netherlands are too far, but the "Schloss Lichtenstein" near Reutlingen is a fairy-tale castle worth a 10-minute detour.