Goslar to Krems an der Donau: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

The drive from Goslar (51.9060° N, 10.4291° E) to Krems an der Donau (48.4099° N, 15.6001° E) spans roughly 670 km, crossing three countries: Germany, the Czech Republic, and Austria. The most efficient route uses the A7, A3, A9, and A1 highways, but savvy travelers divert onto the scenic B4 and B303 through the Thuringian Forest and Bohemian-Moravian Highlands.

Few realize that this journey traces part of the historic Via Carolina, a medieval trade route linking the imperial cities of Goslar and Prague. The eastern leg follows the Golden Road (Zlatá stezka) once used for salt and silver shipments. Modern drivers can complete the trip in about 6–7 hours non-stop, but the best stops Goslar to Krems an der Donau easily stretch it to a full day or two.

Fuel stations are abundant along the autobahns, but prices vary. Germany's A7 and A9 have premium brands (Shell, Aral, Total) with rest stops every 30–50 km. The Czech D5 corridor offers cheaper fuel—expect savings of 10–15% compared to German or Austrian prices. Austrian highway tolls require a vignette: purchase one online or at border gas stations (€9.90 for 10 days).

• Italian-style service plazas on the A9: Raststätte Frankenhöhe (northbound) has a playground and 24h McDonald's.
• Czech D5: EXIT 62 – STOP Rakovník (clean restrooms, local bakery with koláče).
• Vignette zones: Austria issues digital vignettes; attach proof to windshield.

Currency changes along the way: Euro in Germany/Austria, Czech koruna in Czechia. Carry small cash for tolls and parking in historic centers. Google Maps and Waze work well, but offline maps are recommended for the rural B-roads.

From Goslar, the drive immediately climbs into the Harz Mountains. B4 to Seesen winds through spruce forests and deep valleys. West of the A7, the Thuringian Forest offers the Rennsteig hiking trail and glassblowing workshops in Lauscha. The landscape flattens near Nuremberg, then rises again into the Bohemian Forest (Šumava) along the Czech border.

How to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities

• Harz: Bocksberg mountain, cable car from Hahnenklee (11 km south of Goslar).
• Thuringian Forest: Oberhof – ski resort with summer bobsleigh track.
• Bohemian Forest: Černé jezero (Black Lake), a glacial lake near Železná Ruda.

Local commerce thrives in roadside farm shops. Near the A9 exit 44 (Hersbruck), fruit stands sell Franconian apples and Zwetschgen (plums). In Czechia, D5 exit 50 leads to Plzeň, home of Pilsner Urquell brewery (tours available). Austrian wine villages like Dürnstein (off B33) offer Heurigen—seasonal wine taverns serving Grüner Veltliner.

The entire route is well-maintained. German autobahns have variable speed limits; expect 120 km/h on most sections. Czech highways: 130 km/h, and Austrian: 130 km/h. Beware of construction zones on the A9 near Ingolstadt and on the D5 near Prague. Use rest areas every 2 hours—stop for 15 minutes at a Raststätte to stretch.

• Goslar to Kassel (A7): Raststätte Harz (playground, dog walking area).
• Kassel to Nuremberg (A3): Raststätte Würzburg (has a chapel and picnic meadow).
• Nuremberg to Rozvadov (D5): Stop at EXIT 41 – Obcházíme Plzeň (Petrocentrum with indoor play zone).

Family suitability: Kreuztal service plaza (A3, exit 27) features a large indoor play area and highchairs. Pet-friendly framework: All service stations allow dogs on leashes; Czech rest stops have designated pet relief areas. Fatigue management: The A9’s “pilot parking” system warns drivers of available spots via variable message signs east of Ingolstadt.

For hidden off-route spots, consider the small town of Mimoň (Czechia), 15 minutes off D5 exit 47, with a medieval castle ruin and family-run honey farm. Near Krems, the Wachau Valley (B3) offers a detour to the Göttweig Abbey viewpoint—a perfect photo stop before arriving.