Klagenfurt to Davos Road Trip: Alpine Adventure Guide

The road trip from Klagenfurt to Davos spans 545 kilometers through the Austrian and Swiss Alps, crossing the Grossglockner High Alpine Road—a feat of engineering that reaches 2,504 meters above sea level. This route, officially starting on the A2 motorway south of Klagenfurt, passes through Carinthia, Salzburg, Tyrol, and into Graubünden, Switzerland. A little-known fact: the Grossglockner section was built as a relief project during the Great Depression, employing thousands of workers between 1930 and 1935.

The total driving time is approximately 6.5 hours without stops, but most travelers spend at least two full days to enjoy the scenery. The question is it worth driving Klagenfurt to Davos is answered emphatically yes—this drive offers some of Europe's most dramatic alpine vistas.

For tips on uncovering lesser-known attractions along the way, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The corridor is well-serviced with fuel stations every 30–40 km on the A2 and A10 motorways. However, fuel prices in Austria are typically 5–10% lower than in Switzerland, so filling up before crossing the border is advisable. The Grossglockner toll is €42 per vehicle (2025), payable by card or cash.

Road quality is excellent: the Austrian motorways are smooth, with clear signage. Swiss roads are equally well-maintained, but note that Swiss motorway vignettes (€40 for one year) are mandatory. Beware of the narrow, winding sections on the B107 toward the Grossglockner summit—it's not suitable for large RVs or trailers.

• Fuel cost estimate: ~€85 (gasoline) or ~€70 (diesel) for the full trip
• Tolls: €42 (Grossglockner) + €40 (Swiss vignette)
• Parking in Davos: roughly CHF 15–25 per day in public garages

The route is generally safe, but the Grossglockner's steep gradients and tight bends demand caution. Speed limits: 130 km/h on motorways, 100 km/h on expressways, and 40 km/h on the Grossglockner road. Use engine braking to avoid overheating brakes.

• Rest zones: Mautstelle Ferleiten (before the pass), the Edelweiss-Spitz restaurant, and the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe visitor center. All have clean restrooms and cafes.
• Family and Child Suitability: The Grossglockner is a hit with kids due to the wildlife park (Alpenpark) and the Roman footpath (Römerweg). In Davos, the Rinerhorn family skiing and hiking area is ideal.
• Pet-Friendly Framework: Dogs are allowed on the pass with a leash. Most hotels in Davos accept pets for a fee (CHF 20–30 per night).

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones: The best break points are every 90–120 minutes. Beyond the pass, consider stopping in Lienz for a coffee or a walk along the Isel river. The village of Matrei in Osttirol has a quiet park with benches.

Hidden Off-Route Spots: The Naggler Alm (a mountain inn near the Grossglockner) serves homemade schnapps and cheese dumplings. In Switzerland, the Jatzhorn mountain trail (near Davos) offers a 360-degree view without the crowds.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality: Austrian roads are inspected yearly; Swiss roads are top-tier. Emergency call boxes exist every 2 km on the Grossglockner. In mountain sections, rockfall nets are installed. Mobile reception is good except in tunnels.

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road offers 36 hairpin turns and panoramic views of Austria's highest peak (3,798 m). Along the way, visitors see glaciers like the Pasterze, and alpine meadows dotted with edelweiss. The Fuscher Törl and Hochtor passes are highlights, with interpretive signs detailing glacial geology.

• Best stops Klagenfurt to Davos: Heiligenblut (picturesque village), Franz-Josefs-Höhe (viewing platform), and the Zell am See lakeside.
• Things to do between Klagenfurt and Davos: visit the Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens, hike the Alpenpark Neusiedlersee, or explore the medieval town of Brixen.

Local commerce thrives in mountain villages: cheese shops in Lienz sell Tyrolean Graukäse, and farmers' markets in Spittal an der Drau offer fresh produce. In Switzerland, Davos is famous for its wellness resorts and the annual World Economic Forum.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the route passes near the Historic Centre of Salzburg (detour of 40 km) and the Wadden Sea is far away, but the Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona (a UNESCO site) is a 30-minute drive from Davos. The latter showcases dramatic rock formations from the Alpine orogeny.

Climatic Conditions & Route Aesthetics: Summers are mild (15–25°C), with frequent thunderstorms in the afternoon. The Grossglockner is snow-free from late May to early October. In autumn, larch forests turn golden, offering a spectacular contrast to the gray limestone peaks. Winter driving requires snow tires and chains; the pass closes from November to April.