Krems to Lindau: A Complete Road Trip Guide

The 750-kilometer journey from Krems an der Donau to Lindau offers a dramatic shift from the Danube's vineyard-laced valleys to the Alpine shores of Lake Constance. The route primarily follows the A1 motorway from Krems to Vienna's western outskirts, then the A1 west through Upper Austria and Salzburg, before cutting south via the A8 and A96 into Germany's Allgäu region. A notable historical fact: the final stretch into Lindau crosses the 1,200-meter-long Lindau Causeway, a railway embankment built in 1853 that now carries both cars and trains onto the island. This drive typically takes 7 to 8 hours without stops, but the journey's richness lies in its detours.

For those wondering how long to drive Krems an der Donau to Lindau with stops, plan for 9 to 11 hours to explore highlights. The best stops Krems an der Donau to Lindau include the Wachau Valley, Melk Abbey, the Salzkammergut lake district, and the medieval town of Meersburg. But the question is it worth driving Krems an der Donau to Lindau? Absolutely — the route passes three UNESCO World Heritage sites and offers some of Europe's most scenic landscapes. For tips on discovering hidden gems, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Below is a quick overview of the route's key segments and time allocations:

The journey from Krems an der Donau (48°24'N, 15°36'E) to Lindau (47°33'N, 9°41'E) is predominantly highway-based: A1 (Westautobahn) from Krems to Salzburg, then the A8 to Munich's ring, and finally the A96 east toward Lindau. Toll vignettes are mandatory in Austria (€9.90 for 10 days) and Germany (no toll for cars on highways). The road surface is excellent throughout, with well-lit sections near cities.

• Fuel Costs: Estimated total fuel consumption at 8 L/100km is ~€94 (€1.50/L diesel). Diesel is cheaper in Austria than Germany by ~€0.10/L.
• Fuel Stations: Frequent along the A1 (every 30-40 km). In Allgäu, they become sparser; fill up before Memmingen.
• Toll Roads: Austrian highways require a vignette. German sections are toll-free. A short stretch near Lindau on the A96 has no toll.
• Parking: Lindau island has paid parking garages (€2-3/hr). Free parking available at the Festland (mainland) side.

For fuel efficiency on this topography, maintain 100-110 km/h on the A1 to conserve fuel. The hilly Allgäu section can increase consumption by 15%; using cruise control helps. Rest zones are well-marked: Raststation Jochenstein (km 45) and Raststation Wels (km 120) offer cafes and clean bathrooms.

Road quality is excellent, but sections with construction are common on the A1 near Salzburg (summer 2024). Speed limits are strictly enforced by radar cameras. Night illumination is good except on the B12 between Memmingen and Lindau (some unlit stretches). For pet-friendly breaks, the Raststation Voralpenkreuz has a designated dog walking area.

• Family Stops: Family-friendly attractions include the Haus der Wildnis (Ludwigsburg, off A8 exit 8), the Allgäu Skyline Park, and the Sea Life aquarium in Lindau.
• Fatigue Management: Rest zones with shaded parking include the Parkplatz Pechmann (A1 km 88) and Rastanlage Holzkirchen (A8 km 220). Avoid parking on the shoulder.
• Hidden Off-Route Gems: The ruins of Aggstein Castle (5 min off B3 near Aggsbach, km 50) and the abandoned St. Quirin church (near B17, km 170) offer quick culture stops.
• Culinary Infrastructure: Try the "Krustenbraten" at Gasthof zur Post in Piding (exit A8 km 120) and the Bodenseefische in the Lindau harbor restaurants.

For a safe nap, use the official Autohof (truck stop) near Kirchdorf (A1 km 150) where overnight parking is allowed. Never park on the highway shoulder. Keep water and blankets in the car during winter (chains may be required in the Allgäu).

The route transitions from the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley (Krems to Melk) with terraced vineyards and apricot orchards, through the Salzkammergut's crystalline lakes, and finally to the Alpine foothills of the Allgäu. The things to do between Krems an der Donau and Lindau include hiking at the Dürnstein Castle ruins, boat trips on the Traunsee, and visiting the Bregenz Festspiele (if traveling in summer).

• UNESCO Sites: Wachau Cultural Landscape (Krems to Melk), Historic Centre of Salzburg, and the Old Town of Regensburg (40 km north of A1).
• Local Crafts: In the Wachau, buy handmade apricot jam (Marillenmarmelade) at roadside stands. In the Allgäu, visit a cheese dairy for Bergkäse.
• Cultural Shifts: Music festivals in Salzburg, traditional Schwäbisch cuisine in Memmingen, and Lindau's Nobel Prize meetings bring international flair.

Aesthetic highlights include the sunset over the Traunsee (best viewed from the Gmundnerberg lookout at km 190 on the B145) and the morning mist over the Bregenz Bay as you approach Lindau. Wind can be strong on the causeway; slow down if driving a high-sided vehicle.