Kufstein to Schladming: Alpine Road Trip Guide

The drive from Kufstein to Schladming follows the path of the ancient Inn and Enns glaciers, which sculpted the valleys of the Inn and Enns rivers during the last Ice Age. You'll trace the A12 and A10 motorways, with a decisive turn onto the B320 at the Enns valley. The total distance is 260 km, typically taking 3 hours and 20 minutes of pure driving, but with stops, it becomes a full-day adventure. Notably, the route passes through the narrowest section of the Austrian Alps at the pass between Bischofshofen and Schladming, where the valley constricts to just a few hundred meters wide.

The route transitions from the greenery of the Inn valley to the rugged limestone peaks of the Tennengebirge and the glacier-carved Enns valley. Along the A10, you'll see the imposing Hoher Dachstein (2,995 m) in the distance.

• Krimml Waterfalls – a 7 km detour to Europe's highest waterfall (380 m drop).
• Hallstatt – a UNESCO World Heritage site 30 km off route, worth the detour for its salt mines and lakeside charm.
• Grödig – home to the Salzburg Open-Air Museum (Umgestaltung) with historic farmhouses.
• Schladming: Dachstein Glacier and ski resort; in summer, hiking paradise.

For authentic regional goods, stop at a Bauernmarkt (farmer's market) in Radstadt or visit Schladming's weekly market for Styrian pumpkin seed oil, smoked cheese, and Schnaps.

The journey uses the A12 Inntal Autobahn from Kufstein to Innsbruck, then the A13 Brenner Autobahn briefly, followed by the A10 Tauern Autobahn to the Ennstal junction. The final leg is the B320 Ennstal Straße. You must purchase a motorway vignette: 10-day for €9.90 or 2-month for €29.00. Toll tunnels on the A10 (Tauern tunnel) cost €6.50 extra (payable in cash or card).

The A10 is well-maintained but has long tunnels (Tauern tunnel 6.4 km) that require extra caution. Night lighting is present except on the B320, where sections lack illumination. Watch for wildlife (deer, chamois) between twilight hours.

• Herrenalm (near Kitzbühel) – alpine playground with a petting zoo and mini-golf for children.
• Abtenau – Erlebnisbad Aqua Salza indoor pool with slides.
• For a pet-friendly break: the Raststation Pichler in Eben im Pongau offers a designated dog walking area and water bowls.

Fatigue management: stop at the Mautstelle Flachauwinkl rest area (km 118 on A10) with shaded parking, a chapel, and a short hiking trail. Alternatively, the Raststation Wald am Arlberg has a dedicated nap room (key deposit required).

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