Landshut to Davos: Alpine Highway and Hidden Gems Guide

The road trip from Landshut to Davos spans approximately 320 kilometres, passing through three countries and over the Austrian Alps. The route uses the A92 from Landshut to Munich, then the A8 and A1 through Austria to the Swiss border, and finally the A13 to Davos. It typically takes 4.5 to 5.5 hours without stops. This drive features a unique fact: the Landshut University of Applied Sciences has a branch specializing in automotive engineering, reflecting Bavaria's rich car culture.

Navigating from Landshut to Davos requires careful planning for fuel, tolls, and border crossing. The route is well-maintained but includes many tunnels and mountain passes. Austrian motorways require a vignette, while Swiss motorways require a separate vignette or an electronic toll system.

• Fuel stops: Regular stations approx every 20 km; cheaper near cities. Diesel average €1.50/L in Germany, €1.40 in Austria, CHF1.80 in Switzerland.
• Tolls: German highways free; Austrian vignette €9.90 for 10 days; Swiss vignette CHF40 for 1 year.
• Speed limits: Germany unrestricted (130 km/h recommended), Austria 130 km/h, Switzerland 120 km/h.

Parking in Davos is mostly paid; P1-P8 lots cost CHF2-3 per hour. Traffic can be heavy on Sundays near ski resorts. Best departure time is early morning to avoid afternoon congestion.

Road quality is excellent throughout, but mountain sections require caution. The A13 has many tunnels and sharp curves. Winter conditions demand winter tyres and chains. Mandatory rest stops every two hours are recommended.

• Fatigue stops: Rasthof Holzkirchen (A8), Raststation Zirl (A1), Raststätte Kufstein (A12).
• Family suitability: Several attractions like the Alpine Zoo in Innsbruck, Playmobil FunPark near Munich, and the Swiss Transport Museum in Lucerne (detour).
• Pet-friendly: Dogs allowed in most rest areas; many hotels in Davos accept pets.

Is it worth driving Landshut to Davos? For scenic beauty, yes. The route offers UNESCO World Heritage sites: the old town of Bern (further west) and the prehistoric pile dwellings near Lake Constance (detour). However, train travel is an alternative; the rail journey Landshut-Davos takes 6 hours with changes. For flexibility, driving is better.

Things to do between Landshut and Davos: visit the Andechs monastery brewery near Starnberg, the Partnach Gorge near Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and the Vaillant Arena in Davos for ice hockey. The journey's highlight is the Flüela Pass, offering panoramic views of the Dischma Valley.

The journey traverses the Bavarian plains, the Inn Valley, and the majestic Alps. After leaving Landshut's medieval old town, the landscape flattens towards Munich. South of Munich, the foothills appear near Holzkirchen. The stretch between Rosenheim and Kufstein offers views of the Chiemsee lake on the left.

Entering Austria, the Inn Valley narrows. The A1 passes through Tyrolean towns like Wörgl and Jenbach. Traffic can bottleneck near Innsbruck due to the Brenner Pass. The final climb to Davos via the A13 passes through the 16-km long Kantonsstrasse tunnel and the Flüela Pass.

• Natural attractions: Imster Gorge, the Zillertal valley, and the Swiss National Park near Zernez.
• Local commerce: Typical Tyrolean restaurants sell Speck and cheese; in Davos, fondue and raclette are staples.
• Hidden off-route spots: The castle ruin Ehrenberg at Reutte; the thermal spa in Bad Ragaz near Davos.

Best stops Landshut to Davos include the town Hall in Innsbruck, Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens, and the medieval fortress of Schattenburg in Feldkirch. A detailed guide on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities can help plan these detours.