Mittenwald to Sion: A Scenic Alpine Road Trip Guide

The route from Mittenwald (Germany) to Sion (Switzerland) spans roughly 350 kilometers through the heart of the European Alps. A curious historical detail: Mittenwald lies at the foot of the Karwendel mountain range, and the Lutschinschlucht gorge near Sion is part of the same tectonic collision zone that created the Alps 40 million years ago.

Drivers follow the B2 south from Mittenwald, crossing into Austria via the Fernpass route (B179), then onto the Austrian A12 and Swiss A13, finally descending into the Rhone Valley on the A9. Expect a driving time of 4.5 to 6 hours depending on traffic, weather, and stops. This guide answers: how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Route Surface and Tolls: The B2 in Germany is well-maintained with a speed limit of 100 km/h. Austrian highways (A12, A13) require a vignette (€9.90 for 10 days), while Swiss highways (A13, A9) also demand a vignette (CHF 40 for 1 year). Toll booths are automated; credit cards accepted.

Fuel and Route Economics: Average fuel cost for the 350 km drive at €1.80/L (premium) is about €55 for a mid-size car. Fuel stations are plentiful along the A12 and in Swiss towns like Landquart, but sparse on the B179 Fernpass. Efficiency tip: use cruise control on the A12 to save 5-10% fuel on the flat Inn Valley stretch.

• Germany: Last cheap fuel before crossing into Austria at Mittenwald (€1.50/L).
• Austria: Stations near Imst and Landeck (€1.45/L).
• Switzerland: Stations in St. Moritz and Sion are pricier (CHF 1.80/L).

Geographical Shifts: From the Karwendel foothills (Mittenwald) you climb over the Fernpass (1,200 m) into the Inn Valley, then ascend to the Engadin (St. Moritz at 1,800 m), and finally descend into the dry Rhone Valley (Sion at 500 m). Key viewpoints: Hahntennjoch (1,894 m) offers a panorama of the Lechtal Alps if you detour 10 minutes from Nassereith.

UNESCO Sites: The route passes near two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the “Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps” at Lake Constance (50 km north of Sion) and the “Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona” (1 hour detour from Landquart). Neither is directly on the main route, but both are worth a short detour.

Local Commerce & Culture: Stop at the weekly market in Mittenwald (Saturdays) for hand-painted violins and local cheese. In Landeck, try “Käsespätzle” at Gasthof Löwen. In St. Moritz, the Engadin nut cake is a must-buy. For authentic crafts, visit the woodcarving shop in Bivio (on the Julier Pass).

• Mittenwald: Violin making at Geigenbau Mittenwald museum.
• Imst: Farmers market (Thursdays) with alpine honey.
• St. Moritz: Engadin nut cake (Nusstorte) at Confiserie Hanselmann.
• Sion: White wine (Fendant) from local vineyards.

Road Safety: The Fernpass (B179) is narrow and winding; watch for trucks. Swiss A13 has long tunnels (Vereina Tunnel, 19 km) with strict speed limits. Night driving is safe on A12/A13, but avoid the B179 after dark due to wildlife (deer crossings). Illumination is standard on highways.

Family and Child Suitability: The “Alpine Coaster” at Imst (a summer toboggan run) is a hit. The Swiss Transport Museum in Lucerne (1.5 hours detour) has interactive exhibits. For a free stop, the Lago di Lei reservoir near Splügen offers a playground and picnic area.

Pet-Friendly Framework: Most service stations allow dogs on leashes. The rest area at “Malser Haide” (A12) has a designated dog walking field. In Sion, the “Restaurant La Gelateria” welcomes dogs on its terrace.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones: Recommended rest spots: the “Raststätte Fernpass” (just before the pass) with panoramic views; the “Parkplatz Flüelapass” (on the A13) for a quick nap; and the “Aire de repos de Riddes” (A9) with shaded benches. Safe parking is available at all highway rest areas.

Hidden Off-Route Spots: Take the B187 detour from Landeck to the abandoned village of “Latschau” (5 minutes off A12). The ghost town of “Cresta” near St. Moritz is a 19th-century mining relic (10-minute walk from the road). These offer a break from driving and unique photo opportunities.