Modena to Namur Road Trip Guide: Scenic Stops & Tips

The E45 highway from Modena snakes north through the Po Valley before joining the A4 near Milan, then crosses the Alps via the Gotthard Tunnel. This 750-mile route to Namur passes through four countries and ends in the Meuse Valley. A curious fact: the stretch near the Gotthard features a spiral tunnel where the road loops underground inside the mountain.

Driving time typically ranges from 9 to 11 hours without stops. Fuel costs for a medium sedan (7L/100km, €1.80/L) total roughly €95. The route includes French tolls (A4) and Swiss vignette required.

The journey starts on the A1 Autostrada from Modena, merging onto the A4 (E64) near Milan. After the Swiss border, the A2 (E35) leads through the Gotthard tunnel. In Germany, take the A5 and then the A4 in France via Strasbourg. The final leg is the E411 to Namur.

• Fuel stations are dense every 30-50 km on highways. In Switzerland, stations close at 10 PM; avoid running low in rural Jura.
• Tolls in Italy (~€30) and France (~€25). Switzerland requires an annual vignette (CHF 40) – buy at border or online.
• Road quality excellent except Gotthard tunnel interior surface can be rough; lighting adequate but tunnels frequent.

From Modena's flat farmland, the route climbs into the Alpine foothills near Como. The Gotthard region offers dramatic granite peaks and pine forests. Descending into the Swiss plateau, you'll see rolling hills and the Rhine. The Ardennes near Namur are dense, wooded, with river valleys.

Key stops for local goods:

• Lugano (Switzerland) – try local Merlot and chestnut honey.
• Lucerne – Emmental cheese from roadside farms.
• Strasbourg – Alsatian wine route detour (15 min via A35) for Riesling.
• Bastogne (Belgium) – Ardennes ham and dark beer.

Speed limits: Italy 130 km/h (110 in rain), Switzerland 120, France 130 (110 wet). Enforcements are strict; fixed cameras common in Swiss tunnels. The Gotthard tunnel has a 80 km/h limit and an automated camera system.

Family-friendly stops include:

• Swiss Miniatur (Melide) – just off A2 at exit 51, a park with miniature Swiss landmarks.
• Teddybär Museum (Basel) – near A5 exit, a hit for kids.
• Ardennes Adventure Park (La Roche-en-Ardenne) – treetop trails and zip lines.

Fatigue management: Safe rest zones with nap areas exist at

• Autogrill Brianza (A4 near Milan) – quiet, shaded parking.
• Raststätte Rastplatz (A5 near Karlsruhe) – 24-hour rest stop with lounge chairs.