Montreux to Ulm Road Trip: Best Stops & Hidden Gems

The A9 motorway from Montreux crosses the Rhône valley at an elevation of 376 meters, passes through the 6.9-kilometer Mont Blanc Tunnel connection (E25/E62), and then follows the A1 autobahn across the Swiss Plateau to the German border near Schaffhausen. The total driving distance is approximately 510 kilometers, with an average travel time of 5 hours 15 minutes without stops. This route offers a unique blend of Alpine lake views, rolling Swiss farmland, and the Danube River landscape approaching Ulm.

The historical curiosity of this drive: you cross the Rhine River twice—once at Basel and again at the border near Konstanz—within 200 kilometers.

To maximize your experience, consider using the tool described in how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Road quality on the A9/A1/A81 is excellent: asphalt with high friction coefficient, well-marked lanes, and emergency phones every 2 km. However, the A1 near Bern has a speed limit of 120 km/h (with radar sections), while the German A81 has sections with no speed limit but recommended maximum of 130 km/h. One dangerous junction is the A1/A3 interchange near Zurich (Verzweigung Zürich West), where merging traffic from the A3 requires attention.

For families, the Swiss Vapes (A1, exit 40 near Würenlos) offers a tractor-driving track for kids (open daily 9-18). The A81 has the Raststätte Sindelfingen with an indoor play area and baby changing facilities. Alternatively, the Sauschwänzlebahn steam train near Blumberg (exits 34-35) is a heritage railway ride through the Black Forest—a 45-minute loop scenic trip.

Pet-friendly stops include the Hundewiese at Raststätte Warmbronn (A8, exit 51) and the dog wash station at Rest area Kirchberg (A81, exit 29). Make sure to carry a leash and a copy of the EU pet passport required for crossing into Germany from Switzerland.

Fatigue management: The journey is best broken into two rest stops of 20 minutes each. Ideal locations: Rest area A1 Stöckacker (near Bern, 30 km from Montreux) and Raststätte A81 Nagold (near Stuttgart, 380 km from Montreux). Both have walking paths and shade. If you feel drowsy, the A1 has an automatic shade installation at the Härkingen rest area (exit 39).

Fuel costs along the Montreux to Ulm route vary significantly. In Switzerland, petrol prices average 1.80 CHF per liter (as of 2025), while in Germany they drop to 1.70 EUR per liter. A full tank for a mid-size car (50 liters) costs around 90 CHF in Switzerland and 85 EUR in Germany. Toll roads in Switzerland require a vignette (40 CHF for 1 year), while German autobahns are toll-free for cars. The A1 from Bern to Zurich is subject to heavy traffic during peak hours (7:30-9:00 and 16:30-18:00).

Consider refueling in Germany at Tank & Rast stations near the A81 exits (e.g., Raststätte Sindelfingen, exit 28). Credit cards are widely accepted, but some Swiss gas stations charge a surcharge for cards under 20 CHF.

Rest areas are plentiful: 12 rest stops with restrooms and picnic tables exist along the A1 between Bern and Zurich. The A81 has 8 rest areas with playgrounds and dog exercise zones. For electric vehicles, Ionity fast-chargers are available at the Raststätte Karlsruhe (exit 45, A5) and in Zurich at the Greenmotion station (A1W, exit 58).

Leaving Montreux, the A9 hugs the northern shore of Lake Geneva for 30 kilometers, offering panoramic views of the lavender-colored vineyards of Lavaux (UNESCO World Heritage site, designated 2007). The terraced vineyards stretch 830 hectares from Lutry to Vevey. Stop at the viewpoint at Chexbres (GPS: 46.4979, 6.7734) for a photograph of the lake framed by the Rhône valley.

At the start of the A1, you cross the Swiss Plateau: a landscape of undulating meadows, cow pastures, and tidy villages with onion-domed churches. The Emmental region between Bern and Zurich is known for its cheese production. The local Delémont to Basel section (A16) offers views of the Jura mountains, with limestone cliffs and deep gorges.

On the German side, the A81 passes through the Black Forest foothills near Villingen-Schwenningen. The rolling hills give way to the Swabian Alb, a low mountain range with limestone karst formations and the Danube River source in Donaueschingen (19 km from exit 33). Ulm itself is clustered around the Ulm Minster (the tallest church in the world, 161.5 meters) and the historic Fishermen's Quarter.

Local commerce highlights include the Montreux Christmas Market (November-December), the Bern Zytglogge clock tower market (weekly fresh produce), and the Ulm weekly market on Münsterplatz (Saturdays). In the Offenburg area (exit 55, A5), there is an outlet shopping center with 70 stores.