Reims to Davos: An Alpine Road Trip Guide

The drive from Reims to Davos spans about 800 kilometers, crossing four countries and over a dozen distinct landscapes. Most travelers follow the A4 east toward Strasbourg, then the A5 and A81 through Germany's Black Forest, before descending into Switzerland's Graubünden region. The final stretch winds through the Flüela Pass or Vereina Tunnel depending on season.

This route passes through two UNESCO World Heritage sites—Strasbourg's Grande Île and the Abbey of St. Gallen—and offers dramatic transitions from Champagne vineyards to Alpine valleys. The journey typically takes 8–10 hours without stops, but extending it to a two-day road trip reveals the region's full character.

For those wondering is it worth driving Reims to Davos, the answer lies in the diversity: you'll drive the same roads that once connected Roman settlements, medieval trade routes, and modern Euro corridors. The A4 east of Reims follows the Roman Via Agrippa, while the Swiss motorways trace ancient mule paths across the Alps.

Natural Landscapes and Attractions

The journey begins on the flat Champagne plains, where vineyards stretch to the horizon. East of Reims, the landscape rises gently into the Ardennes foothills, then steepens through the Vosges Mountains near Strasbourg. The famous Route des Crêtes winds along the Vosges ridge with panoramic views.

After entering Germany, the Black Forest offers dense pine forests, rolling hills, and the deep valleys of the Kinzig and Elz rivers. The B500 road from Baden-Baden to Freudenstadt is known as the Schwarzwaldhochstraße, with observation points at Mummelsee and Hornisgrinde.

In Switzerland, the landscape transforms abruptly at the Rhine Gorge (Swiss Grand Canyon). The A13 follows the Rhine through Flims and Ilanz, then climbs to the Oberalp Pass before descending into Davos. The final 30 kilometers through the Landwasser Valley feature dramatic cliffs and the famous Landwasser Viaduct.

• Best photo stops: Eguisheim (Alsace), Triberg Waterfalls, Rhine Gorge lookout
• Hidden gems: Lichtenstein Castle (dubbed 'fairytale castle'), Silsersee lake

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Strasbourg's Grande Île (criterion ii, iv) is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture with the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Kammerzell House. Allocate at least two hours to walk the medieval streets. The cathedral's astronomical clock shows a procession of apostles daily at 12:30 PM.

In St. Gallen (Switzerland), the Abbey District includes the Abbey Library, one of the oldest monastic libraries in the world with over 170,000 volumes. The library's Baroque hall is accessible via a guided tour.

Colmar, though not UNESCO itself, has the Maison Pfister and the Unterlinden Museum (housing the Isenheim Altarpiece) which is a UNESCO Memory of the World.

Local Commerce and Culture

Champagne houses in Reims offer tastings: Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger, Ruinart. Book ahead for cellar tours (€20–50 per person). In Alsace, the wine route includes Riesling and Gewürztraminer; many villages have 'caves' open for free tasting.

In the Black Forest, cuckoo clocks and Black Forest ham are specialties. Visit Schonach's cuckoo clock museum or the Bollenhut hat makers in Gutach. Davos is known for its mountain sports equipment shops, but also for local Graubünden cheese (like Sbrinz) and Bündnerfleisch (air-dried beef).

For souvenirs, stop at farm shops along the route. In the Swiss Alps, many farms sell Alpine cheese directly at the roadside.

Culinary Infrastructure

From Reims to Davos, culinary diversity spans Champagne to Alpine cheese. In Reims, try boudin blanc de Rethel and croquignoles (cookies). Strasbourg is famous for choucroute garnie and tarte flambée. In the Black Forest, sample Schäufele (pork shoulder) and Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte.

Swiss cuisine features fondue, raclette, and Bündner Nusstorte (walnut tart). At higher elevations, restaurants in Davos serve hearty mountain fare like Capuns (chard rolls) and Pizokel (buckwheat pasta). Many restaurants offer half-board for families.

For quick stops, rest areas on the German A5 have good bakeries (pretzels, sandwiches). Swiss service centers (Raststätte) often have hot meals and clean facilities.

Infrastructure Safety and Road Quality

All sections are safe for standard cars, but winter tires are mandatory in Germany and Switzerland from November to Easter. Snow chains may be required for Alpine passes in snowy conditions. Check the Swiss road condition hotline (163) for updates.

In France, speed cameras are frequent on the A4. Respect limits: 130 km/h on motorways, 110 km/h on dual carriageways. In Germany, 130 km/h is recommended on autobahns; many stretches have no limit, but enforcement is strict if you exceed 130 km/h in variable zones.

Swiss motorways are camera-heavy; fines are high (€200+ for 10 km/h over). Tunnels like the San Bernardino have radar traps. Use cruise control to avoid accidental speeding.

Roadside assistance: membership based. In Germany, ADAC (€84/year) covers across Europe. In Switzerland, TCS offers similar. If not a member, expect €200–400 per tow.

Family and Child Suitability

The route is family-friendly with many stops that engage children. In Strasbourg, the Vauban Quarter has a giant playground and the Citadelle Park. In Germany, the Black Forest Open-Air Museum in Gutach lets kids interact with farm animals and ride a historic train.

The Swiss Transport Museum in Lucerne is a 45-minute detour but worth it for children. In Davos, the Rinerhorn family park has summer toboggan runs and a climbing forest. Many hotels in Davos offer kids' clubs and family discounts.

Rest stops on the A5 (like Raststätte Baden-Baden) have play areas and family restrooms. Plan for a break every 2 hours to prevent restlessness.

Pet-Friendly Framework

Pets are welcome in most but not all places. In France, dogs must be leashed and muzzled on public transport (not required in cars). Germany and Switzerland require pets to be in a crate or restrained with a seatbelt harness.

Many service stations in Germany have fenced dog runs (e.g., Raststätte Hegau). In Switzerland, the A13 has dog-friendly rest areas with water stations. Davos has dedicated dog-friendly hotels like the Hotel Waldhuus.

Veterinary care: emergency vets in Strasbourg (CHU), Freiburg (Tierklinik), and Davos (Tierarztpraxis). Bring pet passports for border checks (EU pet passport with rabies vaccination).

Hidden Off-Route Spots

Just off the A4 in France, the village of Hautvillers is where Dom Pérignon discovered sparkling wine. The abbey and tasting cellars are open to visitors. In Germany, the town of Meersburg on Lake Constance (Bodensee) is a 30-minute detour from the A81. Its medieval castle and lakeside promenade make for a charming stop.

In Switzerland, the village of Vrin, a hidden gem in the Lumnezia valley, showcases traditional Romansh architecture with 'cungel' (wooden barns). It's off the A13 near Ilanz. For a short walk, the Furggetta Gorge near Filisur offers a suspension bridge over a wild river.

Fatigue Management and Rest Zones

Long stretches through Germany's Black Forest can be hypnotic. Use service areas every 90 minutes. Recommended stops: Aire de la Haie-Maillée (A4, 30 km east of Reims) has a café with local champagne; Raststätte Baden-Baden (A5) has a spa-like lounge; Tannenzäpfle (A81) offers Black Forest views.

Swiss rest areas are less frequent; the one at Chur (San Bernardino route) is a good halfway point before the climb. In Davos, the car park at the Schatzalp mountain station is a quiet spot to rest.

Power nap: many French rest areas have dark rooms (salles de repos). In Germany, the 'Autohof' truck stops often have recliners for free. Never park on the hard shoulder except in emergencies.

Fuel and Route Economics

Fuel prices vary significantly by country. As of 2025, France averages €1.80/L for diesel, Germany €1.70/L, and Switzerland €1.90/L (CHF converted). Filling up in Germany before crossing into Switzerland can save €10–15 per tank. The total fuel cost for the round trip is approximately €120–150 for a compact car.

Tolls apply on most French and Swiss motorways. The A4 from Reims to Strasbourg costs about €15. Swiss motorways require an annual vignette (CHF 40) for all vehicles—buy it at the border or service stations. Germany has no tolls for cars on federal highways.

• French A4: toll gates near Châlons-en-Champagne and Strasbourg
• German A5/A81: free driving, but avoid city centers for faster transit
• Swiss A13: tunnel tolls for San Bernardino (€10) or Vereina (€15)

Budget an additional €30–50 for parking in Davos per day; some hotels include it.

Road Quality and Safety

Motorways in all three countries are excellent. French A4 is smooth with frequent rest stops. German autobahns have no speed limit in many sections, but watch for variable limits near construction. Swiss motorways are well-maintained but have tunnels with strict speed enforcement (80–100 km/h).

Avoid driving through Zurich or Basel during rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM). The A1 around Zurich is notorious for congestion. Instead, use the A3 bypass via Walensee for a scenic alternative.

Emergency services: dial 112 in France and Germany, 117 in Switzerland (police) or 144 (ambulance). Every 2 km on Swiss motorways there are emergency call boxes.