Salzburg to Krems an der Donau: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

The A1 autobahn from Salzburg to Krems an der Donau covers 270 km through the heart of Austria. At the Salzburg city limits, you'll pass the 1.8 km-long Walserberg Tunnel, a reminder that this route is carved through the Alpine foothills.

The drive takes roughly 3 hours without stops, but the best stops Salzburg to Krems an der Donau require a full day. How long to drive Salzburg to Krems an der Donau depends on your interest in the many attractions along the way. Is it worth driving Salzburg to Krems an der Donau? Absolutely, for the transition from the Salzburg Alps to the terraced vineyards of the Wachau.

This guide covers things to do between Salzburg and Krems an der Donau, including UNESCO sites, culinary stops, and family-friendly breaks. For a deeper dive, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The A1 is a well-maintained highway with speed limits of 130 km/h. The B3 is narrower and requires caution, especially for cyclists. Rest zones are available every 30 km on the A1, with restrooms and picnic areas. For fatigue management, stop at Enns Rast for a coffee.

Family-friendly stops include the Zoo in Linz (Tiergarten) and the Danube playground in Krems. Pet-friendly? Many restaurants on the B3 allow dogs. Hidden off-route tips: Visit the Gusena Grotto (a cave in Saxen) or take a ferry across the Danube at Weissenkirchen.

• Rest stops: Thalgau (A1 km 12), Ried (A1 km 95), Pöchlarn (B3)
• Pet-friendly: Most outdoor Heurigen, hotel Park Inn by Radisson Linz
• Child activities: Linz Zoo, Mausoleum of Emperor Maximilian I (Wels)

The A1 cuts through the Salzkammergut mountains, offering views of the Traunsee and the Alps. As you approach Linz, the landscape flattens into the Danube plain. The B3 from Linz to Krems runs parallel to the Danube, with terraced vineyards and medieval castles like Burg Clam.

The Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features apricot orchards and wine taverns (Heurigen). Stop at the town of Spitz for a Grüner Veltliner tasting. Local commerce thrives on wine and apricot products, including jams and schnapps.

• UNESCO sites: Old Town of Salzburg (start), Wachau Cultural Landscape (end)
• Natural highlights: Danube riverbanks, Dunkelsteinerwald nature park
• Local products: Wachau apricots, Linzer torte, Austrian beer

From Salzburg, follow the A1 east toward Linz. After Linz, take the A7 north briefly, then the B3 along the Danube to Krems. The B3 is a scenic road with speed limits of 80-100 km/h. Tolls on the A1 require a vignette (9.20 EUR for 10 days). Fuel prices average 1.50 EUR/liter. Expect five major service stations on the A1: Thalgau, St. Georgen, Großpölla, Eberstalzell, and Ried.

• Route: A1 (Salzburg-Linz) -> A7 -> B3 (Linz-Krems)
• Total distance: 270 km
• Estimated driving time: 3 hours
• Toll: Vignette required for A1