Salzburg to Montreux Road Trip: Alpine Highlights & Hidden Gems

This 600-kilometer route from Salzburg to Montreux crosses three countries—Austria, Germany, and Switzerland—and includes the famous Grossglockner High Alpine Road. The drive takes about 7 hours without stops, but plan a full day to enjoy the views.

The A10 Tauern Autobahn and E60 route offer direct motorway driving, but the Grossglockner High Alpine Road (B107) is a toll road with 36 hairpin turns and spectacular views of Austria's highest peak.

For tips on finding hidden gems along any route, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The route passes three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Historic Centre of Salzburg, the Hallstatt-Dachstein Salzkammergut (viewed from the motorway), and the Lavaux Vineyard Terraces near Montreux.

Driving through the Hohe Tauern National Park offers alpine meadows, glaciers, and waterfalls. Stop at the Krimml Waterfalls (tallest in Central Europe) a 15-minute detour off the B107.

Local commerce: in Zell am See you find lively markets; in Lausanne (near Montreux) there are wine shops selling Lavaux Chasselas.

• Handcrafted cheese from local farms along the Grossglockner
• Edelweiss souvenirs at mountain huts
• Swiss chocolate stores in Montreux

Things to do between Salzburg and Montreux include riding the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, visiting the Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens, and tasting wine in Lavaux.

Road quality is excellent on motorways, but the Grossglockner has narrow lanes and sharp turns. Check weather: it can snow even in summer above 2,000 meters.

Fatigue management: plan stops every 2 hours. Rest zones include Rastplatz Feichten on A10 and the panoramic parking at Hochgurgler.

• Family friendliness: stop at Krimml Waterfalls (easy walk) and the Swiss Vapeur Parc in Montreux (miniature train for kids).
• Pet friendliness: many hotels along the route accept pets; check for dog-friendly restaurant terraces.
• Tunnel safety: Swiss A9 has long tunnels with emergency lay-bys.

Hidden off-route spot: the Vintschger Museum in Mals (Italy) is a 30-min detour from the Reschen Pass, showcasing local history.

Is it worth driving Salzburg to Montreux? Yes, for the Grossglockner and Lavaux views. How long to drive Salzburg to Montreux? 7-8 hours, but allow 2 days for stops.

Fuel economy: expect petrol costs around €80-€100 for the entire trip. Gas stations are frequent on motorways, but rarer on Alpine roads like the Grossglockner.

Tolls: Austria requires a Vignette (€9.60 for 10 days). The Grossglockner toll is €40.50. Switzerland requires a Vignette (€40 for a year, or day pass not available). Have cash or credit card for toll booths.

• Motorway A10: tolled, well-maintained, speed limit 130 km/h
• Grossglockner B107: 36 km, 36 hairpin turns, max speed 40 km/h
• Swiss A9: tolled (vignette), tunnels and viaducts

Best stops Salzburg to Montreux include the Franz Josef Heights at 2,369 m and the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe visitor center.