St. Moritz to Linz: A Scenic Alpine-to-Danube Road Trip Guide

The route from St. Moritz to Linz spans roughly 420 kilometers, crossing three countries and two major climatic zones. You descend from the Engadin valley at 1,856 m to the Danube at 270 m, passing over the Julier Pass (2,284 m) and navigating the Austrian Alps.

A little-known fact: the final stretch along the A1 autobahn near Linz features one of the densest networks of speed cameras in Austria. The journey typically takes 5–6 hours of pure driving, but with stops, you should allocate a full day.

Road quality is excellent in both Switzerland and Austria. All major motorways have asphalt in good condition. Night illumination is present only on the A1 and A12 near cities; the Julier Pass and sections of the A13 are unlit. Winter conditions require snow chains or winter tires from November to April.

Toll gates exist on the Arlberg tunnel (€11) and require a vignette for Switzerland (€40, annual) and Austria (€9.50 for 10 days). Speed limits: 120 km/h on motorways, 100 km/h on expressways, 80 km/h on open roads, 50 km/h in built-up areas. Speed cameras are frequent in Austria, especially on the A1.

Family and Child Suitability

Children will enjoy the Swiss National Park near Zernez (along the route) with wildlife viewing. The Swarovski Kristallwelten in Wattens (exit Wattens on A12) offers a glittering maze. The Salzkammergut region has numerous lake swimming spots (e.g., Traunsee). Linz’s Ars Electronica Center is a hands-on museum for all ages.

• Swiss National Park: trails, visitor centre, and marmots.
• Swarovski Crystal Worlds: play areas and art installations.
• Gmunden: lakeside playground and summer toboggan run.

Pet-Friendly Framework

Most rest stops in Austria allow dogs on leash. The rest area at Vomp (A12) has a dedicated dog run. In Switzerland, the rest area at Thurau (A13) offers a small fenced area. The Hallstatt boat tour (ferry) welcomes well-behaved dogs.

Hidden Off-Route Spots

Just 3 km from the A13 exit Thusis, the village of Sils im Domleschg is home to the ruined Castle of Hohenrätien. In Austria, 2 km from the A12 exit Imst, the Tiroler Steig open-air museum shows historic farmhouses. Near the A1 exit Traun, the Gmundnerberg viewpoint (1 km drive) offers a panoramic view of the Salzkammergut lakes.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

Recommended rest stops include the Swiss rest area at Maienfeld (A13) which has a picnic table and view of the Alps. The Austrian rest area at St. Johann in Tirol (A12) offers a restaurant and quiet parking. For an overnight break, consider the town of Imst (A12 exit) with affordable guesthouses. If you need a quick nap, use designated rest stops: “Rastplatz” signs with truck parking are common every 20 km on Austrian motorways.

For more tips on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The drive transitions from high alpine tundra to dense pine forests, then to the rolling hills of the Austrian Alpine foreland, and finally to the Danube basin. Just north of St. Moritz, the Julier Pass offers a lunar-like plateau with ancient stone towers (Säumnisteine) dating to the Bronze Age.

As you descend into the Rhine Valley, you pass through the Swiss canton of Graubünden, famous for its Romansh language and deep gorges. Near Chur, the Rhine Gorge (Swiss Grand Canyon) straddles the highway. Once in Austria, the A12 corridor runs parallel to the Inn River, surrounded by limestone peaks. The Salzkammergut detour yields lake after lake (Hallstatt, Traunsee) and the Dachstein massif.

Local Commerce & Culture

At roadside stalls in the Engadin valley, you can buy Sbrinz (hard cheese) and Bündnerfleisch (air-dried beef). In Austria, seek out Mozartkugeln (chocolate-marzipan sweets) from Salzburg, or hand-painted ceramics from Gmunden.

• St. Moritz area: Engadin nuts, chestnuts, and local wines from the Malans region.
• Landquart outlet (near Chur): factory stores for Swiss brands.
• Hallstatt: handmade salt crystals and wood carvings.
• Gmunden: Gmundner Keramik (hand-painted pottery with green stripes).

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

There is no UNESCO site directly on the route, but two are within a 10–15 km detour: the Rhaetian Railway in the Albula/Bernina landscapes (near St. Moritz) and the historic centre of the Salzkammergut town of Hallstatt (a short detour from the A1 on the B145). The Alte Donau landscape near Linz is a candidate site for World Heritage.

From St. Moritz, take the main road 3 south toward Silvaplana, then turn onto the 27 heading northeast to the Julier Pass. After the pass, continue on the 3 to Tiefencastel, then join the A13 highway via Thusis. Near Chur, switch to the A13/E43 north toward the Austrian border at St. Margrethen.

Cross into Austria at St. Margrethen/Lustenau (no passport control but vignette required). Follow the A14/E60 east to Feldkirch, then the A12/E60 through the Arlberg tunnel (toll tunnel, €11) to Landeck. Continue east on the A12 through Innsbruck, then switch to the A1/E55 at the Salzburg junction toward Linz. For a more scenic route, leave the A1 at Regau and take the B145 through the Salzkammergut region to Gmunden, then follow the B139 to Linz.