St. Moritz to Metz: Alpine Peaks to Lorraine Plateaus Road Trip Guide

The St. Moritz–Metz route spans about 550 kilometers, crossing Switzerland, briefly Liechtenstein, Austria, and then France. The journey from the Upper Engadin lake district at 1,822 m elevation down to the Moselle river valley at 170 m involves a dramatic drop in altitude and climate. Driving time without stops is roughly 6–7 hours, but the recommended minimum is two days to appreciate the transitions.

A historical quirk: the stretch from Feldkirch (Austria) to Basel follows part of the ancient Roman road that connected Italy to the Rhine. Today, the A13/E43 through the Swiss Alps and the A36/E54 in France offer modern parallels, but the old Roman milestones near Chur remind travelers this route has been a corridor for millennia.

• Route: H27 (St. Moritz to Chur) → A13/E43 (Chur to St. Margrethen) → A14 (to Feldkirch) → A96/A7 (Austria to Bregenz) → A1/E43 (to St. Margrethen again, but for Basel) → A3/E60 (to Basel) → A35/E25 (to Strasbourg) → A4/E25 (to Metz)
• Key milestone: The Swiss–Austrian border at St. Margrethen is a potential congestion point; avoid peak hours (7-9am, 4-6pm).

Fuel stops are abundant along Swiss and French motorways. In Switzerland, petrol stations are open 24/7 on main highways, but expect prices around 1.80 CHF/liter (€1.85). In France, highway stations are more expensive (€1.90/liter). To save money, fill up in Austria (around €1.50/liter) or at supermarkets in towns before entering France.

• Swiss vignette required (40 CHF) for A13/A3; valid 14 months. Check before crossing.
• French tolls: Basel to Metz costs about €25; pay with card or cash. Avoid the A35 at rush hour near Strasbourg.
• Rest zones: Every 30-40 km on Swiss A13; French A35 has rest areas every 20 km with toilets and picnic tables.

For an excellent guide on finding hidden gems between cities, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities. This article helps you plan detours for authentic experiences.

The initial stretch from St. Moritz winds through the Albula Pass (2,312 m) before descending to Chur. The landscape shifts from alpine meadows with larch forests to the wide Rhine valley. In the Swiss section, you pass the Swiss National Park (Parc Naziunal Svizzer) near Zernez, where you can spot ibex and marmots. Later, near Basel, the Jura mountains appear as gentle wooded hills, then the Vosges mountains in France rise on the horizon before Metz.

• Natural highlight: Lake Walen (Walensee) viewed from A3 near Weesen. Stop at the Aussichtspunkt for photos.
• Local commerce: In Chur, the old town (Altstadt) has cheese shops selling Bündner Bergkäse. Near Bregenz (Austria), visit the Pfänder mountain for a panorama of Lake Constance.
• UNESCO site: The Strasbourg Grande Île (old town) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Consider a 1-hour detour into the city center to see the cathedral.

Climatic conditions vary drastically. In summer, St. Moritz is cool (10–20°C), while Metz can be hot (25–35°C). In winter, expect snow in the Alps; mandatory winter tires from November to March. Fog is common in the Rhine valley near Basel.

Road quality is excellent overall: Swiss motorways are well-maintained, with frequent tunnels and bridges. French A35 and A4 are also modern, but the A4 north of Strasbourg can be congested. Speed limits: 120 km/h on Swiss A-roads, 130 km/h on French motorways, but always check signs, as limits drop near construction zones (common in the Jura).

• Fatigue management: Plan a stop every 2 hours. Ideal rest points include the Mythen rest area on A3 (with a playground) and the Lorraine rest area on A4 (with a dog park).
• Family and child suitability: Most Swiss rest stops have play areas; the A13 Weggis stop has a mini zoo. In France, the Aire de la Vallée de la Sauer has a nature trail.
• Pet-friendly framework: Swiss motorway stops allow dogs on leashes; many have designated relief areas. In France, pets are allowed in rest areas but not inside restaurants.

Hidden off-route spots: Near Chur, the village of Malix offers a view of the Rhine Gorge (Swiss Grand Canyon). In Alsace, take the D 2 from Strasbourg to the medieval village of Obernai for a wine-tasting stop. Near Metz, the Côtes de Moselle vineyards are a scenic detour 15 km west.

Local commerce and culture: In Basel, the Kunstmuseum holds one of the largest art collections in Switzerland. For local food, try Bündner Gerstensuppe (barley soup) in Chur and tarte flambée in Alsace. Metz is known for quiche lorraine and Mirabelle plums.