Strasbourg to Davos Road Trip Guide: Scenic Alps Drive

The drive from Strasbourg to Davos covers roughly 320 kilometres (200 miles) and takes between 4.5 and 5.5 hours without extended stops. The route crosses the Upper Rhine Plain, climbs into the Black Forest, then traverses the Swiss Alps via the Prättigau valley. A little-known fact: the final descent into Davos passes over the Wolfgang Pass (1,631 m), which was part of the original mule track used by 16th-century merchants trading salt from the Alps to the Rhine.

The journey offers a condensed cross-section of Central European geography—from flat, fertile plains to dramatic alpine passes. The road network is excellent, but drivers should anticipate varying speed limits, tolls in Switzerland, and potential winter closures of certain passes.

For a deeper dive into finding hidden gems along any route, read our guide on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Fuel and Route Economics

Fuel stations are plentiful along the entire route. In Germany, petrol costs around €1.80/litre; in Switzerland, expect CHF 1.80–2.00/litre. To save money, fill up in Germany before crossing into Switzerland. The A5 and B31 have frequent service stations with restrooms and convenience stores. Tolls: Swiss motorway vignette (CHF 40) is mandatory for all vehicles using the A13. No tolls on German motorways. The E43 from Schaffhausen to the Swiss border is toll-free.

• Fuel consumption estimate: 30–35 litres for a mid-size car (€55–65).
• Vignette purchase: available at border crossings, gas stations, or online.
• Parking in Davos: daily rates CHF 10–20 in public lots; many hotels offer free parking.

Road Quality and Infrastructure Safety

The entire route is paved with excellent surfaces. The A5 in Germany is a well-maintained autobahn with sections without speed limits. The B31 through the Black Forest is a scenic two-lane road with moderate curves, well-marked. Swiss motorways (A13) are top-grade. Mountain roads near Davos narrow but are kept clear of snow in winter. Winter tires are mandatory in Switzerland from October to April. Snow chains may be required on the Wolfgang Pass (signposted). Speed cameras are common, especially in Swiss villages; fines can be hefty.

• Germany: recommended speed 130 km/h on autobahn, 100 km/h on B roads.
• Switzerland: 120 km/h on motorways, 80 km/h outside towns, 50 km/h in built-up areas.
• Emergency numbers: 112 (EU), 117 (police Switzerland), 144 (ambulance).

Family and Child Suitability

The route is very family-friendly. Rest stops along the A5 have playgrounds and baby-changing facilities. The B31 offers several “Rastplatz” with picnic tables and open fields. The Rhine Falls has a children's trail and a small zoo. In Davos, the Eistraum ice rink and the Schatzalp funicular (open in summer) are hits with kids. Most attractions have discounted family tickets. For longer breaks, consider stops near Titisee (Black Forest) with pedal boats and a children's climbing park.

• Recommended kid stop: Triberg – Gutach Freilichtmuseum (open-air museum) with live demonstrations.
• Davos activity: Davos Klosters adventure park (summer: rope courses).

Pet-Friendly Framework

Pets are welcome on the route with preparation. In Germany and Switzerland, dogs must be on a leash in rest stops and public areas. Many B31 petrol stations have designated dog walking areas. The Rhine Falls allows dogs on leads. In Davos, most hotels accept dogs (often a surcharge of CHF 15 per night). Restaurants with terraces usually welcome well-behaved dogs. Vaccination records and microchipping are required when crossing borders. Bring water and a porta-pail for longer stops.

• Pet relief areas: at service stations Autobahn A5 (e.g., “Raststätte Schwanau”).
• Kennel alternatives: some Chur hotels offer pet-sitting services (book ahead).

Fatigue Management and Rest Zones

Plan breaks every 2 hours. Ideal stops: Freiburg (60 km from start) offers a stroll in the old town. Singen (after Schaffhausen) has a large shopping centre and rest area. Chur (before the mountain climb) is perfect for lunch. The Davos journey is not overly strenuous, but mountain driving requires attention. Use the “20-20-20” rule (every 20 min, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds) to reduce eye strain. Caffeine stops abundant: try a “Germknödel” (sweet dumpling) at a Black Forest café.

• Secret rest spot: Brienz (Brienz Rothorn Bahn parking lot) if detour via A13.
• Power nap option: most Raststätten have rest lounges (some require purchase).

Hidden Off-Route Spots

Dare to deviate. Near Radolfzell (off B31) the Mettnau Peninsula nature reserve offers quiet walking trails. Near the Swiss border, the ruins of Hohenklingen Castle (above Stein am Rhein) provide views of the Rhine. Between Chur and Davos, the tiny village of Küblis has a 17th-century church with medieval frescoes. Another gem: the Brandner Gorge (near St. Antönien) is a short hike with turquoise pools, less crowded than tourist spots.

• Coordinates: Mettnau: 47.7456° N, 8.9950° E | Küblis church: 46.9330° N, 9.7714° E.
• Access: Hohenklingen castle free, open year-round; 15 min walk from Stein am Rhein.

Natural Landscapes and Attractions

The first leg crosses the flat Alsatian plain, views of the Vosges to the west and Black Forest to the east. After Freiburg, the B31 winds through the Black Forest with dense spruce forests, waterfalls (e.g., Triberg Waterfalls), and panoramic viewpoints. Entering Switzerland near Schaffhausen, the Rhine Falls (Europe's largest waterfall) is a must-stop, especially in late spring when snowmelt peaks. The A13 then snakes through the Rhine Valley, passing the Liechtenstein border and climbing towards Chur. From Chur to Davos, the road ascends through the Prättigau valley, with alpine meadows, pine forests, and dramatic cliff faces. The final stretch over the Wolfgang Pass offers views of the Davos lake and the surrounding peaks.

• Top natural stop: Rhine Falls – 150 m wide, 23 m high; best visited May–July.
• Scenic picnic: Hinterstein (near Immenstaad) with lake views.
• Wildlife: chance to see deer, marmots, and if lucky, ibex near Davos.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Three UNESCO sites lie close to the route. Strasbourg's Grande Île (Old Town) is a designated site, featuring the Gothic Cathedral of Notre-Dame. The Black Forest area is part of the “Ancient Beech Forests” UNESCO site (though mostly in the northern part). Davos itself is not UNESCO-listed, but the nearby Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona (90 min drive) is a World Heritage site showcasing mountain building. The entire region is dotted with historic towns like Schaffhausen (with its painted facades) and Chur (oldest city in Switzerland, with a well-preserved old town).

• Strasbourg: Cathedral (free entry, tower €8).
• Schaffhausen: Munot fortress (free).
• Chur: Old Town walking tour – doable in 1 hour.

Local Commerce and Culture

Local markets abound. Strasbourg's daily market near the cathedral sells Alsatian wines, cheeses, and charcuterie. In Freiburg, the Münsterplatz market (weekdays) offers regional produce. Schaffhausen boasts a Saturday farmer's market. Davos has a weekly market (Thursdays) featuring Swiss chocolate, leather goods, and Alpine cheese. Cultural experiences: wine tasting in the Alsace, Black Forest cuckoo clock workshops, and Swiss fondue evenings.

• Souvenir idea: Black Forest ham (Schwarzwälder Schinken) from a local butcher.
• Artisan highlight: Swiss army knife factory in Ibach (near Schwyz, off-route but noteworthy).