Strasbourg to Schladming Road Trip Guide

The A35 from Strasbourg to the German border crosses the Rhine at the old ferry town of Kehl, where in 1840 the first railway bridge connected France and the German states. Today, the drive from Strasbourg to Schladming spans 750 km through four countries: France, Germany, Austria, and a brief dip into Switzerland near Basel. This route is famous for the Black Forest highlands and the Alpine transition at the Dachstein massif.

Should you drive Strasbourg to Schladming? Yes, because the journey itself is a highlight with diverse landscapes and cultural stops. The question of how long to drive Strasbourg to Schladming typically requires 8-9 hours without stops, but you should plan for a full day with breaks.

The route is well-maintained with variable speed limits: 130 km/h on French motorways, no limit on parts of German Autobahn, and 130 km/h in Austria. Note the Verkehrszeichen 270 for speed limits in Germany and the strict Austrian 0.5‰ blood alcohol limit.

• Fatigue management: rest areas like Raststätte Sindelfingen (A8, km 385) with showers and quiet cabins, or the Autohof nearby. Use the 200/15 rule: 20 minutes break every 2 hours.
• Family stops: the Legoland Discovery Centre in Oberhausen (A3, off-route but great for kids), and the Salzburg Zoo (areal near Anif).
• Pet-friendly: many Autohofs accept dogs on leashes, and the Salzburg city park allows off-leash if controlled.

The main highways are A35/E35 from Strasbourg to Karlsruhe, then A8/E52 across Germany to Munich, and finally A8/A10/E55 through Salzburg to Schladming. The total driving time is about 8 hours, but you should factor in 1-2 hours for breaks and potential traffic near Stuttgart and Munich.

• Fuel costs: average €1.70/L in France, €1.90 in Germany, €1.60 in Austria (diesel). Budget around €90 for diesel one-way.
• Tolls: Only in Austria – vignette required for motorways (€9.90 for 10 days). No tolls in France or Germany.
• Best fuel stops: Aral station near Leonberg (exit 15, A8) for competitive prices, and Shell in Traunstein (A8, exit 111) before the Austrian border.

For the best stops Strasbourg to Schladming, use a route planner that highlights hidden gems. Learn how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities to enrich your trip.

From the Rhine plain to the Alps, the drive crosses three major natural regions. The Vosges foothills give way to the Black Forest, where the A8 climbs near Pforzheim. Then the Swabian Alb – a karst landscape with craters and caves – leads to the Bavarian plateau. Finally, the Salzkammergut lakes near Traunsee mark the Alpine entry.

• UNESCO Sites: the historic centers of Strasbourg (Grande Île), and the old town of Salzburg, both worth a detour.
• Best landscapes: the A8 between Ulm and Munich, with views of the Alps on clear days; and the A10 pass near Golling, with the Salzach valley.
• Local commerce: stop at the Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg (off-route) or at the Strudel bakery in Gmunden (Austria).