Stratford-upon-Avon to Appenzell Road Trip Guide

The A3400 out of Stratford-upon-Avon leads onto the M40, starting a journey of over 800 kilometers to Appenzell, a car-free village in eastern Switzerland. This route passes through four countries and crosses the Rhine near Basel.

The drive takes approximately 9–10 hours of pure driving time, but wise travelers budget two days to absorb the landscape. The section through the Black Forest in Germany offers the sharpest elevation changes, from 200m to over 1,100m within 50km.

For those wondering how long to drive Stratford-upon-Avon to Appenzell, the answer depends on stops. Without breaks, it's a full day. With two overnight stops, it becomes a relaxed three-day journey.

Fuel costs vary significantly across the route. In the UK, petrol averages £1.50/litre, while in France it drops to €1.80/litre, and Switzerland sees CHF 1.70/litre. Toll roads exist in France and Switzerland; expect €30 in tolls from Calais to Basel.

Parking in Appenzell is restricted. Leave your car in the Dorfparkplatz (day fee CHF 5) or at the Sportzentrum (free overnight). The village itself is car-free from 8am to 8pm.

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

• Best fuel stop: Tübingen, Germany — near the A81, cheaper than Swiss stations.
• Rest areas: Aire de Reims (France) has clean facilities and a playground.
• Currency: Euro in France/Germany, Swiss Franc in Switzerland.

Motorway drivers in France and Germany respect strict lane discipline. In Switzerland, low emission zones require a vignette (CHF 40) for all vehicles. Speed cameras are frequent on the A5 in Germany.

Family-friendly stops include Europapark in Rust (exit A5, 30 minutes off-route), which offers a full day of rides. The Black Forest Open-Air Museum in Gutach provides interactive exhibits for children.

Fatigue management is critical. Schedule rest breaks every two hours. The rest area Brohltal (A61, Germany) has a walking path and picnic tables. For pets, France requires a microchip and rabies vaccination; Switzerland accepts EU pet passports.

• Child-friendly stop: Lake Constance (Bodensee) at Friedrichshafen — shallow swimming areas.
• Rest zone: Rasthof Ohmtal (A5, Germany) — 24-hour facilities.
• Hidden gem: The ruined castle Burg Hohkönigsburg (on the A35 near Saint-Dié) is a 10-minute detour with panoramic views.

The route transitions from the gentle green hills of Warwickshire to the dramatic limestone peaks of the Alpstein massif. The Black Forest section between Freiburg and Basel offers the most striking scenery, with the Rhine Gorge visible from the A5.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the way include the Old Town of Heidelberg (optional detour), the Strasbourg Grande Île, and the Benedictine Convent of St. John at Müstair (near Appenzell).

Local commerce thrives in farmers' markets. In Reutlingen, the weekly market (Saturday) sells Swabian Maultaschen and local honey. In Appenzell, the dairy shops offer Appenzeller cheese directly from the producers.

• Natural highlight: Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen — Europe's largest waterfall, just 45 minutes from Appenzell.
• Shopping tip: Buy Black Forest ham in Freiburg, not in tourist shops in Triberg.
• Cheese route: Follow the Appenzeller Cheese Trail (Käseweg) for tastings.