Vicenza to Davos Road Trip: Alpine Journey Guide

The ancient Roman road via Postumia once connected Vicenza to the Alps, and today the A31 and A22 highways trace a similar path, yet the real magic lies off the autostrada. This 380-kilometer route climbs from the Veneto plains at 39 meters above sea level to Davos at 1,560 meters, crossing three mountain passes—a vertical gain that rivals any drive in the Dolomites.

What makes this journey unique is the sudden transition from Renaissance villas to dramatic limestone spires. Within two hours, you leave the vineyards of Breganze and enter the Val d'Adige, where the geology shifts from sedimentary to dolomitic. The how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities approach works perfectly here: the best stops Vicenza to Davos are often the unmarked forest roads or tiny mountain chapels.

The most efficient route follows the A31 east from Vicenza, merging onto the A22 south of Trento. However, the classic road trip avoids the final autostrada stretch through the Brenner Pass; instead, take the SS49 east from Bressanone through the Pustertal Valley, then the SS51 over the Passo di Monte Croce di Comelico and into Switzerland via the Flüela Pass (H28). This adds 30 minutes but delivers unmatched views.

Fuel and toll costs: The A31/A22 toll covers 196 km, costing about €18 in a standard car. Diesel prices in Italy average €1.80/L, in Austria €1.50/L (but you skip Austria), and in Switzerland €1.90/L. Fill up in Italy before crossing into Switzerland—Davos fuel is 20% more expensive. The route has seven service stations with 24/7 fuel, notably at Trento Nord and Bolzano Sud.

• Total drive time without stops: 4 hours 45 minutes
• Recommended stop frequency: every 90 minutes
• Best fuel stop: Agip at Bolzano Sud (A22 km 84, cheapest in region)
• Alternative scenic route: SS47 from Bassano del Grappa through Valsugana to Trento (adds 40 min but bypasses A31 traffic)

The first natural spectacle is the Lago di Caldonazzo, visible from the A31 near the Valsugana exit. A short detour leads to the peaceful lakeside where swans glide among submerged cypress roots. Further north, the Val d'Adige offers vineyards draped across terraced hillsides—the historic wine road Strada del Vino runs parallel to the A22.

At Bolzano, the landscape transforms into the Dolomites. A mandatory photo stop at the viewpoint above Ponte Gardena frames the Schlern massif. The UNESCO World Heritage site of the Dolomites spans most of the route from Bolzano onward. The eastern section through the Sexten Dolomites near Toblach is less crowded but equally majestic.

• UNESCO Dolomites: Nine overlapping mountain groups, with the Fanes-Sennes-Braies nature park visible from the SS51
• Local commerce stops: Weekly markets in Egna (Saturday) and Brunico (Thursday) sell speck, cheese, and hand-carved wood
• Floral calendar: Mid-June to early July, alpine roses bloom in the Val Pusteria; in September, larch forests turn golden

The drive is safe for families if you respect the mountain conditions. The Flüela Pass (2,383 m) is the highest point; it may close briefly after snowfall even in May. Children will enjoy the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano (Ötzi the Iceman), a 30-minute stop from the highway. Many gas stations along the A22 have clean play areas and family bathrooms.

For pet owners, the Italian rest stops (like Autogrill at Trento Nord) provide shaded grassy areas for dogs. The Swiss section near Davos has designated dog walking zones at each Bergrestaurant along the pass. Fatigue management: use the three mandatory rest areas: Bolzano Est (green fenced rest, 20 min), Bressanone Ovest (panoramic benches), and Toblach town park (free WiFi and picnic tables).

• Hidden off-route gem: Lago di Landro 2 km south of Toblach—a turquoise alpine lake with hiking trails
• Cu linary infrastructure: Try strudel at Cafe Konditorei in Brunico; capuns (chard dumplings) at Berggasthaus Piz Buin on the Flüela Pass
• Road quality: Italian A22 – excellent; SS49 – good; Flüela Pass (H28) – narrow but paved; watch for livestock (cows with bells) in late June