Vicenza to Tübingen Road Trip Guide: Hidden Gems

The route from Vicenza to Tübingen follows the ancient Via Claudia Augusta, a Roman road connecting the Po Valley to the Danube. Today, it’s mostly the A22 and A8 Autobahns, but the historical thread remains visible in the watchtowers and toll stations.

Driving from Palladian Vicenza to the university town of Tübingen covers about 550 km, with a typical driving time of 5.5 to 6.5 hours excluding stops. The key question for many travelers is is it worth driving Vicenza to Tübingen — and the answer is a resounding yes, especially if you break the journey.

For a tool that helps you find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Infrastructure: the A22 has emergency phones every 2 km; Austrian A13 has SOS columns. Toll gates in Italy can cause congestion; use Telepass. Night illumination is good except in isolated Alpine stretches.

Family-friendly stops: Rofan Seilbahn (cable car) at Maurach am Achensee (5 min from A12). Kids love the Alpine Coaster at Imst (also near the route). Legoland Deutschland near Günzburg (exit on A8) is a 2-hour family detour.

Pet-friendly: many Austrian rest stops have dog relief areas, e.g., Raststation Zams. In Germany, the Wildpark Eriskirch (near Friedrichshafen) allows leashed dogs.

Fatigue management: ideal nap spots include the Raststätte Brenner (Italy side) and Parkplatz Sonnenbichl (A8 near Ulm). These have safe, quiet truck parking. Go to the bathroom, stretch, and rest for 20 minutes.

• Hidden off-route spot: The abandoned village of Gries am Brenner (under 5 min from A22 exit).
• Safety tip: Watch for wildlife crossing on A22 near Brixen.

Geographical shifts are dramatic: from the Veneto’s vineyard-covered hills to the Dolomites’ limestone peaks, then the gentle Swabian Jura. The A22 features iconic tunnels like the 13.1 km Plöcken Pass (actually a tunnel on the A23, but similar).

UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the route include theCity of Vicenza and the Palladian Villas (starting point) and theUlm Minster (tallest church in the world, less than 30 minutes off the A8). A short detour toNeuschwanstein Castle (not UNESCO but iconic) is 1 hour from the route.

Local commerce: stop at the Vinschgau Valley (Meran area) for apples and speck. In Austria, the Stubaital offers traditional Apfelstrudel. Near Tübingen, the Swabian Alb is famous for lentils and Spätzle.

• Best market: Bolzano Christmas market (if seasonal).
• Roadside stall: Kerschbaum farm near Linz (off A7, short detour).
• Authentic crafts: Woodcarvings in Gröden Valley (Val Gardena).

The drive begins on the A31 from Vicenza, quickly merging onto the A22 (Brenner Autobahn) at Verona Nord. This is the spinal cord of the route, climbing toward the Brenner Pass at 1,374 m. After crossing into Austria, the A13 follows the Inn Valley until Innsbruck, then the A12 and A8 lead into Germany.

Toll roads dominate: the A22 in Italy (€15–€20), Austrian motorway vignette (€9.90 for 10 days), and no tolls on German Autobahns. Fuel stations are abundant, but prices rise at mountain rest stops. A full tank in Vicenza costs about €70; in Germany, closer to €80.

• Key fuel stops: Brennerpass (Italia/Germany border), Innsbruck, Ulm.
• Fuel efficiency tip: Use cruise control below 100 km/h on the A22 to save up to 15% fuel.
• Rest areas: Every 20–30 km on Austrian A13; some with panoramic views.

Road quality is excellent: the A22 is well-maintained with frequent tunnels. The A8 in Germany is wide and smooth. Night driving is safe due to bright LED lighting on most stretches.