Volterra to Krems an der Donau Road Trip Guide

The road from Volterra (43.4019° N, 10.8670° E) to Krems an der Donau (48.4100° N, 15.6010° E) is an 850-kilometer odyssey that crosses the Apennines, the Po Valley, the Alps via the Brenner Pass (1,374 m), and the Danube Valley. A fact that surprises many: the Brenner route has been used since Roman times as part of the Via Claudia Augusta, and today's A22/E45 autostrada is built directly over that ancient gravel path. The drive, excluding stops, takes about 8.5 hours, but you should allocate at least two full days to savor it.

Route Overview at a Glance

Road quality is excellent throughout, but beware of single-lane sections on the Brenner A22 between Brixen and the pass. In winter, snow chains may be mandatory (check at how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities). For families, the stop at Parco Natura Viva (near Verona, exit Affi) offers a safari park and dinosaur exhibition. Pet-friendly stops include the Autogrill 'Pavesi' on A1 near Piacenza, with dedicated grassy areas.

Fatigue Management Tips

• Stop every 2 hours or 200 km: recommended points – Modena Nord (A1), Bolzano Sud (A22), and St. Pölten (A1).
• Use rest areas with cafes and short walking paths; the 'Autobahnraststätte' in Innsbruck has a panoramic terrace.
• If drowsy, pull into a truck stop for a 20-minute nap – never on the hard shoulder.

This route is one of the best-served in Europe, with fuel stations every 20–30 km on motorways. In Italy, petrol costs around €1.90/litre (as of April 2025), while in Austria it's slightly cheaper at €1.50. For electric vehicles, fast-chargers (Ionity, Enel X) are available at most autogrill stops. To optimize fuel economy, use cruise control on the flat Po Valley stretches and keep speed below 130 km/h.

Fuel and Cost Comparison

The journey transitions from the clay-rich balze of Volterra (unique erosion formations) to the lush Apennine forests of the Riserva Naturale di Sassoguidano, then to the endless vineyards of the Po Valley. After crossing the Brenner, the scenery shifts to Alpine meadows and, finally, the terraced Wachau vineyards (a UNESCO landscape) near Krems.

• Best natural stop 1: Passo della Raticosa (1,100 m) on SS65 – panoramic views of the Apennines.
• Best natural stop 2: Lago di Caldaro (South Tyrol) – a turquoise lake perfect for a swim in summer.
• UNESCO note: The Wachau Valley between Melk and Krems is a UNESCO Cultural Landscape; don't miss the ruined castle of Aggstein.