Zell am See to Sion Road Trip Guide: Alps Drive

The road from Zell am See to Sion crosses the Hohe Tauern and the Swiss Alps, a route of 395 kilometers on the B311, Grossglockner High Alpine Road (B107) toll road, A10, A9/E55, and A9 into Switzerland. A historical fact: the Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse, opened in 1935, was built as a scenic route to boost tourism – it still serves that purpose, with 36 hairpin turns and views of Austria's highest peak.

How long to drive Zell am See to Sion? Without stops, the journey takes about 5 to 6 hours. But if you ask is it worth driving Zell am See to Sion, the answer is a resounding yes, especially if you take the time to enjoy the alpine panoramas and charming stops along the way.

For more tips on find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, check out this resource: how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities. This guide covers the best stops Zell am See to Sion, from the Grossglockner to the Rhône Valley.

Road quality is high on the Austrian side; watch for cyclists on the Grossglockner. In Switzerland, speed limits are strictly enforced by cameras. For families, Grossglockner offers the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe visitor center with an exhibition on glaciers and children's trail. Pet-friendly framework: many hotels in Zell and Lienz welcome dogs; the Grossglockner road allows dogs on leash at stops.

• Rest zones: Mautstellen (toll stations) have restrooms. Tip: use the Raststätte in St. Michael im Lungau (A10) for a break.
• Fatigue management: Plan stops every 2 hours. The Grossglockner has numerous viewpoints; pull over to stretch.
• Hidden Off-Route Spots: the Krimml Waterfalls (detour 20 min from A10), or the Saalachtal gorge near Lofer.
• Things to do between Zell am See and Sion: visit the old town of Lienz, the Gmünd cathedral, or the Swiss Science Center Technorama in Winterthur (near route).

Starting from Zell am See, you have two main options: the quicker highway route via A10 and A9/E55, or the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road (B107) which adds time but offers unforgettable views. The Grossglockner toll fee is €42.00 for a passenger car. If you choose the highway, expect tolls on Austrian (A10) and Swiss (A9) segments: Austrian motorway vignette required (€9.50 for 10 days), Swiss vignette (CHF 40 for 1 year).

• Fuel: Gas stations are frequent on the highways. On the Grossglockner, there is a station at the Edelweißspitze (highest point at 2,571 m). In Switzerland, fuel is generally more expensive than in Austria.
• Roads: Austrian B-roads are well-maintained. The Grossglockner is narrow with tight switchbacks, but paved. Swiss A9 is excellent.
• Parking: In Zell am See, paid lots downtown; in Sion, central parking garages. Along Grossglockner, designated pull-offs are free.
• Best time: Grossglockner is open May to October, weather permitting. For snow-free Swiss passes, June to September.

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is a highlight: views of the Pasterze Glacier, the Fuscher Törl, and wild marmots. The route crosses over 2,500 m, offering subalpine and alpine flora. As you descend into Lienz, the landscape changes to the Drava Valley. From Spittal an der Drau, the A10 runs along the Drau River before crossing into Switzerland via the A9/E55. The Valais region around Sion is known for its vineyards and the iconic Valère Basilica.

• UNESCO Sites: close to route: Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut (detour), the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch (visible from distance).
• Local Commerce: in Zell am See, shops for outdoor gear; in Lienz, farmers markets; in Sion, local wine cellars and cheese shops.
• Culinary: Kasnocken (cheese dumplings) in Austria, raclette in Switzerland. Stop at a Berggasthof on Grossglockner for traditional Kaiserschmarrn.