Zermatt to Davos Road Trip: Alpine Peaks, Valleys & Hidden Gems

Did you know that the direct driving distance from Zermatt to Davos via the A9 and A13 is just under 300 kilometers, but the route passes through two language regions and the heart of the Swiss Alps? The journey weaves through the Upper Valais, the Goms, and over the mighty Furka and Oberalp passes before descending into the Grisons. This is not a highway dash; it's a two-day exploration of Switzerland's most dramatic landscapes.

• Route: Zermatt (visitor parking at Täsch) → Visp → Brig → Furka Pass → Andermatt → Oberalp Pass → Disentis → Chur → Davos.
• Estimated driven time: 4.5 hours without stops; plan for 8-10 hours with photography, lunch, and short hikes.
• Key highways: A9 (Valais auto-route), then cantonal roads over Furka and Oberalp. The final leg is the A13/E43 along the Rhine.

Quick Reference Table

Mountain driving demands heightened attention. The Furka Pass has tight, unguarded curves with steep drop-offs. Keep your car in low gear descending to avoid brake fade. The road is narrow in sections; use pull-offs to let faster traffic pass.

• Rest zones: The Furka summit has a parking lot with picnic tables. Andermatt village has public restrooms and a playground. The Oberalp summit has a small restaurant (open June–October).
• Fatigue management: Plan to stop every 90 minutes. The drive from Zermatt to Andermatt is 2.5 hours of intense curves. Switch drivers or take a 20-minute break at the Rhône Glacier.
• Family suitability: The route offers several easy walks: the glacier grotto (wheelchair accessible), the green lake at Oberalp, and the Rheinfall Kaskaden near Ilanz. Car rental: book a sedan or SUV for pass driving; avoid low-clearance sports cars.
• Pet-friendly framework: Dogs are welcome on trails and most outdoor cafes. Carry a leash for pass rest stops. Many hotels in Davos and Zermatt accept pets; check SwissTopo's pet-friendly maps.

Hidden off-route spots include the Grotte du Rhône (a man-made ice cave inside the glacier) and the Tell Chapel near Silenen on the old Gotthard route. For a unique detour, drive via the Lukmanier Pass (open June–October) to see the Santa Maria Monastery, but this adds 1 hour.

Planning a Zermatt to Davos road trip requires attention to fuel strategy, tolls, and seasonal pass closures. Unlike the flat stretches of the A1, this route climbs to over 2,400 meters at the Furka and Oberalp passes, demanding a well-prepared vehicle and driver.

• Fuel stops: Brig (A9), Andermatt (pass foot), and Chur (before Davos). Gas stations in mountain villages are scarce; fill up when you see one. Prices are higher in resort towns.
• Tolls: Swiss motorway vignette (CHF 40) required for A9 and A13. Furka and Oberalp are toll-free cantonal roads.
• Pass seasonality: Furka Pass (Route 19) typically open June–October. Oberalp Pass (Route 19) is open year-round but may require snow chains in winter. Check ASTRA's road status before driving.
• Fuel economy: Expect 8-12 L/100 km on mountain roads. A full tank from Brig should last to Davos (~280 km) but top up in Chur just in case.

Is it worth driving Zermatt to Davos? Absolutely—if you love alpine scenery and don't mind curvy roads. The train from Zermatt to Davos takes over 6 hours with changes, while driving offers flexibility to stop at hidden spots. However, Zermatt itself is car-free; you must leave your vehicle at Täsch (visitor parking CHF 14/day) and take the train into Zermatt. This adds 20 minutes each way, so budget 30 minutes for the shuttle.

The drive from Zermatt to Davos is a crash course in Swiss geography: from the high peaks of the Valais to the rugged Rhine Gorge and the expansive Grisons. Each valley offers distinct natural attractions and local produce.

• Furka Pass: The switchbacks reveal the Rhône Glacier, one of the sources of the Rhône River. Pull over at the Belvedere Hotel (closed winter) for a short walk to the glacier ice grotto.
• Oberalp Pass: At 2,044 meters, this pass offers panoramic views of the Gotthard massif and the source of the Rhine. The small lake at the top (Lake Oberalp) is perfect for a quick picnic.
• Rhine Gorge (Swiss Grand Canyon): Between Ilanz and Chur, the Rhine cuts through a narrow limestone gorge. Hike the Ruinaulta trail for a bird's-eye view.

Local commerce thrives at these altitudes. In Brig, stock up on Valaisian dry cured meat (Bündnerfleisch) and rye bread (Roggenbrot). At Andermatt, try the Alpkäse (mountain cheese) from local dairies. In Davos, the Saturday market offers grappa, honey, and wood-carved souvenirs. For a deeper dive on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, check Wayro's blog for curated detours.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

This route touches two UNESCO sites. The first is the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch (though slightly off-route near Brig). The second is the Rhaetian Railway in the Albula/Bernina Landscapes, which you can experience in Chur or the Landwasser Valley. The Landwasser Viaduct, a stunning curved stone bridge, is visible from the A13 near Schmitten. Consider a 30-minute detour to Filisur for the iconic train photo.