Mapping a Road Trip Through the Swiss and Austrian Alps

Although the spectacular Alps are most famous for their ski slopes, the mountains are easier to navigate during the warmer months. To best experience the finest cuisine and culture of the region, rent a car and set out on this fantastic three-day road trip:

St. Gallen

After flying into Zurich’s Kloten Airport, drive 90 minutes east to reach the charming city of St. Gallen. The compact hub of architecture and history is one of eastern Switzerland’s most prized destinations. Nestled between picturesque Lake Constance and Appenzellerland, the traffic-free old town takes you back in time. Tour the fascinating Abbey precinct, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and be sure to set aside some time to sample the local cuisine: The Confiserie Roggwiller is famous for its pastries, and the National Zum Goldenen Leuen tavern is housed within a 400-year-old building.

Bezau

Once you’ve taken in the sites of St. Gallen, hop back into your car and find Route 13. This will take you to Bregenz, a lakeside town home to the impressive contemporary art museum Kunsthaus Bregenz. The Alpine retreat (44 miles from St. Gallen) and its surrounding Bregenz Forest offer ample opportunities for outdoor recreation year-round. The idyllic landscape is truly unforgettable. Meanwhile, the architecture is just as attractive. Local restaurants like Engel serve hearty Austrian fare, unique shops sell everything from handmade wooden clogs to local cheeses, and various hotels and bed and breakfasts are waiting to accommodate you.

Feldkirch

Choose Feldkirch as your next destination, and you can hit Lingenau and Schwarzenberg along the way. The latter centers around a lovely main village square; its shops and restaurants are perfect for a pit stop. Travel 32 miles south on the A14 to eventually reach Feldkirch, the capital of Vorarlberg (Austria’s westernmost province.) Wedged into the Ill Valley, surrounded by soaring cliffs, the town epitomizes Austrian Alpine charm. Lively festivals celebrate the local culture year-round and on Saturdays, a colorful market complete with live music dominates the picturesque pedestrian district. Landmarks range from the historic to the modern; do not miss the medieval Schattenburg Castle or the Katzenturm, one of several towers within the ancient city walls that are still standing today.

Vals

After exploring Feldkirch, head back to Route 28 to pass through Liechtenstein and back into Switzerland, toward Maienfeld. The Alpine town is where the fictional character Heidi grew up. Heidi-Dorf (Heidi’s Village) is definitely kitschy, but it is also a unique tourist attraction—and a great one for those visiting the region with children. Looking for a more adult experience? Hit up one of the more than 130 vineyards in the area; the specialty is Pinot Noir. Next, follow the scenic Grosswiesstrasse Hintergasse To St. Margrethenberg, or simply follow the A13 south toward Flims. While it is definitely more popular during the winter, this town is equally breathtaking in the spring. Lake Cauma Park boasts spectacular hiking trails, and nearby Vals (7 miles away) is home to a world-famous spa: Therme Vals, within the modernist hotel. What better way to reward yourself after a jam-packed three-day tour of the Alps than with a pampering massage or spa treatment?