Der Epische Roadtrip 2023 - The Ultimate Driving Adventure through Austria, Switzerland, Germany and Italy.
After an unforgettable 2022 adventure through France, this year’s road trip set its sights on Austria, Switzerland, Germany and a little bit of Italy. The mission? A perfect blend of legendary passes and hidden gems, each chosen for their ability to stir the soul of a true driver. As always, this wasn’t just about getting from A to B as efficiently as possible, it was about celebrating the essence of the road itself.
The plan also included as many car museums as possible, diving deep into the heritage of automotive excellence along the way. Each route was handpicked, ensuring a balance between fast, sweeping roads, tight and technical challenges, and awe-inspiring scenery.
Day 1 – From Stuttgart to the Black Forest
The journey officially began at the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, a fitting launch point for a road trip dedicated to the joy of driving. With the group assembled and engines warmed, we turned our attention to the open road. We deliberately avoided highways, choosing instead the most engaging and scenic routes. The open plains of southern Germany gave way to undulating hills and dense forests. The roads became a driver’s delight—flowing bends punctuated by technical sections, framed by idyllic Bavarian scenery.
The drive continued south, following a mix of picturesque backroads and lesser-known routes, carefully chosen to balance driving pleasure with stunning landscapes. Along the way, we took a small but worthwhile detour to the Allerheiligen Waterfalls near Oppenau. Nestled in the heart of the Black Forest, these cascading falls drop a total of 83 meters, creating a serene and picturesque atmosphere. Nearby, the ruins of All Saints’ Abbey added a fascinating historical touch to the stop. The detour was brief but rewarding, offering a peaceful contrast before we pressed on toward the final stretch of the day.
As night fell, we arrived at the EOS Event and Conference Center in Allerheiligen. Nestled in a serene valley, the hotel sat amid lush greenery and rolling hills, exuding a tranquil atmosphere far removed from the raw energy of the day’s drive. But it didn’t take long to realise we were somewhat out of place; the hotel seemed more tailored to the alternative types—more focused on mindfulness retreats than horsepower. Adding to the surprise, there was no dinner service.
Despite this, the setting itself was undeniably stunning. Just a short walk from the hotel stood the ruins of an ancient monastery, its crumbling stone walls whispering echoes of the past. Wandering through the remnants of the Allerheiligen Abbey, framed by towering trees and bathed in the soft glow of twilight, added an unexpectedly peaceful contrast to the adrenaline-fueled day. Thankfully, salvation wasn’t far. A fantastic outdoor restaurant in a nearby town provided exactly what was needed—great food, a relaxed atmosphere, and the perfect way to cap off an intense day of driving. With the first leg of the trip behind us, we were ready for whatever lay ahead.
Day 2 – A Day of Mountain Passes and Swiss Serenity
Departing from Allerheiligen, we continued south through the final stretches of the Black Forest, following a series of twisting roads before crossing into Switzerland. The route led us away from main highways, taking in a series of alpine passes that defined the day’s drive.
The first major ascent took us over the Gotthard Pass, a high-altitude route offering tight switchbacks and open sections with stunning panoramas. From there, we descended briefly before climbing once again, tackling the Susten Pass, a technical but rewarding road that provided a balance of fast-flowing corners and sharp hairpins. Each turn revealed another breathtaking view of the Swiss Alps, reinforcing why this pass is considered one of the best driving roads in Europe.
The next segment of the journey took us over the Klausen Pass, a road that demanded full concentration with its steep gradients and constantly shifting scenery. The drive was a mix of fast straights and narrow, winding sections that tested both car and driver. Occasional stops allowed for quick breathers and to take in the dramatic landscapes before pressing on.
As the day progressed, the road descended into peaceful Swiss valleys, the rugged terrain giving way to smoother roads and meadows dotted with small villages. The final leg of the drive led us to Hotel Urirotstock, where a warm meal and well-earned rest awaited after a full day of tackling Switzerland’s finest mountain passes.
Day 3 – Across the High Alps with Legendary Passes and Glacial Beauty
Departing from Hotel Urirotstock, the route immediately immersed us in the heart of Switzerland’s most celebrated mountain roads. The day’s journey was defined by high-altitude passes, tight switchbacks, and sweeping vistas that made every kilometer an adventure.
The first major challenge was the Furka Pass, one of Switzerland’s most iconic roads. With its smooth asphalt and dramatic switchbacks, it provided an exhilarating start to the day. The climb offered breathtaking views of the Rhone Glacier, a natural wonder worth a brief stop, where the winding road seemed to disappear into the clouds.
From Furka, the drive transitioned into the Grimsel Pass, a route framed by towering cliffs and glacial lakes. Fast straights interspersed with technical bends made for an engaging ride, with every crest revealing yet another spectacular panorama. A short break at the historic Grimsel Hospiz allowed us to soak in the alpine serenity before continuing onwards.
The ascent to Nufenen Pass, Switzerland’s highest paved pass at 2,478 meters, marked the next milestone. The road’s demanding incline and tight turns rewarded us with sweeping views of the surrounding peaks. The descent opened into rolling valleys, providing a stunning contrast to the rugged terrain above.
As the journey wound down, we left the heights of the Alps behind and descended into Switzerland’s more serene countryside. The final leg of the drive led us to Hotel Reich, a welcome retreat after a day of pure driving bliss. A well-earned meal and the comfort of the hotel made for the perfect close to another unforgettable stage of the road trip.
Day 4 – Through Switzerland’s Alpine Giants
From Hotel Reich Through Switzerland’s Alpine Giants
Departing from Hotel Reich, the day began with a journey deeper into the heart of the Swiss Alps. The route led toward the Bernina Pass, a high-altitude route with sweeping bends and striking glacier views. Continuing south, the drive brought us to the legendary Stelvio Pass, one of the most famous and challenging roads in the world. The series of sharp switchbacks climbing to 2,757 meters demanded precision and rewarded us with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
The journey also included the Albula Pass, a lesser-known but equally stunning route that cuts through dramatic alpine scenery. The road offered a mix of tight hairpins and more open stretches, rewarding drivers with breathtaking vistas of the surrounding peaks.
The journey continued along the Gletscherstrasse in Kaunertal, a road that, while not the most technical, stands out as one of the most beautiful passes I have ever driven. The drive offered breathtaking alpine views, with glacial peaks towering in the distance. The final stretch to the glacier was a masterpiece of road design, blending seamlessly with the dramatic landscape. Upon reaching the top, we were treated to a rare and unexpected sight—a BMW 507, which had arrived shortly before us, adding an unforgettable highlight to the journey.
After taking in the scenery, we retraced our route down the Gletscherstrasse, enjoying the sweeping curves in reverse, before reaching our stop for the night at Hotel Weisseespitze, nestled in the valley at the foot of the pass. The day ended with a well-earned meal and rest, reflecting on an unforgettable drive through some of Switzerland’s finest mountain roads.
Day 5 – Through the High Alps and Over Timmelsjoch
Departing from our stay, the journey continued through the heart of the Alps, beginning with the Pillerhöhe. A lesser-known but rewarding mountain road, Pillerhöhe provided stunning valley views, offering a smooth, scenic drive through alpine meadows and forested slopes—a stark contrast to the rugged peaks that lay ahead.
The route then led us to the Top Mountain Motorcycle Museum, Europe’s highest motorcycle museum. Housing over 580 historic motorcycles and a collection of rare vehicles, the museum provided a fascinating look into more than 150 years of two-wheeled history. The 4D cinema and special exhibitions added an unexpected but welcome contrast to the day’s drive, making it a must-visit for any automotive enthusiast.
After taking in the exhibits, we resumed the climb towards the highlight of the day—the Timmelsjoch Pass, a high-altitude border crossing between Austria and Italy. Rising to 2,509 meters, the pass delivered a perfect blend of fast sweepers and tight hairpins, framed by dramatic peaks and endless vistas. The ascent was a study in contrasts—lower sections featured rolling meadows and gentle curves before giving way to a steep, twisting climb carved into the mountainside. Each switchback provided a new perspective on the valley below, rewarding patience with awe-inspiring views. Upon reaching the summit, the rugged landscape was stark and beautiful, a fitting reward for the drive up.
Crossing into Austria, the descent opened into wide, flowing roads that encouraged a smooth rhythm, offering a final exhilarating stretch before leveling out into the valley. The transition from the high alpine world to the gentler foothills signaled the approach toward the next phase of the journey.
With another legendary pass conquered, we arrived at Hotel Auren for the night. The experience was something out of Fawlty Towers—a mumbling owner who seemed permanently bewildered and a waiter whose level of incompetence was nothing short of theatrical. Despite—or perhaps because of—these quirks, we were thoroughly entertained, capping off an unforgettable day with laughter and a well-earned meal.
Day 6 – Conquering the Grossglockner High Alpine Road
Departing from our stay under a brilliant, cloudless sky, the day’s journey led us to one of the most celebrated driving roads in the world—the Grossglockner High Alpine Road. This legendary route, winding through Austria’s Hohe Tauern National Park, is a masterpiece of engineering and scenery, delivering an unforgettable driving experience.
The climb began with a series of smooth, sweeping bends that invited a steady rhythm, made even more spectacular by the crisp blue skies that stretched endlessly above. With the sun illuminating the snow-capped peaks and casting perfect shadows across the winding tarmac, the Grossglockner felt even more special—like a road designed for days exactly like this., allowing the alpine landscape to unfold around us. The road carved its way through the mountains, with every elevation gain revealing another breathtaking panorama. The crisp mountain air and near-perfect tarmac made for a flawless ascent.
At the highest points, the road offered commanding views of the Grossglockner. Along the way, we made a stop at the Fuscher Törl Car Museum, the world’s highest car museum. Nestled at over 2,500 meters, this unique exhibition showcased a collection of historic vehicles that have conquered the legendary Grossglockner road over the decades. In 2023, the museum featured a special Porsche theme, displaying an array of iconic models that had left their mark on the mountain pass. Seeing these legendary machines in such an awe-inspiring setting made the visit even more memorable. The mix of classic cars and alpine history added an unexpected but fascinating dimension to the journey., Austria’s tallest peak at 3,798 meters. The drive itself was a perfect balance of technical switchbacks and open stretches, blending challenge with sheer visual spectacle. Occasional stops at well-placed vantage points allowed us to take in the vast glaciers, rolling green valleys, and rugged peaks that define this high-alpine route.
The descent mirrored the thrill of the ascent, with flowing curves guiding us down into the valleys below. As the day concluded, we arrived at Hotel Residenz Hochalm – SKI IN – SKI OUT, our stay for the night. The hotel’s modern, industrial interior provided a stylish contrast to the rustic alpine setting, while the food was nothing short of excellent. It was the perfect place to unwind after an exhilarating day on one of the world’s greatest driving roads.
Day 7 – Across the Bavarian Alps via Sudelfeld Pass
Departing from our stay, the route took us through the stunning landscapes of Bavaria, where we tackled the Sudelfeld Pass. This scenic mountain road, nestled in the Bavarian Alps, offered a fantastic mix of fast, sweeping curves and tighter technical sections, making it a joy to drive.
Our first stop of the day was the Hans Peter Porsche TraumWerk Museum, a fascinating collection of classic cars, model trains, and automotive memorabilia offering a unique glimpse into the Porsche legacy beyond just sports cars.
After leaving Hans Peter Porsche TraumWerk Museum, the route briefly followed the famous Deutsche Alpenstraße, a historic scenic route winding through some of Germany’s most breathtaking alpine terrain. This stretch of road blended picturesque countryside with flowing bends, making for a relaxing yet engaging drive before transitioning into the climb towards Sudelfeld Pass.
The ascent was smooth, with well-paved roads guiding us through rolling hills and dense forests. The high vantage points provided panoramic views of the alpine surroundings, a breathtaking contrast to the previous day’s dramatic high-altitude passes. Traffic was light, allowing us to fully enjoy the rhythm of the road.
Descending from Sudelfeld, the landscape gradually softened, transitioning from mountainous terrain to gentler countryside roads. Before wrapping up the day, we made one last automotive pilgrimage to the BMW Museum. This world-renowned museum showcased the rich history of BMW, from its earliest innovations to its most cutting-edge designs. Walking among legendary race cars and iconic road machines was the perfect way to reflect on the automotive passion that had fueled this entire journey.
With another exhilarating day behind us, we arrived at Landhotel Gasthof Huber, our stop for the night. The evening was marked by great beer and even better schnitzels, the perfect Bavarian way to unwind after a thrilling day on the road. The trip was drawing to a close—but the roads we had conquered, and the memories made, would stay with us forever.
Day 8 – The Final Leg Home via the Mazda Classic Automobil Museum Frey
The final day of our epic journey began with a visit to the Mazda Classic Automobil Museum Frey. This hidden gem housed an extensive collection of Mazda’s rarest and most significant models, offering a fascinating look into the brand’s evolution. From rotary-powered legends to early classics, the museum provided a fitting tribute to automotive ingenuity and craftsmanship.
With the last museum visit complete, the road called once more. The final stretch saw us transitioning from scenic alpine routes to the more direct roads leading home. While the adventure was nearing its conclusion, the spirit of the journey remained alive in every twist and turn.
From here, the Autobahns did what they do best—blurring the distance between adventure and home.
The trip was over. But the roads? They never really end.
