Route from Germany to Austria
Has any member travelled (towing 'van) down the A7 (Germany) to Fussen then onto the N179/189 to join the A12 to Innsbruck? What's the roads like and are there any very steep hills? Any info will be appreciated.
Moderator Comment - Moved from the Story Section as more likely to be seen in the discussion area.
Comments
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It means crossing the Alps, so of course there are hills - but they are not very steep, the road is wide and modern and much improved. If you type Fern Pass with caravan in your internet search box you find many reassuring comments about it on all sorts of forums. You need not worry.
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So it seems you are going over the Fern Pass? We have used it several times and gradient wise it is fine although a bit twisty in places. On more recent trips we we have turned onto the 189 towards Telfs and then, at Krebsbach taken the road down to Motz to join the A12 to Innsbruck there. The early stages of the 189 (after you leave the Fern Pass road) has been improved and the steeper section now has two lanes so you shouldn't get bulked by slow moving vehicles. Should be fine if you have a reasonable power to weight ratio. Many years ago caravans were discourage from this road but since the improvements they have been allowed. The road down to Motz has quite a decline from from the 189 but perfectly doable. If you are heading for Natterer See just familiarise with the final departure off the motorway before heading off to Natters.
David
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By the way, I hope you realise that entry to Austria is prohibited at the moment for visitors from the UK because of the Austrian government’s Covid regulations.
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Have done the route many times both ways without any problems. The gradients are fine. There is of course an alternative route from the Fern Pass into Italy; instead of going to Innsbruck, turn West towards Landeck then use the Reichenpasse into Italy. This route is Toll free and again no problems. Fill up with fuel in Austria where it is much cheaper than in Italy. The only drawback is the lack of stopping places for a break. Like AD's route back via the Arlberg tunnel, might try it next time (May/June next year hopefully).
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Travelled the very same route, in both directions, towing an 8’ wide caravan on numerous occasions. The roads are fantastic tbh and the Ferne Pass is fine with stunning scenery and a few tight bends, but nothing to worry about. When you’re allowed back in, don’t forget your vignette 👍
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I seem to recall the Arlberg Tunnel was two way so quite claustrophobic if you don't like tunnels!!! It is nearly 9 miles long and has a toll which is only about €10 or so. It does have emergency stopping places at regular intervals. We used it en route from Imst to the Bodensee in Germany.
I am not sure if the OP has seen this information as he originally posted in the Story Section.
David
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Glad you found where your post had been moved to. If you have not toured before in Germany and Austria you will love it.
David
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We used the Fern Pass enroute to Italy and wanting to avoid having to use a GoBox, our companions MH would have required it, we continued on via the Reina Pass.
So long as you go via Landeck town and not the Landecker Tunnel, which requires the vignette, it was completely toll free.
We found it a very enjoyable scenic drive within no issues and it also avoids a lot of Italian motorway where you cannot overtake if towing.
An added bonus was discovering Camping Aktiv at Prutz with an overnight turning into a 4 night stay.
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As allanandjean have said the Reichenpasse/Fern Pass route is toll and vignette free. Care you do not use the Landeck Tunnel, I did by mistake once but luckily no problems
. Just follow signs for Landeck and go through the town, no problems and well signed. There is a shortage of stopping places on the Reicenpasse; there is one by some lakes (the only ones so you will know when you are there!) near the top with lovely views and another as you descend by a memorial. I can endorse that it is a scenic drive. Not used Camping Aktiv at Prutz will research and may well use it - thanks for the tip. Forgot to add, make sure you fill up in Austria before you enter Italy! 0 -
Activ Camping Prutz http://www.davidklyne.co.uk/active_camping_prutz.html Fuel and a nice SPAR in the village on the other side of the river.
David
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From that site at Prutz or from others further up the Engadine / River Inn valley (it’s quickly into Switzerland without the need for vignettes) you can easily reachSt Moritz and the lakes and scenery around, or there’s the cute duty free shopping zone up in the hills at Samnaun -a mini Andorra but not so tacky.
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If anyone is tempted to stay we can thoroughly recommend a trip up the Kaunertaller Glacier to a height of 2750m.
Its a toll road but we felt it well worth the, €23, price for a unique experience.
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