Suggestion on leisurely driving route from interlaken to Salzburg?
 

Hi, our family of 4 are not thrill seekers. We are taking a trip in June to Frankfurt-Colmar-interlaken-Salzburg. We intend to pick up the rental car in Germany and return it to Frelassing. We like the flexibility of a car and nice country sceneries but do not want the stress of driving through challenging high mountain passes or lengthy two-lane winding roads. Please advise if such routes exist between interlaken and Salzburg. We do not mind to drive via Germany if that is what it takes to avoid the difficult driving conditions. On viamichelin.com, the roads cross a lot of mountains. Is there any one faint hearted like me that has driven this stretch before? I will really appreciate any insight. Thanks a lot .

If you want to you can drive almost the whole distance on motorways: Interlaken - Bern - Zürich - Buchs, where you leave the motorway and drive on a major road for a couple of miles, back on the motorway in Feldkirch - Innsbruck - Salzburg.

It *looks* like it's over passes and through the mountains, but it's all motorway, very easy to drive. Keep in mind that you need the stickers for Swiss and Austrian motorways.

I don't mean to be rude but if you are that concerned about the roads why not go somewhere less mountainous?

I managed to drive a clapped out VW van with maybe 26 horsepower through the mountains of Switzerland and Austria without coming to grief 40 years ago. With better roads and modern cars today I think you're worrying needlessly.

The two-lane roads are very well maintained in Austria and Switzerland (and Germany) and we never ran into any traffic problems. You just have to be sure to stay within the speed limit in Austria as we saw a number of radar gun speed traps. The Silvretta High Alpine Road is a wonderful drive--I bet "high Alpine road" sounds scary to you, but it is really a very easy, beautiful drive. It isn't difficult, scary, or at all challenging--we drove it in late June of last year, and it was just beautiful and fun. Very little traffic, beautiful villages and scenery.

Thanks, Ingo, ParisAmsterdam, Yostwl for your insights and suggestions. I now feel more comfortable about driving in these areas. Thanks for the helpful information and reassuring comments. I can get the senseless fear out of my head now. You are great to help. Many many thanks!!!

Go for it! When you get back I bet you'll have a great trip report on the fun you had. Have a great trip!