Which route to Lake Garda?

[Lunar Keith]

Hi
We're towing the caravan to Lake Garda in August (crossing to Calais) but I'm unsure of which way to go either through Switzerland or Germany.
On the route planners the Swiss way is about 1 hour quicker and 60-70miles shorter. But the Swiss Vignette is very annoying for both the car and the van just to pass through. The German way you save on the vignette but spend a bit more on fuel and an extra hour. Which is the easiest route for towing a caravan ie the flattest. Would anyone recommend one over the other?
Also Michelin route planner seems to think I'll get there on £110 of diesel which would be a miracle.......
Many thanks for any advice.

 

[Jcloughie]

I don’t know. But we have been, I flew into Venice and hired a car. Garda is really wonderful. We can’t wait to get back by whatever means. But getting a bit far for me to tow now. Cant wait for the airlines to get themselves sorted.

Enjoy it, and don’t miss Sirmione and the cable car from Malcesine.

John

 

[Johnb]

From Calais I would be tempted to use the free Belgium motorways (popping into Luxembourg if possible for cheap fill of fuel) then into Germany and down to cross through Austria. Many miles of motorway following this general route and yes, avoids the Swiss Vignette issue.

 

[Lunar Keith]

From Calais I would be tempted to use the free Belgium motorways (popping into Luxembourg if possible for cheap fill of fuel) then into Germany and down to cross through Austria. Many miles of motorway following this general route and yes, avoids the Swiss Vignette issue.

We're visiting Ypres over the border in Belgium on the first day and overnight so this makes sense, thanks.

 

[Woodentop]

The municipal in Ypres (Leper in Flemish)- Camping Jeudgstadion - is a nice site and only 10 mins walk from the Menin Gate where the Last Post is sounded at 20h00 every night. During the day take the same route through the Gate into the middle of the city and have a wander. The CWGC have a visitor centre on the right a few tens of metres through the Menin Gate.

To get to Lake Garda I would suggest Belgium (through the Ardennes) to Luxembourg, then to Bavaria. There is a good campsite at Rosenheim. From there to Innsbruck and over either the Brenner Pass (free) or the Brenner Highway (toll) into Northern Italy and the Dolomites. Note that Austria also requires vignettes for both tug and caravan but there is a shorter time option than an annual pass in Switzerland.

Alternatively you can trudge down the east side of France and through the Mont Blanc Tunnel straight into Italy. You will then pass Lakes Maggiore and Como on your way to Garda. Ultimately it all comes down to cost.

Remember that in Germany you will be (legally) limited to 80kph although most caravanners get stuck in with the trucks doing 90.

 

[Lunar Keith]

The municipal in Ypres (Leper in Flemish)- Camping Jeudgstadion - is a nice site and only 10 mins walk from the Menin Gate where the Last Post is sounded at 20h00 every night. During the day take the same route through the Gate into the middle of the city and have a wander. The CWGC have a visitor centre on the right a few tens of metres through the Menin Gate.

To get to Lake Garda I would suggest Belgium (through the Ardennes) to Luxembourg, then to Bavaria. There is a good campsite at Rosenheim. From there to Innsbruck and over either the Brenner Pass (free) or the Brenner Highway (toll) into Northern Italy and the Dolomites. Note that Austria also requires vignettes for both tug and caravan but there is a shorter time option than an annual pass in Switzerland.

Alternatively you can trudge down the east side of France and through the Mont Blanc Tunnel straight into Italy. You will then pass Lakes Maggiore and Como on your way to Garda. Ultimately it all comes down to cost.

Remember that in Germany you will be (legally) limited to 80kph although most caravanners get stuck in with the trucks doing 90.

Thanks for the info, didn't know about the Austrian vignette, will take a look. I love how we have to pay a fortune to drive abroad yet its free to drive on British roads for visitors. Very generous.

 

[otherclive]

Thanks for the info, didn't know about the Austrian vignette, will take a look. I love how we have to pay a fortune to drive abroad yet its free to drive on British roads for visitors. Very generous.

I can understand Austria and Switzerland charging as given the size of their population they take a lot of through traffic, and the cost of their road schemes and infrastructure must be significant. For France I’ve regularly used their autoroutes some of which are toll roads, the advantage being that the traffic density is lower than on our motorways and I could cover longer distances more easily on our journeys south.

 

[Johnb]

Check out the vignette for Austria. No second vignette for caravan required and can be bought for 10 day, 2 month or 1 year time periods.

Whatever you do be sure to stick the vignette directly to your windscreen or risk a heavy fine. Ignore any who tell you they stick a vignette -Swiss or Austria on a removable surface - if they do it is not valid.

As for the Mont Blanc Tunnel. Used it years ago but would hesitate today towing a caravan. Worth checking prices and deciding benefits I guess.

My certain preference would be as I first posted - Innsbruck Bolzano, Trento.

You don't say where on Garda you will be stopping. The SR249 running on the Eastern side is fine with a caravan although there are "tight spots" and traffic can be heavy - it can be a slow journey.

You can, of course simply follow motorway right to the southern end of the lake.

The Western side SS45 is narrow in sections and can also be very busy. Doable with caution I would say. Quite a few tunnels and not an easy towing route. I've done it only once and wouldn't use the route again!

 

[GrizzlyBathplug]

Go Switzerland through to Italy, Mont Blanc tunnel, i have drove that route twice but not wiyh a van.
Roads & Autobarns no problem.

 

[Retro78]

Hi Keith, did you end up doing this trip and of so which route did you take? We are in the very early stages of planning a trip like this (decided last night) with two little ones with plenty of stops on the way.

 

[Jcloughie]

Hi Keith, did you end up doing this trip and of so which route did you take? We are in the very early stages of planning a trip like this (decided last night) with two little ones with plenty of stops on the way.

It would be nice to know. But don’t hold your breath, Keith has not been on since 8/22.

John

 

[Brasso530]

When we went last year,we did a couple of nights near Grenoble then directly through the frejus tunnel and Turin,Milan and onto Garda. The tunnel was about £60 I think.We went this route as we didn’t think towing over the mountain passes was a good idea/feasable.

 

[Retro78]

When we went last year,we did a couple of nights near Grenoble then directly through the frejus tunnel and Turin,Milan and onto Garda. The tunnel was about £60 I think.We went this route as we didn’t think towing over the mountain passes was a good idea/feasable.

Thanks for the info.

 

[Grey13]

Hi I am doing that trip in May 2025. This is the route I have decided on.
I will do one day from home, through Le Shuttle and about 100 miles in France. There is a sort of truck/car/caravan large lay-by parking where we will sleep in the van then on wards when rested. Those roads are all motorways and easy towing (so I'm told) Anyway I always approach long trips knowing things can change en-route so nothing will really phase us.

 

[Jcloughie]

Consider going via Belgium and Luxembourg, a long way toll free. A very long time since we went that way, but roads were quite good.

John

 

[Retro78]

Hi I am doing that trip in May 2025. This is the route I have decided on.
I will do one day from home, through Le Shuttle and about 100 miles in France. There is a sort of truck/car/caravan large lay-by parking where we will sleep in the van then on wards when rested. Those roads are all motorways and easy towing (so I'm told) Anyway I always approach long trips knowing things can change en-route so nothing will really phase us.
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Thanks, that's great info.

 

[Grey13]

Thanks, that's great info.

Actually changed my mind! Getting like the missus
Reason:
Don't really feel like towing in a two way tunnel for so many miles.
Secondly the views on this route are so much better, look up the Brenner Pass!
I have done the Belgium / Germany route before. Comfortable trip. (2023)
We are so excited about Italy, generally we just love visiting Italy although not sure there will be as much Lemoncello around the lakes for my wife!

 

[otherclive]

We did a part of that route down as far as near Stuttgart then headed off to Prague then Krakow. Nice roads and a decent drive.