How to do 4 countries in one day? Well, in Europe it‘s quite easy. After visiting 12 countries in just over two months I thought it would be fun to add a few more. While being in Graz, Austria and looking at the map I decided to drive back to Germany, south to Switzerland then through Liechtenstein and back to Austria. Done!
4 countries in one day
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Country no 1: GERMANY
The best way to drive to Switzerland from where I was in Radstatt Austria was via Germany and Munich. You can‘t beat the speed of German highways and I was looking forward to drive on a proper autobahn again. A quick stop to catch up with my brother near Munich and I continued on towards Lindau (sitting on Bodensee and closest to Switzerland). I stayed in a little village for the night and left early next morning heading towards my next 3 countries.
Country no 2: AUSTRIA
I love driving towards the Alps. The view is quite spectacular. I was in Lindau and therefore at the German/Austrian border in no time. I had to get through Austria to go to Switzerland. My first stop was the Austrian town Bregenz that sits right on the Bodensee (also known as Constance lake).
It is a beautiful area and a popular summer holiday destination. The Lake is touched by three borders: Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Bregenz is a cute little town. It was early morning so not much happening but with my big to do list for the day I did my 1 hour inner city walk and continued on.
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Country no 3: SWITZERLAND
Switzerland was only 30min away from Bregenz. I can‘t recall being in Switzerland before but it is beautiful. The countryside is gorgeous, the houses idyllic and the alps stunning. I avoided driving on the highway as I didn’t want to pay the road toll for one year (you can’t buy one for a shorter time period). However driving the country roads was a much better choice. I could see more of the beautiful country.
After driving for 1 hour I stopped in St. Gallen. It is certainly a cute little town with lots of idyllic buildings and a place that is worth a visit. I did not dare to stop for lunch though. Switzerland is known to be an expensive country as you might have heard!
So, 3 out of 4 countries in one day complete!
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Country no 4: LIECHTENSTEIN
While driving through Switzerland after St. Gallen I admired the beautiful country side. I call it the fields of green as the grass was unbelievingly green, in contrast to Hungary and the golden fields there (click here). Arriving at my 3rd border that day I arrived in the capital town Vaduz of Liechtenstein. Liechtenstein is a very small country (25km wide between Switzerland and Austria) that also has the alpine landscapes as well as medieval castles. Well, I think I only saw one right in the middle of Vaduz.
Vaduz is a very small town (perfect for a small country) and after a lunch break I was satisfied with my four countries! Goal achieved, 4 countries in one day! It was time to head back to Austria, stopping in St. Anton for the night. Such a gorgeous little ski resort spot.
Innsbruck
The next morning I continued on to Innsbruck which is the capital of Austria‘s western state of Tyrol. It sits beautifully surrounded by the alps and is a great spot for winter sports. As you can imagine I prefer it in summer (far too cold in winter)! The Old Town’s narrow and wide streets are surrounded by a mix of imperial and modern architecture that creates a nice charm for the city. Loved it!
Innsbruck was my final overseas destination on this Europe trip before heading back to Germany. I had to go up the mountains (and down) to get to Germany and Bavaria. My friends in Tutzing were waiting for me to join them for the German World Cup soccer game. Luckily Germany won that game.
Followed by a few days with my sister and her family in Nürnberg before finally heading back to my dads. My road trip through 4 countries in one day were complete!
And so, let’s say after 66 days on the road, visiting 15 countries and walking lots of cities, I was looking forward to do nothing for a little bit. Maybe!
My next adventure will start soon, so stay tuned for the next roadtrip through Northern Europe! xx
