We left our quiet Airbnb in southern Germany and hit the road with a map route, a packed lunch, and high hopes for some scenery. Our final destination was Appenzell, Switzerland -- but getting there was half the fun. We wound our way through parts of the Black Forest, paused at one of Europe's largest waterfalls, stopped by a soccer stadium (of course), and ended the day by pulling into a town that looked peaceful on the map, only to find ourselves in the middle of a massive festival. So much for a quiet arrival.
The Scenic Route That Delivered
There's something deeply satisfying about letting a map guide your way across Europe. Yes, we had GPS, but we also followed a Michelin Guide drive route, and it led us through a gorgeous variety of scenery -- rolling hills, small towns, alpine lakes, and mountain passes that made everyone stop talking and just look.
We made unplanned stops for snacks, for pictures, and once just to let the kids get out and run around a random field. It was that kind of day: easy, open, and full of surprises.
Soccer Stops Are Sacred
We couldn't drive through Freiburg without stopping at the SC Freiburg stadium. For the boys, seeing where the Bundesliga matches happen was a big deal. We walked the perimeter, took photos, and geeked out over signage. Even when there's no game, visiting a soccer stadium is like visiting a museum when your family's into sports -- it gives context to something they love, and makes them feel even more connected to the place.
The Power of the Rhine Falls
The Rhine Falls is one of Europe's most powerful waterfalls, and while it's not the tallest, the sheer volume of water was mesmerizing. We stretched our legs, took some photos, and let the sound of rushing water reset our road-weary brains before continuing on. It was just enough of a break to refresh everyone for the second leg of the drive.
Appenzell's Surprise Welcome Party
When we finally pulled into Appenzell, we were expecting quiet mountain charm and a slow evening. What we got instead was a crowd. A big one. Turns out we had unknowingly arrived during a town-wide summer festival, with live music, food vendors, and crowds filling the square. It was festive. It was loud. And it was just a little overwhelming after our long drive.
That said, it was also kind of perfect. We grabbed dinner, wandered a bit, and let the atmosphere wash over us. Everyone was in a good mood -- locals, tourists, teens on scooters, grandparents clapping along to music. It felt like the entire valley had come out to celebrate.
What we thought would be a quiet evening in a sleepy town turned into one of the liveliest nights of the trip. That's the beauty of road trip days -- you never know what's coming next.
Eventually, we made our way to our guesthouse just outside of town. It was cozy, quiet, and exactly what we needed after being dropped into the middle of the party. The hosts were warm, the room comfortable, and the mountain views a gentle reminder that tomorrow would be a whole new kind of adventure.
Practical Tips
- Use the Michelin Guides. Their scenic routes are incredibly well-curated and lead you through areas you might otherwise miss.
- Be flexible on festival weekends. Check event calendars for small towns -- you may either want to join the fun or avoid it entirely.
- Pack snacks and water. Scenic drives mean fewer fast food stops, but also fewer meltdowns if you're prepared.
- Stadium stops are a win for kids. Even 20 minutes at a favorite sports landmark can make the whole day feel special.
- Book lodging just outside the center. Especially during festivals, having a peaceful escape makes all the difference.
Where We Went
Planning Your Own European Adventure?
We know this route firsthand. Let us help you plan a trip your family will talk about for years.
