Roads with a view: the best Alpine drives in Tirol

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1 Roads with a view: the best Alpine drives in Tirol Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road in the Ötztal Valley, Timmelsjoch Hochalpenstraßen AG With their countless hairpins, narrow tunnels carved into the rock and breathtaking views, Tirol s high mountain roads offer visitors the chance to admire this beautiful region from a new perspective. Those in search of driving heaven could do worse than to pay a visit to one of the many high alpine roads in Tirol. Taking in mountain peaks, vertiginous passes and even icy glaciers, these thin strips of tarmac winding their way up to over 2,000m altitude provide majestic views not often seen from a car window. While motorbike enthusiasts are drawn to the region by the many tight corners and hairpin bends, others come to simply enjoy the fabulous panoramas normally only enjoyed by those with sturdy hiking boots and a head for heights. At the top of the roads there are often attractions such as a boat trip on a high mountain reservoir, a cable car ride to a 3,000m peak, or a hike to one of the nearby huts. 1 Silvretta High Alpine Road: hold on tight!

2 At around 25km in length, the Silvretta High Alpine Road is a dizzying series of corners and hairpins connecting the Paznauntal Valley in Tirol with the Montafon region in the neighbouring province of Vorarlberg. The first section leads from Galtür 10km up to the Bielerhöhe, the highest point of the road at 2,032m. Here there are a number of inns and guesthouses offering good food and splendid views of the Piz Buin (3,312m) and the Silvretta reservoir completes with its own sightseeing boat. It is then time to head back down the other side into Vorarlberg, passing the Vermunt reservoir on the way. This is the part of road particularly popular with motorcyclists thanks to more than 30 corners in quick succession. The Silvretta High Alpine Road is open only from June until October (depending on the weather conditions). A toll fee is charged. 2 Hahntennjoch Pass Road: peaceful idyll between the Inntal Valley and Lechtal Valley

3 The Hahntennjoch Pass Road winds its way through the remote Salvesental Valley and the beautiful Bschlabertal Valley connecting Imst and Elmen. It not only serves as a useful short-cut between the Inntal Valley and the Lechtal Valley but also offers fabulous panoramic views. This narrow road is 29km long and has gradients of up to 19%. Its many corners and hairpin bends make it popular with motorcyclists, while the steep sections are a real challenge for roadbike enthusiasts. Leaving from Imst, the road initially leads through barren rock all the way up to the pass at 1,894m. As motorists cross over into the Bschlabertal Valley, the landscape changes to lush green meadows dotted with old wooden farmhouses. The pass road is generally open from June until October. However, vehicles over 14t and caravans are not permitted. 3 Kaunertal Glacier Road: drive to the edge of the ice

4 There are few roads anywhere which lead right up to the edge of a glacier. One of them is the Kaunertal Glacier Road. At 26km in length, it climbs 1,500 vertical metres via 29 hairpins from the village of Feichten via the Gepatsch reservoir to the very edge of the Weißseeferner glacier, where the Kaunertal Glacier ski resort begins. The road tops out at an incredible hight of 2,750m. As well as fabulous panoramic views, the road also features Austria s highest bus stop. Those who want to head even higher can take the Karlesjochbahn cable car to the Dreiländerblick viewing platform at 3,108 metres. This well-maintained road is open daily from 7:00 until 17:00. In June, July and August it remains open until 19:30. A toll fee is charged. 4 Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road: over the border into the vineyards of South Tirol

5 The Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road connects the glaciers of the Ötztal Valley with the vineyards of the Passeier Valley over the border in South Tirol. At 30km in length it is one of the most spectacular high altitude roads in the Eastern Alps and winds its way up to the Timmelsjoch ridge at 2,509m. Climbing no fewer than 1,800 vertical metres from bottom to top, it is popular with drivers and motorcyclists as well as ambitious cyclists in search of a real challenge. Dotted along the road are eye-catching architectural sculptures which blend into the landscape and provide visitors with information about the region s history and culture. The road is open daily from 7:00 until 20:00 between early June and the middle of October. A toll fee is charged. The road is closed to vehicles weighing over 8t and measuring over 4m in height. 5 Schlegeis Alpine Road: spectacular drive to a reservoir

6 The Schlegeis Alpine Road starts in the village of Ginzling to the south of Mayrhofen in the Zamser Tal Valley. At 13km in length, it takes visitors on a spectacular journey up into a high alpine landscape as far as the Schlegeis reservoir at 1,800m. The road comprises eight hairpins, four tunnels carved into the rockface and many beautiful vantage points with views of the Zillertal Alps. Some sections are only single-lane and regulated by traffic lights. From the 725m long dam wall visitors can see directly into the valley below. Guided tours through this mighty masterpiece of engineering are available. The Schlegeis Alpine Road is open daily from 6:00 until 19:00 between the middle of May and the end of October. A toll fee is charged. 6 Zillertal High Elevation Road: panoramic views above the treeline

7 The Zillertal High Elevation Road was originally built to facilitate the cultivation of alpine pastures for local farmers and the installation of avalanche protection fences. Today it is popular with tourists keen to explore the landscape above the treeline at between 1,700 and 2,100m altitude. Its breathtaking views of the Zillertal Valley and the foothills of the Tux Alps make it one of the most beautiful high alpine roads in Tirol. Dotted along the 20km road are many mountain inns and guesthouses serving food. A toll fee is charged for the Zillertal High Elevation Road, but the many access roads leading to it can be used free of charge. The Zillertal High Elevation Road is open between May and October, depending on the weather conditions. 7 Kals Glockner Road: climbing up to Austria s highest mountain

8 The Kals Glockner Road winds its way via many hairpin bends through the Ködnitztal Valley towards the majestic Großglockner, at 3,798m - Austria s highest mountain. The spectacular views of this towering peak which remains covered in snow all year round is the culmination of a memorable drive through high alpine surroundings. From the hamlet of Kals/Burg, it is 7km to the Lucknerhaus at 1,920m. This traditional hut offering accommodation and excellent food is a good starting point for hikes in the Hohe Tauern National Park and, in winter, ski tours far away from the busy pistes. The Kals Glockner Road is open all year round, but motorists must ensure they have the necessary equipment in winter. A toll fee is charged from late May until early October. 8 Pustertal High Mountain Road: Dolomite views on the sunny side of life

9 With its fabulous views of the Lienz and Sexten Dolomites, the Pustertal High Mountain Road is an unforgettable driving experience. The 30km road winds its way along the sunny side of the Hochpustertal Valley from the village of Leisach near Lienz to the village of Abfaltersbach. Along the way it passes through idyllic farming villages as well as two spectacular fortresses: Anras Castle and Heinfels Castle. Another highlight en route is the Assling Deer Park, which is well worth a visit. Between Leisach and the highest point in Kosten (1,441m), the road climbs more than 700 vertical metres. Little wonder, then, that it is also a popular training ride for local roadbike enthusiasts. Those who want to head even higher can branch off onto the Hochsteinstraße in the village of Bannberg and continue up to the Bannberger Alm at around 2,000 metres above sea level. The Pustertal High Mountain Road is open all year round. No toll fee is charged.