How long is the Nockalmstrasse (Nockalm Road)?
Austria, europe
34 km
2,042 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Austria, specifically the Karnten region, and you stumble upon the Nockalm Road. Seriously, this drive is a must-do! Winding through Nockberge National Park, this alpine road stretches for 34 kilometers (around 21 miles) between Innerkrems and Ebene Reichenau.
Built back in 1981, it’s a toll road well worth the price of admission. Get ready for 52 hairpin bends (that's 104 if you're doing the whole loop!), weaving and winding through the mountains. The road's in great shape, so the curves are smooth, even with a maximum gradient of 12% in places.
Keep in mind, because it's located way up in the Carinthia's Nock Mountains, peaking at 2,042 meters (almost 6,700 feet) above sea level at Eisentalhöhe, it's only open from early May to late October. And a heads up for bikers: it's closed to motorcycles between 6 PM and 8 AM.
Trust me, it's worth planning your trip around the road being open! You'll be driving through Europe’s only national park nestled in high mountains, with views that stretch forever. The mountains themselves, the Nockbergs, are these amazing rounded summits, totally unique to the Alps. You'll pass through spruce and stone pine forests, and there are plenty of spots to pull over, snap photos, and just soak it all in. Plus, keep an eye out for the mountain huts serving up local Carinthian food! Just a word of warning, it gets pretty busy on weekends and holidays.
Road Details
- Country
- Austria
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 34 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,042 m
- Difficulty
- easy
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