Timmelsjoch is the highest pass of the Ötztal Alps
Austria, europe
34.6 km
2,479 m
hard
Year-round
# Timmelsjoch Pass: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure
Ready for an epic high-altitude drive? Welcome to Timmelsjoch Pass (aka Passo del Rombo), sitting pretty at 2,479m (8,133ft) right on the Austria-Italy border. It's basically the less famous but equally stunning cousin of the legendary Stelvio Pass.
This beauty connects Austria's Ötztal valley in Tyrol with Italy's Passeier Valley in South Tyrol, winding through the gorgeous Ötztal Alps. What's wild is that this road is one of the highest paved passes in the Alps, and it's been connecting these two regions since the late 1950s—talk about a major engineering feat! The project took just 17 months to complete (May 1955 to November 1959), and it opened to the public on July 7, 1959.
Here's what you're getting into: the Timmelsjoch Hochalpenstrasse is a paved toll road stretching 34.6km (21.49 miles) from Obergurgl in Austria to Moos in Passeier in Italy. Sounds straightforward? Not quite. This road is seriously intense with 60 turns and 30 hairpin bends, plus gradients reaching up to 12.7%. Whether you're cruising in a convertible, tearing it up on a motorcycle, or tackling it by bike, expect an unforgettable ride and absolutely jaw-dropping Alpine scenery.
The pass typically opens daily from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm between early June and late October—this thing gets absolutely hammered by snow (up to 10 meters!) and freezing winds for the rest of the year. Plan on spending about 90-100 minutes driving, though you'll definitely want to stop for those incredible views of glacier landscapes, crystal-clear alpine streams, and dramatic rock faces.
All in all, this is one scenic, adrenaline-pumping mountain road you won't forget anytime soon.
Where is it?
Timmelsjoch is the highest pass of the Ötztal Alps is located in Austria (europe). Coordinates: 47.9030, 13.3197
Road Details
- Country
- Austria
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 34.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,479 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 47.9030, 13.3197
Related Roads in europe
hardHourquette d'Ancizan
🇫🇷 France
# Hourquette d'Ancizan: A Pyrenean Gem for Road Enthusiasts Nestled in the French Pyrenees in Hautes-Pyrénées, the Hourquette d'Ancizan sits at a respectable 1,564 meters (5,131 feet) and offers two distinct routes to the top, each with its own personality. **The Longer Climb from Campan** Starting from Campan, you're looking at a 22.6 km ascent that'll gain you 904 meters of elevation. It's a more gradual affair with an average gradient of just 4%, though sections do kick up to 11% to keep things interesting. The road—D113—is paved throughout, though it's definitely on the narrow side with some legitimately steep pitches. **The Shorter but Spicier Route from Ancizan** If you're feeling spicy, the Ancizan side is only 10.33 km but doesn't mess around. You'll climb 805 meters with a punchy 7.8% average gradient and max out at 12%—this one's definitely more intense. Same narrow asphalt, but expect your calves to know about it. **Cool Details** The pass has earned its stripes as a Tour de France climb, and the French have helpfully placed kilometer markers all along both routes. These milestones show you exactly how far you've come, how much further to go, and what gradients are lurking ahead—super handy for planning your pace. Whether you choose the patient grind from Campan or the spicy sprint from Ancizan, you're in for some stunning Pyrenean scenery with roads that'll test your mettle.
hardWhere is Lavazé Pass?
🇮🇹 Italy
Ciao, adventurers! Ready for a sweet Italian escape? Let's talk about Passo di Lavazé, a mountain gem chilling at almost 6,000 feet in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region. Tucked away in Val di Fiemme, in the northern part of Italy, this pass is easily reachable via the fully paved Strada Statale 620 (SS620). Is it worth the drive? Absolutely! Imagine panoramic views of the Catinaccio and Latemar ranges – pure magic. It’s a haven for summer hikes and a winter wonderland for skiers, especially the cross-country kind. Plus, there's a smaller road nearby that climbs even higher, up to Sela de Culac! The SS620 winds for about 14 miles from Cavalese to Ponte Nova. Generally, you can access the pass year-round, but keep an eye on the weather forecast during winter, as closures can happen. Big rigs, take note: articulated lorries and trucks with trailers aren’t allowed between the pass and Cavalese. The road is generally in good shape with moderate traffic, but don’t let that fool you—this climb can be a beast, with some sections hitting nearly 15% grade! Even the Giro d’Italia tackled these slopes, so you know it's a leg-burner. Get ready for a scenic and challenging drive!
hardGoldeck: enjoy a drive among the clouds in Austria
🇦🇹 Austria
# Goldeck Summit Road Ready for a wild alpine adventure? Head to Carinthia in southern Austria and tackle the Goldeck summit road — a thrilling unpaved challenge that'll get your adrenaline pumping. Starting from the paved Goldeck Panorama Road, you've got 2.3 km (1.42 miles) of pure mountain madness ahead. This isn't your typical Sunday drive — it's exclusively for 4x4 vehicles, and private cars aren't allowed. Over the ascent, you'll climb 180 meters with an average gradient of 7.82%, but buckle up: some sections hit a punishing 11% grade. Four hairpin turns will keep you on your toes as you navigate your way up. Perched at 2,110m (6,922ft) above sea level in the heart of the eastern Alps, this mountain playground comes with serious seasonal restrictions. Plan your visit between late June and late October — the rest of the year, heavy snow makes the road completely impassable. At the summit, you'll find more than just bragging rights: there's a ski lift (Gipfelbahn Goldeck) and a massive communication tower dominating the skyline. Whether you're a thrill-seeker or just someone who wants to test their 4x4's capabilities, Goldeck delivers an unforgettable high-altitude experience.
moderateA scenic drive through the narrow Congosto de Ventamillo
🇪🇸 Spain
# Congosto de Ventamillo: Spain's Hidden Canyon Gem Nestled in the Ribagorza region of Huesca, Aragon, the Congosto de Ventamillo is a stunning limestone canyon that absolutely deserves a spot on your Spanish road-trip bucket list. Seriously, this place is one of those jaw-dropping scenic drives you'll be talking about for years. The main route through here is the N-260 (also called A-139), a paved road that winds through the dramatic rocky gorge. Fair warning though—it gets pretty narrow in places, so take it slow and enjoy the views. At 6.7 km long, it's a short but sweet drive that connects the village of Seira to Castejón de Sos, serving as the primary gateway into the stunning Benasque valley below the southern Pyrenees. The real star of the show? The Ésera River carved this entire canyon out of the limestone over thousands of years, creating those incredible rock formations towering above you. It's genuinely spectacular scenery. **A heads up though:** Keep an eye on current conditions before you go. The road has been undergoing major renovations and improvements, which means periodic closures throughout the week or on weekends. Things can shift quickly too—rockslides and fallen debris are occasional hazards, especially while work is happening. The good news is that improvements should make this already amazing drive even better once everything's complete.