Zillertal High Alpine Road is one of the best mountain roads of Austria

# Zillertaler Höhenstraße: Austria's Alpine Gem

Want to experience one of Austria's most breathtaking mountain drives? Head to Tyrol in western Austria for the Zillertaler Höhenstraße—a spectacular 50 km (31 miles) alpine route that'll have you gripping the steering wheel in awe (and maybe a little nervous excitement).

Built back in 1963 as a working road for farmers tending Alpine pastures, this scenic beauty was eventually opened to the public because, well, it's absolutely stunning. Today, it's a fully paved toll road that winds its way up to Arbisjochkopf at 2,133m (6,998ft), climbing a total of 1,400m in elevation.

You've got five different entry points depending on where you're coming from—Ried, Kaltenbach, Aschau, Zellberg, or Hippach (the most remote village in the Ziller Valley). Buses up to 10.5 meters can navigate the route, though honestly, this isn't a place to rush.

And here's why: hairpin turns, narrow stretches, blind corners, and sections with steep 20% gradients mean you'll be taking this one slowly and carefully. But that's actually perfect, because the views of the Zillertal Alps are absolutely worth savoring. Every turn reveals another panoramic vista that'll make you wish you had more hands to take photos.

You can tackle this adventure from mid-May through late October, depending on snow conditions. It's genuinely one of those unforgettable drives that every mountain road enthusiast should experience.