Brenner Pass is the lowest Alpine pass
Austria, europe
49.1 km
1,370 m
moderate
Year-round
# Brenner Pass
Want to tackle one of Europe's most historic mountain crossings? The Brenner Pass sits pretty at 1,370m (4,495ft) on the Italian-Austrian border, connecting South Tyrol's Bolzano province with Austria's Innsbruck district. This isn't just any mountain road—it's been a major gateway between northern Europe and Italy since ancient times.
The journey spans 49.1km (30.5 miles) from Sterzing in Italy to Innsbruck, Austria, along the fully paved E45 route (marked as A22 in Italy and A13 in Austria). Built back in the 1830s-40s as a four-lane motorway, this is one of Europe's crucial north-south arteries, so expect plenty of company on the road. Some sections get pretty steep, with gradients reaching up to 10.7%, so keep your wits about you through those hairpin sections.
The good news? Being the lowest Alpine pass in the region means you can typically drive it year-round. It's situated in the spectacular Eastern Alpine range, offering paved roads all the way to the top. Just remember: this is a major thoroughfare, so traffic can be heavy—but that's the price you pay for accessing one of history's most important mountain passages. Ready to cross into Austria?
Where is it?
Brenner Pass is the lowest Alpine pass is located in Austria (europe). Coordinates: 47.2851, 13.5983
Road Details
- Country
- Austria
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 49.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,370 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 47.2851, 13.5983
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