Driving the old military road to Schlusseljoch in South Tyrol

# Schlüsseljoch: A Bucket-List Alpine Challenge

Perched at 2,212m (7,257ft) in the stunning Zillertal Alps, Schlüsseljoch is one of those legendary passes that separates the adventurous from the faint-hearted. Known locally as Col della Chiave or Passo della Chiave, this mountain gateway sits right on the border between Italy's South Tyrol and Austria, bridging the Val di Vizze to the west with the Valle Isarco to the east.

Here's where it gets interesting: the entire 14.1 km (8.76 miles) route is unpaved. This old military track, built with strategic purposes in mind, isn't your typical smooth mountain pass. We're talking narrow, rough, seriously damaged surfaces with steep sections and teeth-rattling hairpin turns. If you're bringing wheels, you'll absolutely need a high-clearance 4x4—and even then, you might want to reconsider.

The drive starts near the village of Borgone on the SP508 Road and finishes at the SS12 near Terme di Brennero. It's slow going, demanding every ounce of your vehicle's (and your) capability.

**Fair warning though:** many high mountain tracks in South Tyrol are now off-limits to regular vehicles. Before you pack the car, check local regulations around the Sterzing/Vipiteno area first. If it's closed to cars, don't worry—the Schlüsseljoch has become a legendary (and brutal) playground for mountain bikers and hikers.

Also worth knowing: this pass gets buried under snow from late October through June, and there's zero winter maintenance. Winter driving? Not happening.