Driving the scenic Schlegeis Alpenstrasse in Tyrol

# Schlegeis Alpenstraße: Austria's Alpine Thrill Ride

Ready for a mountain driving adventure? The Schlegeis Alpenstraße in Tyrol, Austria, is exactly what you're looking for. This 13.3 km (8.26 miles) toll road takes you from the charming village of Ginzling—just south of Mayrhofen—all the way up to the stunning Schlegeis reservoir. Built back in 1907 and fully paved, it's been thrilling drivers for over a century.

Here's the thing: this isn't a leisurely cruise. The road climbs 806 meters in elevation, starting at 1,000 meters and finishing at 1,806 meters, with some seriously tight sections that'll keep you on your toes. Eight hairpin bends and four tunnels carved right into the rock face make this route genuinely challenging—even for confident drivers. Some sections narrow down to single lanes controlled by traffic lights, and those tunnels have a 3.6-meter height restriction, so keep that in mind. The steepest sections hit a 12% gradient.

The payoff? Absolutely incredible scenery. As you wind through the tunnels and tackle those hairpins, you'll be treated to jaw-dropping panoramic views of the Zillertal Alps. Waterfalls cascade alongside the road, and on clear days, you can spot the glacier. It's the kind of drive that makes you forget all about white-knuckle moments.

The season is short though—plan your visit between mid-May and late October when weather allows. Winter? Forget about it. But during those warmer months, this is pure alpine magic.