Silvretta High Alpine Road
Austria, europe
22.3 km
2,036 m
moderate
June to October
# The Silvretta High Alpine Road
Picture this: a 22.3-kilometer stretch of pure Alpine magic winding through Austria's Silvretta range. This toll road connects the charming Montafon valley town of Partenen with Galtur over in the Paznaun valley, and honestly, it's one of those drives that'll leave you speechless.
Built over sixteen years (1938-1954), the road climbs up to the Bielerhöhe pass—sitting pretty at 2,036 meters—where you'll find the jaw-dropping Silvretta reservoir. Seriously, this water is *spectacularly* turquoise, like someone spilled liquid gemstones everywhere. That surreal color comes from glacial silt, and it creates this incredible contrast against the grey granite peaks and white glaciers surrounding it. The reservoir sits right at the base of Piz Buin, Vorarlberg's highest peak at 3,312 meters, making for some seriously photogenic moments.
The engineering here is wild: 30 hairpin bends snake their way through a landscape straight out of a dream—glaciers, mountain streams cascading down, pristine alpine meadows. It's the kind of scenery that makes you want to pull over every five minutes to just take it all in.
Once you reach the summit, the Bielerhöhe becomes your launchpad for hiking and mountaineering adventures throughout the range. And here's the best part: while everyone flocks to Austria's famous Grossglockner road, this gem stays refreshingly under-the-radar, offering equally stunning views without the crowds.
Where is it?
Silvretta High Alpine Road is located in Vorarlberg / Tyrol, Austria (europe). Coordinates: 46.9186, 10.0928
Driving Tips
# Road Trip Tips
The toll road here is only open from late May through October, so plan your visit during those months. Once you get up to the summit, you'll find a really cool reservoir that's definitely worth checking out — it's one of the main attractions of the drive.
If you're worried about crowds, good news: this route stays way less busy than the Grossglockner, so you can actually enjoy the scenery without battling tons of other travelers. That said, if you're on a motorcycle, you're going to absolutely love the hairpin turns here. The road surface is really well-maintained, which makes those twists and turns a genuine pleasure to ride rather than a white-knuckle experience.
Road Surface
Paved asphalt
Road Details
- Country
- Austria
- Continent
- europe
- Region
- Vorarlberg / Tyrol
- Length
- 22.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,036 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Surface
- Paved asphalt
- Best Season
- June to October
- Coordinates
- 46.9186, 10.0928
Related Roads in europe
moderateDriving the scenic EM-508 Road through Serra do Açor
🇵🇹 Portugal
Cruising through the heart of Portugal on the EM-508 is an absolute must-do! Picture this: you're winding through the Coimbra district, with breathtaking views of the Serra do Açor mountains unfolding before you. This fully paved road, nestled in central Portugal, isn't for the faint of heart. Think narrow, curvy stretches hugging the mountainside, with a few spots where the drop-offs are, shall we say, *exhilaratingly* unprotected. The good news? You'll likely have the road mostly to yourself! Just keep an eye out, as landslides or winter weather can sometimes lead to closures. Spanning 40 km (25 miles) from the N-230 near Santa Ovaia to the M543 near Teixeira, this north-south route is packed with incredible scenery. And make sure you stop to explore Piódão, an ancient village along the way – it's seriously one of Portugal's prettiest, with its traditional slate houses. The whole area is famous for its Aldeias do Xisto (slate villages), making it a total tourist hotspot. Get ready for some serious wanderlust!
hardThe climb to Monte Zoncolan is even harder than it sounds
🇮🇹 Italy
# Monte Zoncolan: Italy's Brutal Alpine Beast Tucked into the Carnic Alps near Italy's Austrian border, Monte Zoncolan sits at a jaw-dropping 1,732 meters (5,682 feet) and absolutely lives up to its nickname—the King of the Carnic Alps. This isn't a gentle scenic drive; it's a full-on mountaineering challenge on wheels. The fully paved **Strada Provinciale 123** stretches 23.6 kilometers (14.66 miles) from the small village of Ovaro to Sutrio, cutting through the heart of Friuli-Venezia Giulia in northwestern Italy. Most drivers tackle this beast in 45-60 minutes of white-knuckling, gear-grinding driving time. What makes Zoncolan so legendarily brutal? The numbers tell the story. We're talking maximum gradients that hit a punishing **23%**—that's basically driving up a wall. The road features three tunnels and a dizzying 38 hairpin turns that'll test your nerve and your car's brakes. There's even a full kilometer section averaging close to 20% grade. Professional cyclists regularly lose their minds on this climb during the Giro d'Italia, and it's often compared to Spain's notorious Angliru. Though Angliru has a slightly steeper single pitch, Zoncolan's relentless gradient and sheer length make it arguably meaner. The asphalt got a complete refresh in 2005, so at least the road surface itself won't betray you. At the summit, a parking area and a monument to cyclist climbers await—a fitting tribute to anyone brave (or crazy) enough to conquer this mountain.
extremeHow to Get to Tan Hill Inn, the highest pub in Great Britain?
🇬🇧 England
Craving a pint with a view? Head to the Tan Hill Inn in North Yorkshire, the highest pub in Great Britain! Nestled way up in the Yorkshire Dales near Keld, this 17th-century gem sits at a whopping 1,732 feet above sea level. Picture this: stunning Swaledale scenery all around, and you, enjoying a drink in a pub that's miles from anywhere (almost 11 miles from Kirkby Stephen!). Getting there is half the adventure. The fully paved Regional Route 71 (aka Pennine Way) stretches for about 20.4 miles from Reeth to Brough. But don't let the "paved" part fool you! This isolated road, winding through desolate moors, valleys, and hills, throws some serious challenges your way. Think steep climbs, narrow passages, and weather that can turn treacherous in a heartbeat. Located right on the Pennine Way, the Tan Hill Inn is no stranger to snow, fog, and biting cold. This isn't a trip for the faint of heart, but the views and the bragging rights are totally worth it!
hardThe wild road to Bolafjall Mountain is subject to strong winds
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Bolafjall Mountain in Iceland's Westfjords is calling your name! Imagine yourself at the summit, a whopping 2,017 feet high, with views that stretch seemingly forever. Some say on a super clear day, you can even peep Greenland! Getting there is half the fun. The unpaved road, Route 630, is generally in good shape, but a 4x4 is your best bet. While you *can* technically tackle it in a regular car, be prepared for some potentially dicey moments if you need to pass. And a word to the wise: fog and mountain roads? Not a good mix. Stick to clear days for maximum visibility and zero white-knuckle driving. This epic climb is only open during the summer months (usually late June to early September), so plan accordingly. The ascent kicks off from the charming fishing village of Bolungarvik and covers 5.5 miles. Get ready for some steep sections (up to 10%!), and not a ton of room to maneuver around other cars. You'll gain a massive 606 meters in elevation, giving you an average gradient of 6.80% - with some sections hitting 12%! At the top, explore the former US radar station (now run by the Icelandic Coast Guard) and soak in the incredible views from the recently built viewing platform. Ísafjarðardjúp, Jökulfirðir... and maybe even Greenland will be at your feet. Trust us, this drive is one you won't forget!