
Silvretta High Alpine Road is the Dream Road of the Alps
Austria, europe
22.3 km
2,071 m
moderate
Year-round
# Silvretta Hochalpenstraße: Austria's Alpine Dream Drive
If you're looking for one of the most jaw-dropping scenic drives in the Austrian Alps, the Silvretta Hochalpenstraße is basically the stuff of road trip dreams. This legendary 22.3 km route is famous for a reason—it's absolutely stunning.
The road winds its way through the Silvretta Alps from Partenen in Montafon (starting at 1,051m) all the way up to the Bielerhöhe summit at a whopping 2,071 meters, then descends into Galtür. You'll navigate 34 hairpin bends that switchback through the landscape like a perfectly drawn spiral. With gradients of 10-12% (dropping to 5% on the hairpin sections), this isn't a leisurely cruise—it's an exhilarating ride.
The crown jewel? Piz Buin Peak looming at 3,312 meters, the highest mountain in Tirol's Silvretta Range. Your best photo ops? Snap away between hairpin bends 22 and 23. Around 400,000 visitors tackle this road annually, and it's easy to see why.
**Planning your visit:** The road is fully paved and open June through October (weather permitting), so timing matters. You'll need to pay a toll at either entrance, and heads up—trailers aren't allowed, there's a night parking ban, and tour buses are capped at 13.8 meters. Keep it to 70 km/h and expect regular speed checks.
Once you hit Bielerhöhe, you'll find restaurants and walking trails around the alpine lake, plus a hydroelectric dam adding to the dramatic landscape. Whether you're seeking mountain views, hiking adventures, or just want to test your driving skills on one of Europe's most thrilling roads, this is it.
Where is it?
Silvretta High Alpine Road is the Dream Road of the Alps is located in Austria (europe). Coordinates: 47.5479, 13.2649
Road Details
- Country
- Austria
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 22.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,071 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 47.5479, 13.2649
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