When was Gerlos Alpine Road built?

When was Gerlos Alpine Road built?

Austria, europe

Length

120.7 km

Elevation

1,628 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Austria's Salzburg region on the Gerlos Alpenstraße, one of those epic Alpine roads you've always dreamed about. This baby was built back in the early '60s, and it's a 12-kilometer (7.5 miles) stretch of pure driving bliss, winding its way from Krimml to Königsleiten.

Now, hold on tight, because this isn't just a leisurely drive. We're talking hairpin turns – eight of 'em! – and some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting a maximum of 9%. You'll climb to a whopping 1,628m (5,341ft) above sea level in the High Tauern National Park.

The best part? It's open year-round, so you can experience the views no matter the season. Locally, it's called the Gerlos Strasse or Pinzgauer Höhe. Trust me, it's worth every penny of the toll to explore the alpine landscape and get up close and personal with the incredible 380-meter high Krimml Waterfalls! Forget that crazy climb to Kitzbuhler Horn with the insane gradients and skip the Radstadter Tauern Pass. This one is the real deal.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Austria
Continent
europe
Length
120.7 km
Max Elevation
1,628 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in europe

Road Trip Guide: Conquering Llauset Lake in Aragonmoderate

Road Trip Guide: Conquering Llauset Lake in Aragon

🇪🇸 Spain

Lago de Llauset is a stunning high mountain reservoir tucked away in the Province of Huesca, Spain, sitting pretty at 2,250m (7,381ft) above sea level in the Aragon region of northeastern Spain. Ready for an adventure? Start from Senet, a charming town in Lleida province, Catalonia, and prepare yourself for a 12.2km (7.5 miles) climb that'll gain you a serious 1,099 meters of elevation. You're looking at an average gradient of 9% — so yeah, it's steep, but totally doable. The road is mostly paved, though fair warning: it gets pretty narrow in spots, and the asphalt quality takes a hit as you climb higher. The further you go, the more dramatic and desolate the landscape becomes. You'll notice the tarmac getting rougher and more worn as you ascend. The final 1.5km stretches through a tunnel to reach the dam, but don't worry — it's well-lit and stays nice and straight, making the passage surprisingly smooth. Nestled in the Natural Park of Posets-Maladeta, this route offers absolutely breathtaking mountain scenery. Just keep in mind: winter's a no-go zone up here. The altitude and gnarly weather conditions make the road inaccessible from roughly November through April, so plan your visit for the warmer months if you want to actually make it to the lake.

Pozza di Cola Passhard

Pozza di Cola Pass

🇮🇹 Italy

# Passo Pozza di Cola: A Hidden Alpine Gem Nestled in the heart of Trentino in northern Italy, Passo Pozza di Cola sits pretty at 1,289 meters (4,229 feet) above sea level—and the drive up there is absolutely worth your time. Starting from the charming town of Sabbionara, you've got a solid 16.45 km climb ahead of you. Don't let that intimidate you though! While the road does pack an average gradient of 7%, it's totally doable. Just be prepared for some seriously tight hairpin bends and a few sections where the road gets narrow and steep—this is real mountain driving, and it demands your attention. The good news? The entire route is asphalted (thank goodness), following Strada Provinciale 230 all the way up. You'll gain a respectable 1,155 meters of elevation over the course of your ascent, rewarding you with stunning Alpine views as you wind your way toward the summit. This is classic ridge-line driving territory, taking you past Monte della Guardia, Monte Dubasso, and Colle San Bartolomeo. It's the kind of road that makes you remember why you love mountain passes—challenging enough to keep things interesting, but absolutely doable for any confident driver. Pack some snacks, bring your camera, and prepare for some seriously scenic elevation.

Malga Coltrondohard

Malga Coltrondo

🇮🇹 Italy

Hey adventurers! Wanna find yourself in the Italian Alps? Then point your GPS toward Malga Coltrondo. This mountain pass in Veneto will have you climbing to 1,892 meters (that's over 6,200 feet!). The road is paved, but hold on tight - it's super narrow and seriously steep. Be aware that heavy snow can shut it down, so check conditions before you go. The views? Absolutely breathtaking! And the reward at the top? A cozy restaurant and mountain refuge. Time for some pasta with a view!

The curvy road to Albula Pass is an absolute musthard

The curvy road to Albula Pass is an absolute must

🇨🇭 Switzerland

# Passo dell'Albula: A Hidden Alpine Gem Tucked away in Switzerland's Graubünden canton, Passo dell'Albula sits at a breathtaking 2,306m (7,565ft) and serves as the scenic gateway between the Albula and Maloja regions. This 39.3km beauty runs west-east from Albula/Alvra to La Punt Chamues-ch, offering a thrilling alternative to its busier siblings, the Julier and Fluela passes. The road's got serious history—it's been connecting valleys since 1865, and way before that, Romans and prehistoric traders knew this pass was the real deal for crossing between Lombardy and Austria. Today, a 5.9km train tunnel keeps the spirit of connection alive, whisking travelers through at 1,823m. Now, let's talk about what you're actually in for. This fully paved route is gloriously steep—we're talking 15% gradients in places—with hairpins, sweepers, tight rocky sections, and tree-lined passages that keep you honest. The narrow stretches demand respect and speed control, so don't rush it. Plus, the summit can get properly windy, so brace yourself for some dramatic weather. Here's the thing: most drivers blow past Passo dell'Albula for the winter-reliable Julier Pass, which means you'll have this gorgeous road practically to yourself. Plan on 50-60 minutes of driving, though honestly, you'll want longer to soak in the Alpine scenery. The pass opens June through October, so mark your calendar accordingly. There's even a hospice at the top if you need to catch your breath—literally and figuratively.