
Where is Arlberg Pass?
Austria, europe
13.2 km
1,804 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! We're heading to Austria for a spin on the legendary Arlberg Pass!
This high-altitude beauty sits way up at 1,804 meters (that's nearly 6,000 feet!). You'll find it nestled between Vorarlberg and Tyrol, right in western Austria.
The original road dates way back to 1787, spruced up with a surface in 1824! Don't worry, though, it's totally paved these days – Federal Highway B 197 to be exact. Expect a smooth ride with plenty of moderate curves and some seriously fun hairpin turns as you climb the western side. Be warned, some sections are pretty steep, with gradients hitting up to 13%!
The pass itself stretches for about 13.2 kilometers (around 8.2 miles) between Stuben am Arlberg and St. Anton am Arlberg. At the summit, you’ll find a café-bar and a large parking lot, perfect for soaking in the views.
Perched high in the Rhaetian Alps, this road is generally open year-round, so you can experience its beauty no matter the season!
Road Details
- Country
- Austria
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 13.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,804 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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