
Where is the Kaunertal Glacier Road?
Austria, europe
26 km
1,273 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: the Kaunertal Glacier Road, snaking its way up to a staggering 2,750 meters (that's over 9,000 feet!). You'll find this beast in the Austrian Tyrol, near the Italian border, just south of Landeck.
Built back in 1980 to let everyone experience the magic of glaciers, this road is a 26-kilometer ribbon of asphalt that starts in Feichten at 1,273 meters. Prepare for 29 hairpin turns as you climb a whopping 1,500 meters!
Yeah, it's steep, averaging a 10% gradient with spikes hitting 12%. But trust me, the views are SO worth it. This isn't just a road; it's an engineering marvel that feels like you're leaving the world behind. Plus, info panels along the way spill secrets about the local nature, history, and culture.
Give yourself about an hour to soak it all in. Oh, and pro tip: if you're skiing, the toll road is free! The road’s open from 7am to 7:30pm during the summer months (June, July and August) and 7am to 5pm in all other months. Seriously, this road is an Austrian alpine experience you won't forget.
Road Details
- Country
- Austria
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 26 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,273 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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