Why this road
This is the calm alternative to the big, steep pass roads. The Nockberge are a biosphere park: soft green domes, cows on the road, larch and stone pine, and long views over ridge after ridge. The road was built for the landscape, with sweeping bends rather than tight hairpins and plenty of places to stop. Two climbs and one valley in between make it feel like a longer journey than it is.
The route
- AInnerkrems
Start in the small ski village of Innerkrems at the northern end of the road. The toll station is just above.
- 1Eisentalhöhe
The highest point of the road at about 2,040 m, with a wide view over the round summits of the Nockberge.
- 2Karlbad
Down in the valley lies Karlbad, an old farmers' bath where water is still heated with hot stones. A good place for a break.
- 3Schiestelscharte
The second high saddle, also over 2,000 m. From here the road winds down through forest towards the Gurk valley.
- BEbene Reichenau
The end of the road at the south-east side, a small village on the way to Bad Kleinkirchheim and Feldkirchen.
Stops worth it
Park and walk a few minutes onto the ridge. On a clear day the hills roll away in every direction.
Stop at the saddle for the view back over the road you just drove, and for a short walk on the open pasture.
Light and the best time
You drive mostly south and south-east, so in the morning the sun is ahead of you and a little to the left, and in the afternoon it is to your right. Mid-morning is a good start: the hills are gentle, so the light is soft on the pastures for most of the day, and clouds tend to build later. In October the larches turn gold and the low autumn sun makes the slopes glow, best in the late morning and late afternoon.
The road is usually open from about May to the end of October or early November and closed in winter, check the operator's website for current dates. June brings flowers on the pastures, July and August are warm and busier, and late September to October is the quiet golden larch season. Mornings in autumn can be frosty at the top.
By vehicle
Sweeping bends, good tarmac and little stress: a relaxed ride rather than a hairpin fight. Watch out for cattle on the road.
Perfect open-top country: wide views, gentle curves and plenty of places to stop.
Easy for any car, the road is wide and well kept.
One of the few high panoramic roads that is comfortable with a camper. Take the descents slowly in a low gear.
Good to know
The Nockalmstrasse is a toll road, current prices on the operator's website. It is closed in winter and can close at night, check the opening hours. Cattle graze on open pastures along the road, so drive slowly. There is no fuel on the road, fill up in the valley. Several huts along the way serve food in summer.
Route checked against OpenStreetMap on 2 November 2026. Roads, closures and rules change: always check before you go and follow local signs.
Questions
When is the Nockalmstrasse open?
Usually from about May to early November, depending on snow. Check the operator's website for the current dates and daily opening hours.
How long does it take to drive the Nockalmstrasse?
About an hour of pure driving from Innerkrems to Ebene Reichenau. With stops at the saddles and Karlbad, plan half a day.
Is there a toll on the Nockalmstrasse?
Yes, it is a toll road. Current prices are on the operator's website.
Can I drive the Nockalmstrasse with a camper?
Yes, the road is wide with sweeping bends, so a camper is fine. Drive slowly on the descents.