Why this road
Two very different sides on one road. The Austrian side is wide and modern, with long sweeping curves above the tree line and the glaciers of the Ötztal Alps behind you. The Italian side is old, narrow and wild: unlit tunnels, tight hairpins and views straight down into the Passeier valley. At the top a small museum and several architectural lookouts tell the story of the pass. Very few drives in the Alps take you from high glacier country to almost Mediterranean warmth this quickly.
The route
- ASölden
Start in Sölden in the Ötztal and drive up the valley towards Obergurgl.
- 1Zwieselstein
A small village where the valley splits. Stay left towards Obergurgl and the Timmelsjoch.
- 2Hochgurgl
Just after Untergurgl the pass road branches off and climbs to Hochgurgl. Above it is the toll station with a motorbike museum.
- 3Timmelsjoch
The pass at 2,509 m on the Austrian-Italian border, with a small museum and lookouts on both sides.
- 4Moos in Passeier
After the narrow Italian descent with its tunnels and hairpins you reach Moos, a village perched above the gorge of the Passer.
- BSt. Leonhard in Passeier
The main village of the Passeier valley, already warm and green, with the road on to Merano or over the Jaufen Pass.
Stops worth it
Park at the top, visit the small pass museum and walk to the lookouts. The view south down the Italian side is the best moment of the drive.
Light and the best time
You drive south, so in the morning the sun is to your left and ahead. Start around 9 to cross the top before the afternoon clouds, which build quickly here. On the Austrian side the glaciers are behind you; look back from the top. The Italian descent faces south-east: in the late morning the sun is in front of you, in the afternoon the deep valley falls partly into shade, so midday gives the best view down into it.
The pass is usually open from about late May or June to October, depending on snow, and is closed in winter and mostly closed at night. Check the current opening hours before you go. July to September is the most reliable time. Summer weekends are very busy with motorbikes.
By vehicle
A favourite tour, often combined with the Jaufen Pass. The Italian side is narrow with unlit tunnels: take off your sunglasses in time.
Great open-top on the Austrian side; cold at the top. On the Italian side the tunnels are dark and damp.
Fine for normal cars. The Italian side is narrow, so give way where you can and use a low gear downhill.
A long, hard climb from both sides. The road is mostly closed at night, check the opening hours and plan your time.
Good to know
The Timmelsjoch is a toll road on the Austrian side, current prices on the operator's website. It is closed in winter and mostly closed at night, check the opening hours. The Italian side is narrow with tight hairpins and tunnels: not suitable for trailers or large campers, check the vehicle restrictions before you go. Fuel up in Sölden or St. Leonhard.
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 Timmelsjoch open?
Usually from about late May or June to October, depending on snow, and mostly only during the day. Check the current opening hours and status before you go.
Is the Timmelsjoch a toll road?
Yes, there is a toll on the Austrian side. Current prices are on the operator's website.
How long does it take to drive the Timmelsjoch?
About an hour of pure driving from Sölden to St. Leonhard in Passeier, more in summer traffic. With stops, plan half a day.
Can I drive the Timmelsjoch with a camper or trailer?
Trailers and large vehicles face restrictions, and the Italian side is narrow with tight hairpins. Check the operator's rules before you go.