The Kaunertal Glacier Road leads right into the high mountains and is one of the most beautiful panoramic roads in the Alps. In just under an hour's drive, Tyrol holidaymakers can experience all levels of vegetation here, from lush alpine pastures to the edge of the Eternal Ice.
People were already travelling in the Ötztal Alps on the Kaunertal Glacier Road in the Middle Ages. At that time, a pilgrimage route led from the pilgrimage site of Kaltenbrunn in Tyrol, Austria to Melagg in South Tyrol, Italy. Today, the road is asphalted and the journey is much less arduous. 150,000 Tyrol holidaymakers and excursionists enjoy this comfort every year by car, bus, bicycle or motorbike. We include the Kaunertal Glacier Road on our list of the top 10 sights in the Imst-Pitztal-Kaunertal Glacier Park.
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Pictures: Kaunertal Glacier Road
Photo gallery: Kaunertal Glacier Road in Tyrol
Opening hours of the Kaunertal Glacier Road
The Kaunertal Glacier Road, which is subject to tolls, is open all year round, but from October to March it is only recommended to use winter-suitable vehicles equipped with winter tyres and snow chains. There is a ban on driving at night, which starts at 5 p.m. and is only moved to 7:30 p.m. in June, July and August.
On the way on the Kaunertal Glacier Road
The Kaunertal Glacier Road starts in Feichten in Kaunertal at 1278 metres above sea level. There are 29 hairpin bends and almost 1,500 metres of altitude difference to overcome along the excellently constructed road. The maintenance of the well-maintained panoramic road costs around 680,000 euros annually.
After 26 kilometres and about 50 minutes by car, you arrive at 2,750 metres above sea level directly at the mighty Weißseeferner. Here you can already see the first foothills of the shimmering blue-white Kaunertal Glacier.
Rugged landscape of the Kaunertal
It was also the power of the glaciers that once shaped the Kaunertal valley. Since its retreat, a fascinating natural landscape lies here that is still constantly changing. Along the Kaunertal Glacier Road, travellers encounter all the vegetation stages of the Alps, from secluded mixed forests and lush alpine pastures to the grey-white world of the Eternal Ice.
Places of interest on the Kaunertal Glacier Road
Buildings, historical sites, scenic features or vantage points mark 29 stations - 1 for each bend. They provide information about the fascinating nature and culture along the Kaunertal Glacier Road. For children, there is an exciting detective game at the toll station with Kauni the ibex, the mascot of the Kaunertal Glacier.
Gepatschstausee
The turquoise-blue Gepatschstausee is located at kilometre 23 at an altitude of 1765 metres. The approximately 6km long lake was dammed with the highest natural dam wall in Europe (153m) for the Kaunertal power plant. A good 1km from the shore of the Gepatschstausee is the Gepatschhaus, which also offers overnight accommodation. Here, at 2750 metres above sea level, is Austria's highest post bus stop.
Remote Garden
Just 1km after the Gepatschhaus lies the Fernergrieß climbing garden, also known as the Fernergarten. 100m high and 150m wide, 26 routes await professionals and beginners here - in an absolutely spectacular mountain landscape!
Weißsee and Glacier Restaurant
Just behind the Weißsee, the glacier restaurant of the same name is the last destination on the Kaunertal Glacier Road. The architecturally interesting restaurant made of wood and glass spoils its guests with Tyrolean specialities and a sensational panoramic view from the sun terrace. The almost 3,500m high Weißseeferner is only a stone's throw away. The Glockturm, the Weißkugel and the Wildspitze also stretch their majestic peaks over the Kaunertal valley.
Kaunertal Glacier and Three-Country View
At the end of the Kaunertal Glacier Road, the Karlesjochbahn takes you even further into the high mountains at over 3,000 metres above sea level. Its mountain station is located directly at the spectacular Kaunertal Glacier with the ski area of the same name and a walkable crevasse. On the other side, the breathtaking three-country view opens up the mountain world of Austria, Italy and Switzerland.
Related links:
Official website of the Kaunertal Glacier with the Kaunertal Glacier Road
