Detour #82: Kaunertal Glacier Road, Austria
Shutterstock
Like Japan’s Irohazka Road, the Kaunertal Glacier road in Austria was once a pilgrimage route. Taking true believers from Kalternbrunn to Melagg in the Southern Tyrol the road was arduous, and tested not just faith but endurance.
Today the Kaunertal Glacier road remains a journey to take not out of necessity but out of belief. Belief in the pure joy of driving.
As with Austria’s other scenic mountain roads including the Grossglockner, you have to pay €25 for the privilege, but that buys you a full day pass to play on this amazing road.
Over the course of 16 miles you will climb 1,500m to a peak of some 2,750m where you’ll encounter the most glorious view of the mountainscape, the Kaunertal Glacier itself and the stunning blue lake that it feeds into. You’ll also find Austria’s highest postbus stop.
Along the way there are 29 hairpin bends, making the Kaunertal Glacier Road quite the workout, whether you’re working the wheel or getting your knee down. Some 150,000 drivers and bikers pay the toll charge each year, so it can get quite busy, but that does include winter traffic on its way to the ski lifts. Cyclists and walkers don’t pay and there are plenty of them to avoid as well.
The road is open from 7am year-round so that’s the best time to visit as the sun rises over the mountains, bathing the valley. It closes at 7pm in the summer months and 5pm the rest of the year. While you’re in the area you could try Europe’s highest whitewater rafting or taking a dip in a glacial pond, although the adrenaline rush of this awesome road and its natural beauty should be plenty to raise your pulse rate.