Timmelsjoch – Imposing Mountain Pass Between Austria and Italy

An impressive mountain landscape, mountain peaks towering high into the sky, surrounded by delicate mist and blue sky – the Timmelsjoch, an important pass crossing in the rear Ötztal. Thanks to the high-quality pass road that has been built, the rules of the past no longer apply. In earlier times, border crossers had to laboriously climb the pass and descend on the other side. Today, crossing the Timmelsjoch (Passo del Rombo in Italian) is a true experience. The high alpine road offers numerous surprises. Join us on the journey and learn the most important information about the Timmelsjoch.

 

General information about the Timmelsjoch

• The Timmelsjoch has an elevation of 2,509 m.
• The pass connects Sölden (Ötztal) with St. Leonhard in Passeier (South Tyrol).
• Five experience stations were built – this happened in 2011.
• The pass summit was opened on July 17, 1959. In September 1968, vehicles were allowed to cross the pass for the first time. The road was thus officially opened to traffic.
• The maximum gradient is 13-14%.
• The long road has approximately 30 hairpin bends.
• The length of the route between Obergurgl and Meran is 60 km. The journey time is approximately 1.5 hours.
• The pass played an important role in the past. According to tradition, it was already used by shepherds for crossing. In modern times and the Middle Ages, the Ötztal "Kraxenträger" (back carriers) traded with South Tyrol and used the pass to get from A to B. Only in the mid-20th century did work begin on the construction of the road, which was then finally intended to facilitate the crossing.

 

What sights are there to discover at the Timmelsjoch?

As explained in the introduction, there is much to discover on the drive. Not least, there are the five very striking architectural sculptures that provide valuable information for border crossers. They are also called "Steg" (great viewpoint), "Schmuggler" (walkable cube), "Passmuseum" (information on the history of the Timmelsjoch), "Fernrohr" (180° panorama) and "Granat" (great view of Moos in the Passeiertal). There you will find information about transhumance, a UFO landing, and the similarities between the Ötztal and Passeiertal. You will also learn great stories from what was once the highest mine in Europe.

In addition, the Timmelsjoch boasts a great museum – the imposing Motorcycle Museum (unfortunately still closed, more on this below) at the Top Crosspoint Mountain on the Austrian side, known far beyond the borders; it showcases over 230 motorcycles and interesting parts from the automotive industry.

If you don't want to drive your own car, you can use the Timmelsbus service. This runs four times a day along the pass during the summer months. Travelers can get off anywhere and take the opportunity to go on great hikes.

 

Timmelsjoch Snow Clearing 2021

Due to its high alpine location, crossing the pass is not possible all year round. The road usually opens its gates at the end of May and is then passable for about five months until November. Of course, it is important that you consider the opening hours for the respective year. In 2021, the road will open on June 10th. The Timmelsjoch snow clearing 2021 will be completed by this date and the road will be safe for traffic. The pass may only be used between 07:00 and 20:00.

The following vehicles are permitted:

• The vehicle height must be under four meters.
• Motorhomes and trucks with a maximum width of 2.55 meters
• Total weight is eight tons
• If a bus is longer than 10 meters or weighs more than eight tons, it is not allowed to drive.
• Trailers exceeding a maximum length of 4.50 meters are also not allowed to cross the pass.

 

How much is the Timmelsjoch toll?

If you want to cross the road, you have to expect a toll – regardless of whether you start from the Austrian or Italian side. The place where the fee must be paid is at the Top Mountain Crosspoint just after Hochgurgl (Austrian side).

Prices vary depending on the type of vehicle.

Car prices:

• Single trip: 17 Euro
• Return trip: 24 Euro
• Season ticket: 80 Euro

The prices for a motorcycle are:

• Single trip: 15 Euro
• Return trip: 21 Euro
• Season ticket: 80 Euro

The prices for buses and motorhomes are a bit more expensive. A single trip costs about 28 Euro.

 

 How does snow clearing work on the high alpine road?

The mountainous location of the Timmelsjoch forces people to regularly clear the road of snow. Snow blowers are used for this, which have to cope with snow depths of up to 25 meters – starting on the Austrian side. The strenuous work can take up to eight weeks. That's why it starts as early as April. 

We were on site for you and were allowed to film the whole spectacle:

Exclusive insights into snow clearing + interview with workers 

 

Shock: Fire in the Motorcycle Museum – will it be rebuilt?

In January 2021, media reported shocked about the fire in the Motorcycle Museum; this was probably the worst fire in decades for the area around the Timmelsjoch. The museum burned down completely. The cause of the fire was a technical defect in one of the presentation computers. Not only the motorcycles burned down, but also the toll station was affected. Attila and Alban Scheiber want to rebuild the museum – so you can look forward to a quick reunion. Ideally, it should be completed in winter 2021.

 

Timmelsjoch Cycling Marathon: Sport, magnificent scenery and impressive views

Anyone who wants to cycle the Timmelsjoch with a road bike when it is open can do so. On August 29, 2021, the 40th Ötztal Cycling Marathon will take place. The event was postponed from 2020 to 2021 – 4,000 starting places were allocated from a total of about 17,000 registrations.

The route is 238 km long and covers 5,500 meters of altitude – this is not an easy route for inexperienced cyclists. At the 39th Ötztal Marathon, the record was broken: Mathias Nothegger from Vorarlberg completed the route in 6 hours, 47 minutes and two seconds. The time was 10 minutes better than the best time achieved by Hugo Jenni in 2001.

And now it's your turn? How would you most like to cross the imposing pass?