If you are looking for the ultimate alpine road trip in Tyrol, look no further. While the Grossglockner often steals the limelight, the Kaunertal Glacier Panoramic Road (Kaunertaler Gletscherstraße) is one of the most spectacular hidden gems in the Austrian Alps.
It isn’t just a way to get from A to B…it is a vertical journey through the seasons. In just 26 kilometers, you climb from the lush, green valley floor at 1,287 meters to the edge of the eternal ice at 2,750 meters. It is one of the highest roads in the Eastern Alps, and the views are nothing short of cinematic.
Our tipp: Turn your smartphone into a personal tour guide with the free Locandy audio guide. As you navigate one of Austria’s most stunning high-alpine routes, you can dive into fascinating stories, essential facts, and hidden secrets about the Kaunertal valley. Simply scan the QR code with your camera to start your narrated adventure through the heart of the Alps. You can find the QR code at the bottom of this website.
The Ascent Through Five Climate Zones
The journey begins in the charming village of Feichten, but the road immediately offers reasons to pull over. Early in the drive, families should stop at the Verpeilschlucht Gorge. A stunning suspension bridge and a series of well-maintained paths lead you past roaring waterfalls.
Nearby, you’ll find the Adlerblick viewing platform, which literally clings to a rock face and provides a dizzying bird’s-eye view of the valley below. This steel structure extends dramatically over the abyss, making you feel as though you are soaring like an eagle above the rugged terrain. It is the perfect spot to catch your breath and snap a panoramic photo of the winding path you’ve started to conquer.
As you continue climbing the “29 hairpins to heaven”, you’ll reach the Gepatsch Reservoir. This turquoise lake is more than just a photo op; it’s a hub for light hiking. A particularly lovely walk for families is the trail to the Seelesseen lakes, which takes about 20 minutes from the road. These tiny alpine ponds are perfect for spotting local amphibians and offer a unique reflected view of the glacier tongue. For those seeking more history, the Gepatschhaus, a mountain hut built in 1873, offers a rustic place to grab a snack and admire some of the oldest alpine architecture in the region.
One of the most fascinating aspects of this journey is that as you climb from the lush valley to the frozen summit, you effectively travel through five distinct climate zones, experiencing the same ecological transition you would find on a journey from central Europe all the way to the high Arctic.
This is what the Kauntaler Glacier Road looks like
Playgrounds and High-Altitude Fun
For travelers with children, the road is punctuated by several “Adventure Stations.” One of the most popular is the Vergötschen playground, located in the lower valley, which is a great place to let the kids burn off energy before the winding ascent begins. Further up, the landscape becomes a natural playground. Near the reservoir, there are themed trails where kids can follow the tracks of Kauni, the glacier mascot, while learning about the local stone pine forests.
Once you reach the top at the Weißseeferner glacier, the adventure doesn’t stop at the parking lot. In the summer months, there is a walk-in glacier crevasse right near the restaurant. It is safely accessible and allows you to walk between walls of ancient blue ice – an unforgettable experience for kids and adults alike.
Standing on the “Three-Country Border”
If you want to go even higher, the Karlesjochbahn cable car whisks you to 3,108 meters, where a barrier-free platform offers a “Three-Country View” of Italy, Switzerland, and Austria.
From the viewing platform, you can see the jagged summits of the Ortler in Italy, the Bernina Group in Switzerland, and, of course, the mighty Großglockner in Austria. On a clear day, you can see for over 100 kilometers in every direction.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
The Kaunertal Glacier Road is open 365 days a year, offering a front-row seat to nature’s transformation. Whether you’re witnessing the glistening white of winter, the vibrant blooms of spring, the lush greens of summer, or the golden glow of autumn, the valley transforms into a spectacular masterpiece of color. There is truly nowhere more impressive to witness the changing seasons than along this spectacular glacier route!
Please note: While the route is accessible throughout the year, a nightly driving ban is in effect from 5:00 PM to 7:00 AM to safeguard the local Alpine wildlife.
Our Tip: If you visit in late spring (May or June), you’ll witness a stunning contrast: the reservoir below will be surrounded by blooming Alpine flowers while the glacier at the top is still buried under meters of snow. However, pack layers! Even if it’s 25°C down in the valley, it can be near freezing at the glacier. Don’t forget a sturdy jacket and sunglasses – the reflection off the snow is intense!
High-Altitude Carving: Skiing the Kaunertal Glacier
With a season stretching from September to June, the Kaunertal Glacier is a “snow-sure” paradise that offers some of the longest skiing windows in the Alps. Thanks to the panoramic road, you can drive directly to the edge of the slopes at 2,750 meters, bypassing long gondola lines and heading straight to the piste.
The resort is famous for its wide, uncrowded runs and the legendary “Black Ibex,” which holds the title of Austria’s steepest groomed slope with a staggering 88% gradient. Freestylers also flock here for the world-renowned snow park, especially during the iconic “Kaunertal Opening” in autumn. Whether you are a pro tackling the steep chutes or a family enjoying the sun-drenched glacier plateaus, skiing here feels like standing at the roof of the world. You can find more information here.
Additional Essential Information for Your Visit
Opening Times:
Cost:
The toll for the road ist:
- A private car (up tp 5 people): €32
- A motorcycle: €21
How to Get There:
The adventure begins in the Tyrolean Oberland. If you’re coming from Innsbruck, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive via Landeck. Follow the signs for “Kaunertal” and get your camera ready – you’re going to need it.
Please note: Don’t rush. The beauty of the Kaunertal isn’t just the destination at the top, but the 29 curves that get you there. Take your time at the “Adlerblick” (Eagle’s View) platform for some of the best photos of the valley below.
Official Website
Address of the toll road entrance: Kaunertaler Gletscherstraße, 6524 Kaunertal
Map:
Since Innsbruck is just 1.5 hours away, it serves as a convenient home base or a scenic final destination to rest after your day on the Kaunertal Glacier Road.
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