The Gerlos Alpine Road, located directly in the Hohe Tauern National Park and Nature Reserve, is an approximately 12 km long, two-lane, and toll-based road situated about 100 km east of Innsbruck (if you leave the E 45 heading south on the 169, which becomes 165 in Zell am Ziller).
Those who possess a National Park Summer Card or the Salzburg SuperSkiCard can use the Gerlos Alpine Road for free.
The Gerlos Alpine Road connects the villages of Königsleiten and Wald im Pinzgau in addition to the 165. The total length of the Gerlos Alpine Road is about 20 km. The maximum gradient is 9%. The speed limit on the Alpine road is 70 km/h. As this route is open not only to cars and motorcycles but also to trucks, expect heavy traffic during the holidays. The Gerlos Alpine Road was planned by Franz Wallack in 1949, who also designed the Grossglockner Alpine Road. Construction took place between 1960 and 1962, but the road was not continuously used until 1964. Wallack's planning integrates the road seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, giving the impression that it has always been part of the scenery. The Krimml Waterfalls, a remarkable natural feature, can be admired from any parking lot along the Alpine Road.
In addition to the Krimml Waterfalls, the Gerlos Alpine Road passes through a holiday area, the Zillertal Arena. In summer, travelers can enjoy up to 400 km of hiking trails leading to various guesthouses in the Hohe Tauern.
In winter, the region transforms into one of Austria's most popular ski areas, also forming part of the largest ski area in the world.
The diverse combination of driving, hiking, skiing, hotels, restaurants, and the Krimml Waterfalls makes the Gerlos Alpine Road, formerly a Karrenweg, one of the most visited panoramic roads in Austria.
On the western side of the area, views may be obscured by dense forest. However, numerous well-developed curves can be enjoyed. In the eastern section, the impressive Krimml Waterfalls can be found. The best time to travel the Gerlos Alpine Road is undoubtedly between May and October.
At the summit, one can observe rare high moors, which are almost extinct, acidic, and moist habitats that are solely nourished by rainwater and can endure extreme conditions.
If you wish to use the Gerlos Alpine Road not only as a connecting route but also to spend part of your vacation here, numerous hotels and restaurants can be found on-site and in the surrounding area.
Yes, the Gerlos Alpine Road can be bypassed by using the Gerlosstraße. However, the Gerlosstraße is narrow in many areas and is not in the best condition. The use of the Gerlosstraße is free of charge.
The Gerlospass costs €11 for cars and campers up to 3.5 tons MTPLMR as a daily ticket, €24 as an 8-day ticket, and €57 as an annual ticket. The fee can be paid on-site.
Yes, the Gerlospass is toll-based.
Gerlos is 1,247 meters high.
The Gerlospass serves as a crucial mountain pass road, connecting the Austrian federal states of Salzburg and Tyrol, as well as linking the municipality of Wald with Königsleiten.