What is the Gerlos Alpine Road?

The Gerlos Alpine Road, which runs directly through the Hohe Tauern National Park and nature reserve, is a two-lane road approximately 12 kilometres in length that is subject to a route-specific toll (special toll road). It is situated roughly 100 kilometres east of Innsbruck and can be reached by taking the E45 south, then the 169, which becomes the 165 at Zell am Ziller.

Tip: National Park Summer Card or Salzburg SuperSkiCard?

Holders of the National Park Summer Card or the Salzburg SuperSkiCard can drive the Gerlos Alpine Road free of charge.

In addition, the Gerlos Alpine Road connects the towns of Königsleiten and Wald im Pinzgau in parallel to the 165. In total, the Gerlos Alpine Road extends over approximately 20 kilometres. The maximum gradient is 9 %, and the speed limit is 70 km/h. As the road is open not only to passenger cars and motorcycles but also to trucks, significant traffic volumes during holiday periods should be anticipated. The road was designed in 1949 by Franz Wallack, who was also responsible for the design of the Grossglockner High Alpine Road. Construction took place between 1960 and 1962, and the road has been in continuous use since 1964. Wallack’s distinctive design enables the road to blend harmoniously into the surrounding landscape, creating the impression that it has always formed a natural part of the environment. The Krimml Waterfalls, a true scenic highlight, can be admired from all roadside parking areas.

Best Seasons: Summer and Winter

In addition to the Krimml Waterfalls, the Gerlos Alpine Road passes through the popular holiday region of the Zillertal Arena. In summer, travellers have access to up to 400 kilometres of hiking trails that lead to various guesthouses in the Hohe Tauern mountain range.

In winter, the area transforms into one of Austria’s most popular ski regions and forms part of one of the largest interconnected ski areas in the world. The combination of a scenic drive, extensive hiking options, ski areas, hotels, restaurants and the Krimml Waterfalls makes the Gerlos Alpine Road — formerly a cart track — one of the most frequently visited panoramic roads in Austria.

On the western side of the area, much of the view is obscured by forest, although the route offers numerous well-engineered bends. On the eastern side, visitors can enjoy views of the spectacular Krimml Waterfalls. The best time to travel the Gerlos Alpine Road is generally between May and October.

At the mountain pass summit, visitors can observe rare high-altitude moorlands, which are acidic, wet habitats that are now almost extinct. These moors are fed entirely by rainfall and nevertheless withstand extreme environmental conditions.

Can you bypass the Gerlos Alpine Road?

Yes, the Gerlos Alpine Road can be bypassed by using the Gerlosstraße. However, this alternative route is very narrow in many sections and is not in consistently good condition. Nevertheless, use of the Gerlosstraße is free of charge.

FAQ about the Gerlos Alpine Road