Silvretta High Alpine Road (Special Toll)

The Silvretta High Alpine Road is one of the most beautiful panoramic roads in the Alps and is not without reason called a "dream road for connoisseurs". It connects the Montafon in Vorarlberg with the Paznaun Valley in Tyrol and runs for around 22 kilometers through an impressive high mountain landscape. With its 34 switchbacks, the route winds from Partenen at 1,051 meters up to the Bielerhöhe at 2,032 meters and further towards Galtür. Along the road, you can expect spectacular views as well as the well-known reservoirs Vermuntsee and Silvrettasee. The combination of route layout, altitude, and natural scenery makes the Silvretta High Alpine Road a special driving experience. An adventure that thrills car drivers as well as motorcyclists, cyclists, and vintage car enthusiasts alike.

The road owes its current form to the expansion carried out during the construction of the Illwerke power plants. Initial development took place as early as between 1925 and 1930, before the route was opened to public traffic in 1954 and fully completed by 1961. Since then, it has been one of Austria's most famous alpine roads.

Current Status: Closed until 2030

The Silvretta High Alpine Road is currently completely closed and not passable at this time.

This is due to several rockfalls and landslides in 2024 and 2025. Despite initial safety measures, geological surveys have shown that a short-term reopening is not possible.

According to the current status, a reopening is planned at the earliest for summer 2030. Extensive construction work is necessary until then. You can find more information in our news article on the Silvretta High Alpine Road. Should there be any new updates on the closure, you will find them in the news article.

Special Toll: What Does That Mean?

The Silvretta High Alpine Road is generally classified as a so-called special toll route. This means that a separate fee applies for its use (in addition to a vignette or distance-based toll). However, no toll is currently charged, as the road is completely closed and therefore not passable. After reopening, the special toll is expected to be charged again as usual.

Alternatives & Current Visiting Options

Even though the classic drive along the Silvretta High Alpine Road is currently not possible, the region remains accessible.

Via the Vermuntbahn on the Vorarlberg side, visitors can still travel towards the Bielerhöhe in summer. Some sections are also accessible from the Tyrolean side via the Paznaun Valley, and are even toll-free during the construction phase.

The surrounding regions also offer charming landscapes and views. Nevertheless, the Silvretta High Alpine Road as a whole remains a unique experience that cannot be fully replaced by any alternative route.

If driving the entire panoramic road is a central highlight of your trip, it may be worth postponing this section to a later date (ideally after the planned reopening in 2030). Feel free to find out more about the most beautiful panoramic roads in Austria that you shouldn't miss. Nonetheless, a visit to the region around the Silvretta High Alpine Road remains worthwhile for those who want to see the Bielerhöhe.

Important Traffic Regulations

Even during regular operation, special rules apply on the Silvretta High Alpine Road:

• Trailer ban along the entire route

• Overnight parking ban

• Coaches: maximum length of 13.8 meters must not be exceeded

These regulations serve to ensure safety on the high alpine road.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!

Even though the Silvretta High Alpine Road is currently closed, the region around the Bielerhöhe remains a rewarding destination. After the planned reopening in 2030, the route is expected to once again be among the highlights of any trip to Austria.

Please note when planning your trip that many roads in Austria require a vignette or are subject to a distance-based toll. The digital 10-day vignette for Austria is included in our vignette flat rate – the distance-based toll is not included. You can find detailed information on tolls and special tolls in Austria in our guide. If you have any questions about tolls in Austria or our digital products, our multilingual support team is available at any time via email.