Silvretta High Alpine Road (Special Toll)
The Silvretta High Alpine Road ranks among 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 kilometres through an impressive high mountain landscape. With its 34 hairpin bends, the route winds its way up from Partenen at 1,051 metres to the Bielerhöhe at 2,032 metres and onwards towards Galtür. Along the road, you can expect spectacular views as well as the well-known reservoirs Lake Vermunt and Lake Silvretta. The combination of route layout, altitude and natural scenery makes the Silvretta High Alpine Road a special driving experience. An adventure that delights drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists and vintage car enthusiasts alike.
The road owes its present form to the expansion carried out during the construction of the Illwerke power plant. Initial development work took place as early as 1925 to 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 present.
The reason for this is several rockfalls and mudslides in 2024 and 2025. Despite initial securing measures, geological investigations have shown that a short-term reopening is not possible.
Based on the current situation, a reopening is planned at the earliest for summer 2030. Until then, extensive construction work is necessary. Further information can be found 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 this mean?
The Silvretta High Alpine Road is, in principle, a so-called special toll route. This means that a separate fee is charged for its use (in addition to a vignette or distance-based toll). Currently, however, no toll is payable, 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 through the Silvretta High Alpine Road is currently not possible, the region remains accessible.
Via the Vermunt cable car on the Vorarlberg side, visitors can still reach areas towards the Bielerhöhe in summer. From the Tyrolean side via the Paznaun Valley, certain sections are also accessible and, during the construction phase, even toll-free.
The surrounding regions also offer charming landscapes and views. Nevertheless: the Silvretta High Alpine Road as a whole is a unique experience that cannot be fully replaced by any alternative route.
If driving the complete panoramic road is a central highlight of your trip, it may be worthwhile to postpone this section to a later date (ideally after the planned reopening in 2030). Feel free to find out more from us about the most beautiful panoramic roads in Austria, which you shouldn't miss. Nevertheless, a visit to the region around the Silvretta High Alpine Road is still worthwhile for those who want to see the Bielerhöhe.
Important traffic regulations
Even during regular operation, special regulations apply on the Silvretta High Alpine Road:
Trailer ban along the entire route
Night parking ban
Coaches: a maximum length of 13.8 metres must not be exceeded
These regulations serve the safety of 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 worthwhile destination. After the planned reopening in 2030, the route is expected to once again be among the highlights of every 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. You can easily purchase your digital vignette for Austria online with us. Detailed information on tolls and special tolls in Austria can be found in our guide. If you have any questions about tolls in Austria or our digital products, our multilingual support is available to you at any time via email.
