KMII
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Kaunertaler Gletscherstrasse - a pleasure for all senses 🇦🇹
Continuing with the mountain / interesting driving road series, next in line is the Kaunertaler glacier road in Tyrol, Austria. A short, 26km road, it ascends from 1273m to 2750m above sea level, through a series of 29 switchbacks, passt an artificial lake (2,6 square km, up to 111m deep) and all varieties of Alpine life, from lush forests all the way to perpetual ice.
Originally the path was a pilgrimage route, so there is an additional element to explore, if you prefer ascending your mountains by foot, rather than via 2 or 4 wheels.
The road is open all year round (not standard on all mountain passes) and is a toll road. If you plan exploring it over days, there’s a weekly pass, if for a day only, the friendly staff might potentially allow you to exit and reenter on a single ticket 😉
The road can be roughly divided into five stages, with a relatively uncomplicated yet pleasant initial stint, followed by the first handful of switchbacks past the cattle grid at Steinbockhang.
The cattle grid is not for show only, as soon after you start encountering plenty of cattle on both sides of the road, as well as on it. The first switchbacks are fun and as it’s still a wide enough road with good sighting, they are a nice additional driving element, rather than a chore. As said, some attention to roaming cattle is well worth it, if you don’t want additional bovine passengers in your vehicle.
Following that, you reach the Gepatschstausee - the already mentioned accumulation lake. Along it is the third section of the road, probably the narrowest one and one where overtaking cars becomes neigh on impossible (an early start and overcast weather for the first run of the day might be well advised).
While the lake section seems to be largely cattle free, it’s still worthwhile being on the lookout at least at the beginning of the section - afterwards I have not spotted any on several runs.
The section is a constant alteration of mild radii in both directions and is good fun. Being largely flat it’s not a challenge to build up a good rhythm and the only challenge can be being stuck behind a slower vehicle.
The section continues a little bit behind the lake, where it starts climbing again. At first it’s a mild ascent to a parking lot, where one can take hikes from.
As elsewhere this year, the water level of the river is rather higher than usual.
After that starts the fourth and probably most famous section of the road. This is a series of switchbacks that unlike the Stelvio are a lot more unevenly spaced, much wider and that allow a wonderfully fluid drive up, combining great views with lots of fun behind the wheel. And enough well sighted short straights for overtaking bursts, if slower traffic is ahead.
Each switchback is signposted with number (highest number lowest down, number 1 on the top), altitude above sea level and what stage (vegetation) it’s in.
Coming closer to the top it’s all a bit starker, and with the absence of woodland, the straights on the road become longer, allowing the car to stretch its legs and for some overtaking, should it become necessary (an early start being the better choice, still).
While the majority of switchbacks is behind you at this point, there’s still a sufficient number of curves remaining to ensure this section - the final one - is not boring, either.
The top section will have snow all year around, so if you plan to explore outside the car, a jacket is probably a very good idea.
Finally, the topmost switchback - number 1 - just below the top of the asphalted road.
Of course, if you have sufficient time, alternative means of transportation will bring you to over 3100m.
Allowing your primary means of transportation to rest and cool off…
Speaking of which, some of that for the driver, too 🍭 The food at the top is not much to write home about but an ice cream is always welcome.
There is another gondola, that can bring you some 5 meters higher than the 3108 displayed here but that was not in operation at the time of my visit.
Brought the watch to match the car and the flag at the end of the journey 😉
Final point of interest - along the whole road there are plentiful wooden statues, so spotting those can be an additional fun occupation.
Hope you enjoyed the virtual journey and I can assure you that the real one is at least as much fun.
Kaunertaler Gletscherstrasse - a pleasure for all senses 🇦🇹
Continuing with the mountain / interesting driving road series, next in line is the Kaunertaler glacier road in Tyrol, Austria. A short, 26km road, it ascends from 1273m to 2750m above sea level, through a series of 29 switchbacks, passt an artificial lak...
Another great one! Thx for sharing.
But open all year up to 2700m, wow, how do they manage? As there can be, as you know, easily up to 5m snow, A lot of daily work to make it drivable and avalanche secure. So I understand it is a toll road. Dirk
There are ski lifts there so I guess there is a business case to keep it open 😊🤷🏻♂️
Glad you enjoyed it - and sure you would enjoy driving it, too. The toll is not so extortionate that it would become the most expensive element of the journey 😉
So much to comment on here!
Love the picture, so very scenic! Those mountain roads look like some much fun in a car or motorcycle would be a joy to drive. The match of watch to M3 Touring is especially beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
Isle of Man green seems to be the thing 😁
For both the Beemer and the watch 😂 Glad you enjoyed the post - it kind of disappeared twice while I was writing it, so happy that the effort paid off at least a little bit 😉👍🏻
I think you’d enjoy it with both of your cars 😁
It’s not that far away from where you live, the only current issue is that you need to pass over the Arlberg pass, as the tunnel is currently closed. The Arlberg is usually nice but these days, as all the traffic passes over, you’re reduced to a snail’s p...
Agreed!
Spend a couple of days in Engadin for climbing and mountain-hiking. Drove over Julierpass! Always nice too - both sides… 💨😁
That’s another one on the list!
The Beemer still has some time so will try to hit it relatively soon. Silvretta is also on the cards - haven’t driven that one for ages 🤷🏻♂️
True! Me neither!
BUT today I was on Bernina, still one of my favorites (from the south side)! I will drive it tomorrow again, just for the pleasure of it… 🤩
Google Maps claims Silvretta is closed…
But the website isn’t clear. Well, something to check out sooner rather than later 🧐 Will need to also refresh my memory on whether I have trialed out Bernina already in the past through a repeat visit 😊👍🏻
I was very lucky today! Almost no traffic from the south - my favorite direction! 💨👌🏻😍
And finally on the route home via Flüela again, again no traffic! 🍀👍🏻😁
Sounds great!
With BaWü and Bavaria starting school break on Friday we were wary of going anywhere yesterday. So good to hear you had a nice time. Will try it out on a weekday in the coming weeks 🤞🏻
A fortunate development…
Many strap makers have figured out the advantages of their straps being supple from straight out of the box, rather than only after a year’s permanent wear 😁👍🏻