KMII's latest installment in his 'mountain / interesting driving road series' takes us to the breathtaking Kaunertaler Gletscherstrasse in Tyrol, Austria. This detailed exploration, complete with stunning photography, offers a comprehensive guide to navigating this unique Alpine route. KMII's insights provide invaluable context for enthusiasts considering this scenic drive, highlighting its distinct stages and challenges.
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).
Looking at the lake from a slightly different perspective (and from higher up), it’s absolutely beautiful. Not sure what the policy is on swimming but later on in the season it must be a nice and refreshing pastime, if allowed.
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.
The nature continues to impress at all stages, changing, yet remaining majestic. With a bit of luck you will spot a mountain goat or marmot somewhere, too 🤞🏻
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.
The very top also allows you to cross into Italy. Although to actually continue into Italy, you would need the agility of a mountain goat, so it’s not recommended.
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.
