Alpine roads in the Austrian Alps
Silvretta pass between Tyrol and Vorarlberg
The Silvretta Hochalpenstraße is one of the most beautiful and popular Alpine passes and was opened for public traffic in 1954.
The course of the Silvretta Hochalpenstraße leads from Galtür, in the Tyrolean Paznaun valley, through the Silvretta Alps to Partenen, in the Montafon region, in Vorarlberg. The road can only be used in the summer (closed during the winter from November to May) and is a toll road. However, the terrific views from this unique connection, through high alpine countryside, is worth far more then the fee charged.
From Galtür, the alpine road in Tyrol runs along for 10km and 2 hairpin bends to the Bieler Höhe, the highest point of the Silvretta Hochalpenstraße. From here one can see Piz Buin, at 3312m, it is the highest mountain in Vorarlberg. Its ‘Rhaeto-Romanic’ name means “Ox Peak” in English.
The Silvretta reservoir is located directly by the Bieler Höhe where you can walk around the lake on a well-paved trail. For those, who find the complete tour too far, they can complete part of the circuit on the motor boat, which operates on the reservoir during the summer.
From the highest point, the Silvretta Hochalpenstraße descends through 30 hairpin bends to Partenen in the Montafon in Vorarlberg. Partenen is a district of Gaschurn and is located at about 1000m above sea level. The culinary highlight in this region is the initiative “Genussregion Montafon Sura Kees.” Let yourself be surprised by the specialities of the Montafon.
Do you want to experience the impressive mountain panorama of the Silvretta Hochalpenstraße, between Tyrol and Vorarlberg? The vacation town of Galtür, in the Paznaun valley, is the ideal starting point. Here you can find the most suitable accommodation for your summer vacation in the Tyrolean Alps.