The Timmelsjoch Road (Timmelsjochstrasse; toll road) crosses the Timmelsjoch, a pass almost 2,500m/8,200ft high, to link the Ötztal in Tirol with the Passeiertal (Val Passiria) in Italy, marking part of the Austro-Italian frontier. The road is normally open only from mid June to mid October (during the daytime); on the Italian side it is suitable only for cars (trailer caravans prohibited).
Address: Gurgl Tourist Office, Haus Kuraten, A-6456 Obergurgl, Austria
The Timmelsjoch Road continues up the Timmelsbachtal from Hochgurgl and climbs with seven hairpin bends to the Timmelsjoch (2,497m/8,193ft; Italian Passo di Rombo) on the Austro-Italian frontier.
First the Timmelsjoch Road climbs in four sharp bends from Untergurgl to the Angerer Alm (2,175m/7,136ft), with the hotel colony of Hochgurgl. From here a chairlift goes up to the Grosses Kar (2,410m/7,907ft) and the Wurmkogel (3,082m/10,112ft).
The Timmelsjoch Road on the Italian side (trailer caravans prohibited; narrow in places, several tunnels) descends the Val Passiria, passing through Moso (1,007m/3,304ft; German Moos), and in 27km/17mi reaches San Leonardo (683m/2,241ft; German St Leonhard), which has many mementos of the Austrian patriot Andreas Hofer (1767-1810). From here it is another 20km/12mi to Merano.
The Timmelsjoch Road begins at Untergurgl (1,793m/5,885ft), and from there to the top of the pass it is 11.4km/7mi; max. gradient 11% (1 in 9). There is a chairlift from Untergurgl to Hochgurgl.
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