Ötztal Glacier Road Travel Guide

Free Guide: Experience the thrill of driving on the second-highest paved road in Europe, with stunning views of the Austrian Alps and glaciers.

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Ötztal Glacier Road

A brief summary of Ötztal Glacier Road

Experience the thrill of driving on the second-highest paved road in Europe, with stunning views of the Austrian Alps and glaciers.

The Ötztal Glacier Road is a spectacular high-alpine road in Tyrol, Austria, that climbs to 2,830 meters (9,285 ft), making it the second-highest paved road in Europe. Offering breathtaking views of glaciers and the Ötztal Alps, it provides access to the Rettenbach and Tiefenbach glaciers, popular for skiing and sightseeing.

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Getting there

Car

From the center of Ötztal, drive southwest on the B186 towards Sölden. After approximately 20 kilometers, follow signs for the Ötztal Glacier Road (Ötztaler Gletscherstraße). The toll booth is located just before the road begins to ascend. As of July 2025, the toll fee for cars up to 5 persons is €24.50 for a round trip. For cars with 6 or more persons, the fee is €7.00 per person. Parking is available at both the Rettenbach and Tiefenbach glaciers. During the day, parking is free.

Public Transport

From Ötztal-Bahnhof, take a bus to Sölden Gaislachkoglbahn. Then, transfer to the line 70 bus to Sölden Tiefenbachgletscher. The total journey takes approximately 2 hours and 39 minutes. Alternatively, from Sölden, the Glacier Bus (Gletscherbus) operates during the summer months and takes you directly to the Ötztal Glacier Road. A round-trip ticket costs around €12.00. Free travel to the glacier by public bus is included with the Ötztal Inside Summer Card.

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Overview

The Ötztal Glacier Road (Ötztaler Gletscherstraße) is more than just a road; it's an experience. Built in 1972, this 15-km route ascends from Sölden to the Rettenbach and Tiefenbach glaciers, rewarding travelers with panoramic vistas at every turn. The road is a marvel of engineering, boasting an average gradient of 11% and a maximum of 13%. The journey begins in Sölden (1,377 m) and winds through the Rettenbachtal valley, climbing over 1,450 meters in altitude. Along the way, numerous viewpoints offer perfect photo opportunities of the surrounding snow-capped peaks and glacial landscapes. A highlight is the Rosi-Mittermeier Tunnel, the highest road tunnel in Europe, which connects the Rettenbach and Tiefenbach glaciers. The road culminates at the ski station near the Tiefenbachferner glacier.The Ötztal Glacier Road is a popular destination for both summer and winter activities. In the summer, it's a favorite among cyclists and hikers, while in the winter, it provides access to world-class skiing and snowboarding. The road has also served as a filming location for the James Bond movie "Spectre," adding to its allure. Please note that the road is generally closed to public traffic during the winter months.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Ötztal, Austria

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