Motorcycling in the border triangle
Here every biker will find his/her dreamtour
The Tyrolean Oberland is a paradise for motorcyclists. Hardly any other region offers such a variety of routes: from spectacular glacier roads and legendary Alpine passes to enjoyable panoramic tours through three countries in one day.
Here is an overview of the most beautiful routes:
1. Kaunertal Glacier Road – the thrill of altitude
Some roads are more than just asphalt. They are an experience, an adventure – almost a mini journey in themselves. The Kaunertal Glacier Road in the Tyrolean Oberland is definitely one of them.
26 kilometres, 29 hairpin bends, from 1,273 m to 2,750 m – the Kaunertal Glacier Road is an absolute must for all motorcyclists. The ride from the valley floor via the Gepatsch reservoir up to the eternal ice of the glacier is an experience for all the senses.
The start: Kauns – Feichten – ascent into the valley
The journey begins in the Kaunertal, a side valley of the Tyrolean Oberland. Even the start is picturesque: green meadows, quaint villages, behind them the mighty peaks of the Ötztal Alps. From Feichten, the road climbs steadily – and with every hairpin bend, a new panorama opens up.
The ride through the high mountains
Things get serious from the Gepatsch reservoir onwards: this is where the real thrill of the bends begins. The reservoir lies like a deep blue ribbon in the valley, framed by rugged rock faces and waterfalls that plunge into the valley right next to the road. On a motorbike, you can feel nature particularly intensely here – sometimes cooling spray, sometimes the warm wind in the open hairpin bends.
The glacier road winds further and further upwards. The asphalt is good throughout, the hairpin bends are rhythmic to drive, but never boring. With every metre of altitude, the landscape becomes more barren, the air clearer, the view more spectacular.
The finale: eternal ice
At over 2,750 metres, the road ends at the Kaunertal Glacier. Suddenly, you find yourself in a world of snow and rock – even in the middle of summer. Motorcycles often line up side by side here, riders exchange impressions, take photos or simply enjoy the moment.
A short walk to the panoramic terrace is well worth it: the view over the three-thousand-metre peaks to South Tyrol is breathtaking.
Practical tips for bikers
Toll: The Kaunertal Glacier Road is subject to a toll (as of 2025: approx. £15 for motorcycles).
Best time: May to October, depending on snow conditions. Particularly beautiful in midsummer, as it remains pleasantly cool at the top.
Driving technique: Many hairpin bends, some of them tight – ideal for practising clean cornering.
Refreshments: Inns in the Kaunertal valley, cosy places to stop for refreshments at the Gepatschspeicher and the glacier restaurant.
Conclusion
The Kaunertal Glacier Road is more than just a connection – it is a journey from the valley to the high mountains, from lush greenery to eternal ice. Anyone exploring the Tyrolean Oberland by motorbike should definitely take this route. It is a highlight that you will never forget – and one that fascinates you every time.
In short: spectacular, varied, technically exciting – a dream road!
2. Hahntennjoch – dancing through the bends between the Lech Valley and the Inn Valley
If you love bends, you'll get your money's worth here. The Hahntennjoch connects the upper Inn Valley with the Lech Valley. The 1,894-metre-high pass road is steep, winding and demands driving skill – but that's exactly what makes it so appealing.
In short: a highlight for sporty drivers. Drive early in the morning before the road gets busy.
3. Dreiländereck-Runde – Austria, Italy & Switzerland in one day
This tour is a classic: from the Tyrolean Oberland, it goes over the Reschen Pass to South Tyrol, on through the Vinschgau Valley, then over the Ofen Pass into Switzerland and finally back via Nauders to the Inn Valley.
Highlights along the way:
Reschensee with the sunken church tower of Graun – one of the most famous photo motifs in the Alps.
Ofen Pass (2,149 m) – sweeping curves through the national park.
Nauders & Upper Inn Valley – relaxed return journey with magnificent views.
In short: three countries, three cultures, three driving experiences – in a single day trip.
4. Timmelsjoch – The ‘secret gateway to the Dolomites’
From Sölden, the Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road (2,509 m) winds its way up to the border with Italy. Spectacular views, modern architecture (Timmelsjoch Experience World) and the direct connection to the Passeier Valley make this tour unforgettable.
In short: for anyone who wants to combine the Dolomites feeling with a Tyrolean starting point.
5. Stilfserjoch – The king of hairpin bends
Just a stone's throw from the Tyrolean Oberland lies one of the most legendary pass roads of all: the Stilfserjoch (2,757 m). With its 48 hairpin bends on the north ramp, it is a driving challenge and an unforgettable experience.
In short: A must for ambitious Alpine bikers. Best to drive outside the peak season.
Practical tips for motorcyclists in the Tyrolean Oberland
• Best time to travel: May to October, depending on snow conditions. Many passes do not open until late May/early June.
• Bases: Places such as Landeck, Prutz, Pfunds and Nauders are perfect starting points for tours.
• Equipment: Even in midsummer, take warm clothing with you – it can be frosty at over 2,500 m.
• Combination: Several routes can be ideally combined into round trips (e.g. Kaunertal + Reschen Pass + Ofen Pass).
Conclusion
Motorcycling in the Tyrolean Oberland offers pure diversity: from the glacier road to the eternal ice to legendary passes in the border triangle. Whether you're looking for a winding adrenaline rush or an enjoyable panoramic ride, every biker will find their dream tour here.