Timmelsjoch | 2474 METER | Obergurgl St. Leonhard in Passeier

The Timmelsjoch is located at an altitude of 2,474 metres and has been a border pass between Austria and Italy since 1919, following the First World War. The Timmelsjoch is the highest Alpine pass in the north-south direction and is located between the Reschen Pass and the Brenner Pass. The Timmelsjoch connects the Ötztal valley in Austria with the Passeier valley in South Tyrol. From there, the route leads down to Merano. The Timmelsjoch thus separates the Ötztal Alps from the Stubai Alps.

The ramps of this Alpine pass are extremely varied. The Austrian side has comparatively few bends – officially, according to the signs, there are just four hairpin bends. There are many long stretches, but these are characterised by picturesque and impressive landscapes.

The Italian ramp, on the other hand, is characterised by a number of winding passages that are quite comparable to the Stifserjoch. Although the number of hairpin bends is significantly lower, the appearance of the bends – narrow, steep and sharp – is very similar and challenging to drive. The last section then leads along an Alpine ridge through tunnels to the Austrian side and on to the top of the pass. Incidentally, there are several tunnels to pass through on the Italian side. There is a car park just below the pass summit, between the two upper hairpin bends. Tip: stop and enjoy the spectacular view.

At the pass summit, there is a large car park, restaurants and many breathtaking views.

It is annoying that there is a toll station about 8 kilometres below the pass summit on the Austrian side. A single trip down into the Ötztal valley costs 18 euros by motorbike (as of 2025, cars from 20 euros).

Also worth mentioning is the Motorcycle Museum, located directly at the toll station. It is probably the highest motorcycle museum and definitely worth a visit.