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Road Cycling Route - Sölden - Timmelsjoch
Ötztal Verified partner
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Hairpin bends just before the mountain pass summitPhoto: Dominic Kuen, Ötztal
The northern approach to Timmelsjoch is quite varied – initially still characterized by green vegetation, higher up riders encounter a barren rocky landscape with scree heaps from which the name Timmel originates. Above the tree line and shortly after Hochgurgl at 2,100 meters lies the toll station with Europe’s highest motorcycle museum. The exhibited items (about 230 motorcycles) are a must-see, even for non-motorcyclists. The onward ride for cyclists is free with a separate lane.
A short descent follows, which can be used as a rest pause. Here you already get a view of the long ramp through the Timmel valley before the climb steepens again to the pass height at 2,474 m.
Along the Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road there is much to discover. Highlights here include the "Steg" at the toll station, the "Smuggler" in the Timmel valley, and the "Pass museum" at the pass height. You can learn more about the history of the Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road and the Ötztal Nature Park here.
Before heading back, the Timmelsjoch inn invites you to a well-deserved break. The distant views of the surrounding mountain and glacier world make you forget some hardships.
The rapid descent back to Sölden turns into pure, adrenaline-filled fun. Only the 150-meter uphill counter-climb is really tough. This climb has often decided the Ötztal Cycling Marathon or made the descent to Sölden massively difficult for some participants. From here, with few exceptions, you can reach Sölden without exerting power.
Author’s recommendation
Ötztal Verified partner
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Rest stops
Restaurant TimmelsjochTop Mountain Crosspoint
Safety information
The traffic regulations (StVO) apply. General valid and usual rules of conduct.
It should be noted that road cycling can involve an increased risk of accidents and injuries. Despite careful tour planning, a basic risk always remains. Tour preparation through endurance sports, appropriate training and further education, as well as personal prudence reduces the risk of accidents and hazards.
Tips and suggestions
More info about biking & cycling in the Ötztal: https://www.oetztal.com/biken
Public transport
Arrival by train
Travel comfortably and safely by train to Ötztal train station. A regular bus departs directly from the station forecourt towards Obergurgl. The bus ride to Sölden takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
All important information about bus schedules, connections, and taxi companies can be found here.
Directions
WHERE IS SÖLDEN?
Sölden is located in western Austria in the state of TIROL, in a southern side valley of the Inn valley – the ÖTZTAL.
Arrival from the west:
From Vorarlberg to Tirol over the Arlberg Pass or through the Arlberg Tunnel (S 16) - Landeck - Motorway A 12 towards Innsbruck - Exit Ötztal after Roppener Tunnel - B 186 (35 km) to Sölden
From the north:
- Bad Tölz - Achen Pass - B 181 - Jenbach - A 12 Innsbruck towards Bregenz - Exit Ötztal - B 186 (35 km) to Sölden
- Pfronten - Reutte - Fern Pass - Imst - A 12 towards Innsbruck - Exit Ötztal after Roppener Tunnel or B 171 Tiroler Straße to Ötztal (no toll vignette) - B 186 (35 km) to Sölden
- Garmisch Partenkirchen - Ehrwald - Lermoos - Fern Pass - Imst - A 12 towards Innsbruck - Exit Ötztal after Roppener Tunnel or B 171 Tiroler Straße to Ötztal (no toll vignette) - B 186 (35 km) to Sölden
- Garmisch Partenkirchen - Mittenwald - Scharnitz - Seefeld in Tirol - Telfs - A 12 towards Bregenz - Exit Ötztal or B 171 Tiroler Straße to Ötztal (no toll vignette) - B186 (35 km) to Sölden
From the east:
From Munich or Salzburg on the A 93 to Kufstein, then on the A 12 towards Bregenz, over Innsbruck to the Ötztal exit, then continuing on B 186 (35 km) to Sölden
From the south:
Coming from Bolzano towards Brenner (toll road) - Brenner motorway via Schönberg toll station towards Innsbruck - from Innsbruck on A 12 towards Bregenz to Ötztal exit - continuing on B 186 (35 km) to Sölden
Parking
At the valley stations of the Gaislachkoglbahn and Giggijochbahn, there are sufficient free parking spaces available, and free parking garages are also provided. Parking is free from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Paid overnight car parking is possible in the Gaislachkogl car park:
more information about overnight parking
Coordinates
Equipment
Personal equipment must be safe, functional, and meet the current technical standards. Every road cyclist is recommended to inform themselves about the planned routes through specialist literature or on site. Full road cycling equipment is absolutely recommended even for experienced riders!
Tip: A light is advisable for the partly sparsely illuminated tunnels.
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Statistics
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