The best motorcycle roads in Austria
The short answer
Austria's best motorcycle roads are the Grossglockner High Alpine Road (48 km, 36 hairpins, up to 2,504 m), the Timmelsjoch into Italy (2,474 m), the Nockalmstraße in Carinthia, and the Silvretta High Alpine Road (2,032 m). All four are toll roads, open roughly from May or June to October, though the Silvretta's western side is closed until at least 2030.
Austria is small, well organised and full of roads built for the view. Many of the best are private toll roads, which means good tarmac and no lorries.
At a glance
| Road | Region | Highest point | Toll |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grossglockner High Alpine Road | Salzburg / Carinthia | 2,504 m | Yes |
| Timmelsjoch | Tyrol to South Tyrol | 2,474 m | Yes |
| Nockalmstraße | Carinthia | 2,042 m | Yes |
| Silvretta High Alpine Road | Vorarlberg / Tyrol | 2,032 m | Western side closed until 2030 |
Grossglockner High Alpine Road
Austria's most famous road climbs from Fusch to Heiligenblut, 48 km with 36 hairpins, past the Hochtor at 2,504 m. Take the detour to the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe for the view of the Grossglockner, Austria's highest mountain, and the Pasterze glacier, and the side road up to the Edelweißspitze.
Tips: buy the ticket online to skip the queue. Weekdays and early mornings are far quieter.
Timmelsjoch
The Timmelsjoch links the Ötztal in Austria with the Passeier Valley in Italy. The Austrian side is fast and open, the Italian side tight, steep and full of tunnels. There's a motorcycle museum at Hochgurgl on the Austrian side.
Nockalmstraße
A 35 km toll road through the Nock Mountains in Carinthia with around 50 hairpins, smooth tarmac and gentle slopes. It's one of the best roads in Austria for riders who are newer to hairpins.
Silvretta High Alpine Road
From Partenen to Galtür over the Bielerhöhe at 2,032 m, with 34 hairpins on the western side and a reservoir at the top. Combine it with the Hochtannberg and Flexen passes for a full day in Vorarlberg.
Closed for now: rockfalls in 2024 shut the road between Partenen and the Bielerhöhe, and it isn't expected to reopen before summer 2030. You can still ride up to the Bielerhöhe from Galtür on the Tyrol side.
Good to know
- Austria's motorways and expressways need a vignette (toll sticker or digital), also for motorcycles. The alpine roads above have their own tolls on top.
- Some roads in Tyrol, like the Lechtal and Hahntennjoch, are closed from mid-April to October to motorcycles louder than 95 dB (the stationary noise on the registration papers). Check the rules for your route.
Season
The Grossglockner usually opens in early May and closes in early November. Higher passes open later. Snow can close any of them for a day or two even in summer.
Ride them with others
Look for group rides in Tyrol, Salzburg and Carinthia on the MotoBFF map, or post one from a meeting point in the valley.
Questions riders ask
How much is the Grossglockner toll for motorcycles?
There is a daily toll for motorcycles. Prices change each year, so check the official Grossglockner website.
When is the Grossglockner open?
Usually from early May to early November, from 5:30 to 21:00 in high summer and shorter in spring and autumn.
Do motorcycles need a vignette in Austria?
Yes, on motorways and expressways. The alpine toll roads have their own tickets.
What's the best Austrian pass for beginners?
The Nockalmstraße: smooth, well-surfaced hairpins on gentle slopes.