Plöcken Pass, Mountain pass in Carnic Alps, Austria and Italy.
Plöcken Pass is a mountain crossing in the Carnic Alps between Austria and Italy, stretching between Tolmezzo and Oberdrauburg. The road climbs to an elevation of 1,357 meters and passes through twelve hairpin bends and four tunnels, with some sections reaching gradients of 13 percent.
Roman forces under General Tiberius built a road through the pass around 15 BC after the region became the province of Noricum. This ancient route was used for centuries by merchants and armies, establishing the strategic importance of this crossing.
The open-air museum displays restored trenches and bunkers from the First World War, where visitors can walk through structures that reveal the conflict that took place here. These preserved remains tell the story of the intense fighting that occurred in this mountain region.
The road is accessible on foot, by car, or motorcycle, but the curves and steep grades require careful driving and experience. Winter weather can make the pass impassable due to snow and ice, so always check current conditions before traveling.
Timau, a small settlement near the pass, is a German-speaking enclave within Italy, founded by miners who originally came from Carinthia. This unusual cultural pocket preserves the language and traditions of its founding community today.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
