Kaunertal, Alpine valley in Tyrol, Austria
Kaunertal is an alpine valley in Tyrol with steep rock walls on either side and a river running through the narrow passage. The road winds upward with many sharp turns, connecting scattered villages and mountain farms along its length.
The valley was carved by glaciers during the ice age and was settled by farmers in the Middle Ages who made homes on flatter ground. A small pilgrimage church from medieval times stands as evidence of how these communities took root in the mountains.
The valley is a place where mountain living traditions shaped how communities settle among steep slopes, visible in the layout of villages and how residents move with the seasons. You notice this rhythm in the way houses cluster together and how daily life adapts to the alpine environment.
The valley is accessible year-round, though the upper sections become difficult or close during winter as the road is steep and winding. Drivers should go slowly and be extra careful when snow or fog moves in.
The upper reaches are crowned by the Kaunergrat, a mountain ridge near 10,000 feet (3,000 m) that divides the area into smaller zones. This ridge draws hikers seeking wide views and a network of alpine lakes.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
