Kaunertal Glacier Road
The Kaunertal Glacier Road is a 26 kilometer mountain route in Tyrol with approximately 29 hairpin turns, starting from the village of Feichten and climbing to over 2750 meters elevation. It passes through changing landscapes from forested areas to rocky alpine zones and provides access to the Weißseeferner Glacier and the Gepatsch Stausee reservoir.
The road developed from a medieval pilgrimage path and was built as a gravel road in the 1930s, later expanded and paved following the construction of the Gepatsch Dam between 1961 and 1965. This dam project enabled the upper section to be rebuilt for six kilometers along the newly created reservoir.
The road follows an ancient pilgrimage route that people have traveled since medieval times to reach mountain sanctuaries and high alpine passes. Visitors today stop at viewpoints and rest areas to experience how the landscape transforms as elevation increases.
The road is accessible from June through August and requires a toll pass available for daily or extended periods. Visitors should bring warm clothing since temperatures are significantly colder at the top than at lower elevations, and weather conditions can change rapidly, especially in the late afternoon.
Austria's highest postbus stop is located on this route at approximately 2750 meters elevation, where passengers board and depart amid extraordinary mountain views. Additionally, visitors can enter a hand-carved ice tunnel within the glacier itself, offering approximately 40 minutes of exploration.
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