Ötztal Glacier Road, Road in Sölden, Austria
The Ötztal Glacier Road is a toll road in Sölden, Austria, that climbs from the town up into a high alpine valley toward two glaciers. The road ends at the Rettenbach and Tiefenbach glaciers, which both sit above 9,200 feet (2,800 m).
The road was built to open access to the Rettenbach and Tiefenbach glaciers, which grew into one of Austria's main glacier ski areas. The Rosi Mittermaier Tunnel was added later to link the two glaciers directly, regardless of weather conditions outside.
The Ötztal Glacier Road is popular with cyclists who come to test themselves on its steep bends. On some days you can spot professional riders making their way uphill, which gives the road a sporty feel alongside its role as a scenic drive.
The road is generally open to cars from early June to early October and closed at other times of year. Visitors without a ski or summer card need to pay a toll, and it is worth checking the weather before setting out since conditions can change fast at high altitude.
The Rosi Mittermaier Tunnel connecting the two glaciers is the highest road tunnel in the Alps. The road was also used for a chase scene in the James Bond film Spectre, and the IceQ restaurant at the glacier served as one of the film's sets.
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