Ötztal Glacier Road
Sölden, Austria
A toll road climbing to about 2,800 m beside the Rettenbach and Tiefenbach glaciers, among the highest points in the Alps you can reach by car. Snow is possible even in summer.
The Ötztal Glacier Road is a toll road in the Ötztal Alps in Tyrol. It starts in Sölden and runs through the Rettenbach valley to the ski areas at the Rettenbach and Tiefenbach glaciers. It was built in 1972 as a spur off the road to Hochsölden. Its highest point is about 2,830 metres at the southern end of a tunnel; according to Wikipedia and the AARoads database it is the second-highest paved road in Europe.
The road climbs a good 1,450 metres and averages roughly 10 to 11 percent, with peaks of 13 percent. On the way you drive through a tunnel about 1.8 kilometres long; another tunnel toward the Tiefenbach glacier also calls for headlights.
For road trippers: the Rettenbach glacier has parking for 850 cars and 40 coaches, the Tiefenbach glacier for 1,100 cars and 40 coaches. Conditions can be wintry even in autumn. Winter tyres are required in winter and snow chains are strongly recommended. Check tolls and opening times beforehand.
- Nearest town
- Sölden, Austria
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 46.9380, 10.9270
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in September. Cold, short days in November–March. Mountain passes on this route are usually open June–October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Austria: Vignette needed for motorways. Vehicles over 3.5 t need a GO-Box for distance-based tolls. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
- Timmelsjoch (2,474 m). Usually open June–October; outside that window the road can be closed by snow. Alternative: Use the Brenner route.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Camping SöldenCampsite7 km from Ötztal Glacier RoadTentsCaravansShowersToilets
- Camping Ötztal LängenfeldCampsite15 km from Ötztal Glacier RoadTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Camping KaunertalCampsite19 km from Ötztal Glacier RoadTentsCaravansShowersToilets
- Camping BergkristallCampsite21 km from Ötztal Glacier RoadTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Ötztal Camping UmhausenCampsite22 km from Ötztal Glacier RoadTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Camping DreiländereckCampsite24 km from Ötztal Glacier RoadTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToilets
All campsites in Austria · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Ötztal Glacier Road?
Ötztal Glacier Road is in Sölden, Austria, at GPS 46.9380, 10.9270. It is about 11 km from Obergurgl.
Can you camp near Ötztal Glacier Road?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camping Sölden, about 7 km away; within 25 km there are 10 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Ötztal Glacier Road?
Ötztal Glacier Road is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Ötztal and the Timmelsjoch.
What is there to see near Ötztal Glacier Road?
Places worth a stop nearby: Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road (13 km), Stuibenfall (22 km), Tyrol Castle (32 km) and Submerged bell tower of Curon (33 km).
When is the best time to visit Ötztal Glacier Road?
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)