Silvretta High Alpine Road
Vorarlberg
The Silvretta High Alpine Road is a spectacular 22.3-kilometer mountain pass connecting the Montafon valley in Vorarlberg with the Paznaun valley in Tyrol, Austria. Renowned as one of the most beautiful and popular alpine roads, it offers drivers and cyclists breathtaking views of the Silvretta mountain range, including the highest peak in Vorarlberg, Piz Buin at 3,312 meters. The road features 34 well-maintained hairpin bends and passes by scenic lakes such as the Vermunt and Silvretta reservoirs, which were created for hydroelectric power generation. Originally developed in the 1920s and expanded through the mid-20th century to support dam construction, the road has evolved into a favorite route for motorcyclists, vintage car enthusiasts, and mountain bikers. The summit area at Bielerhöhe features guesthouses and well-marked hiking trails, including a path around the Silvretta reservoir. Due to recent rockfalls and mudslides in 2024 and 2025, the road is currently closed for public traffic with plans for reopening after extensive safety upgrades by 2030. Despite closures, the Vermuntbahn cable car remains operational, providing access from the Vorarlberg side, and the Tirol side remains passable toll-free during construction. The Silvretta High Alpine Road is celebrated for its combination of alpine adventure, natural beauty, and cultural significance within the Austrian Alps.
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Astuce: Visit during the summer months, typically from May to late autumn, for the best weather and road conditions. Purchase toll tickets in advance when open, and check current road status due to ongoing closures from rockfalls and mudslides. Mountain bikers and motorcyclists will find the route particularly rewarding. Note restrictions: no trailers, night parking, or vehicles longer than 13.8 meters are allowed. Use the Vermuntbahn cable car for access during road closures.
Faits intéressants
- •The road features 34 hairpin bends, making it a favorite for motorcyclists and vintage car rallies such as the Silvretta Classic Rallye.
- •The Silvretta reservoir near the summit is a man-made lake created for hydroelectric power and can be circumnavigated on a hiking trail.
- •The road was originally developed to support hydroelectric dam construction, reflecting the region's industrial heritage.
- •In 2024, significant rockfalls and mudslides caused long-term closures, highlighting the challenging alpine environment.
- •The highest point of the road is at Bielerhöhe, approximately 2,037 meters above sea level.
Histoire
The Silvretta High Alpine Road originated in 1925 as a widened transport route for dam construction materials during the building of the Vermunt reservoir.
After initial stagnation, the road was extended from 1938 onwards to Bielerhöhe to facilitate the Silvretta dam project, involving forced labor during World War II.
The road's final connection between Partenen and Galtür was completed between 1951 and 1954 when a large excavator moved itself down the steep valley, enabling the route's completion.
It opened for public traffic in 1954 and was fully expanded to two lanes by 1961.
Recent years have seen closures due to rockfalls and mudslides, with comprehensive safety upgrades planned for reopening by 2030.
Guide du lieu
Bielerhöhe Summit Area
The highest point of the Silvretta High Alpine Road at 2,037 meters elevation featuring guesthouses, restaurants, and access to hiking trails including a loop around the Silvretta reservoir lake.
Silvretta Reservoir Hiking Trail
A well-maintained path that encircles the Silvretta reservoir, offering scenic views of the lake and surrounding alpine peaks, ideal for hikers and nature lovers.
Hairpin Bends and Roadway1954-1961
The road itself is an engineering marvel with 34 smooth, well-maintained hairpin bends that challenge drivers and delight motorcyclists, winding through dramatic alpine scenery.
Contact
Téléphone: 05556 70183167