Timmelsjoch
A high-alpine route over Timmelsjoch, between the Ötztal and South Tyrol.
I’d actually only put this pass in the route as a handy shortcut between Austria and Italy, but it turned out to be an absolute motorcycle paradise. You do pay a toll, but it’s more than worth it.
The landscapes, the altitude you’re riding at, the sheep casually wandering onto the road, and the sheer number of motorcyclists climbing this pass: this is a genuine must-ride.
Elevation profile
Based on the GPX track. Small deviations are normal.
Things to know about the Timmelsjoch
Sheep have the right of way here
During our descent toward Austria, sheep were just wandering across the road. Apparently not that unusual: the official Timmelsjoch site warns that you might run into sheep and goats (and with a bit of luck, even ibex) along the way.
A break at 2,509 meters
At the top of the Timmelsjoch you’ll find the Rasthaus, where you can grab something to eat or drink with a view over the mountains. When we were there, the terrace was completely taken over by cyclists who’d just conquered the climb.
A souvenir at the toll
When we passed through, we got a Timmelsjoch sticker at the toll booth, a small souvenir that obviously earned itself a spot on the bike.
A motorcycle paradise with over 600 historic bikes
Along the pass sits the TOP Mountain Motorcycle Museum, home to more than 600 historic motorcycles. The museum was destroyed by a fire in 2021 but was later rebuilt even bigger.
Even in June, snow walls can tower meters high
Because of the high altitude, the road closes every winter. When it reopens in spring, you can sometimes ride between snow walls several meters tall.
Practical info on the road
Paying the toll
The Timmelsjoch Hochalpenstraße is a toll road. In 2026 a motorcycle pays €18 for a one-way trip or €25 for a return. A return ticket doesn’t need to be used on the same day and stays valid for the rest of the season.
Stopping at the top
At 2,509 meters you’ll find the Rasthaus Timmelsjoch, where you can eat and drink. When we were there the terrace was pretty busy, mostly with cyclists who’d just conquered the climb up.
Watch out for animals on the road
Especially during the descent toward Austria you may come across livestock on or right next to the road. We even had to make way for sheep calmly strolling across the asphalt. The official Timmelsjoch site also mentions sheep and goats along the route.
The Italian side is narrower
Toward Italy the road gets narrower and more technical in several spots. The official road authority warns of narrow and steep sections there. Leave enough margin for oncoming traffic at blind corners.