Gerlos Alpine Road Toll in Austria

What is the Gerlos Alpine Road?

The Gerlos Alpine Road, located directly in the Hohe Tauern National Park and Nature Reserve, is an approximately 12 km long, two-lane, and toll-based road situated about 100 km east of Innsbruck (if you leave the E 45 heading south on the 169, which becomes 165 in Zell am Ziller).

Tip

Those who possess a National Park Summer Card or the Salzburg SuperSkiCard can use the Gerlos Alpine Road for free.

The Gerlos Alpine Road connects the villages of Königsleiten and Wald im Pinzgau in addition to the 165. The total length of the Gerlos Alpine Road is about 20 km. The maximum gradient is 9%. The speed limit on the Alpine road is 70 km/h. As this route is open not only to cars and motorcycles but also to trucks, expect heavy traffic during the holidays. The Gerlos Alpine Road was also planned by Franz Wallack in 1949, who had already planned the Grossglockner Alpine Road. The construction of the Alpine Road took place between 1960 and 1962. However, the road was not continuously used until 1964. The special thing about Wallack's planning: the Alpine Road fits so perfectly into the surrounding landscape that one could easily get the impression that it has always been a part of the landscape. The Krimml Waterfalls, a real landscape highlight, can be admired from any parking lot along the Alpine Road.

In Summer

In addition to the Krimml Waterfalls, the Gerlos Alpine Road also passes through a holiday area, the Zillertal Arena. In summer, travelers and tourists can enjoy up to 400 km of hiking trails leading visitors to various guesthouses in the Hohe Tauern.

In Winter

In winter, the region becomes one of the most popular ski areas and skiing destinations in Austria, as well as part of the largest ski area in the world.

The colorful mix of driving, hiking, skiing, hotels, restaurants, and the Krimml Waterfalls makes the Gerlos Alpine Road, the former Karrenweg, one of the most visited panoramic roads in Austria.

On the western side of the area, the view is unfortunately obscured by a lot of forest. However, you can enjoy numerous well-developed curves. In the eastern part of the area, you will find the very impressive Krimml Waterfalls. The best time to travel the Gerlos Alpine Road is undoubtedly between May and October.

At the summit, you can observe rare high moors. These are almost extinct, acidic, and moist habitats that are entirely fed by rain and still withstand extreme conditions.

Hotels & Restaurants

If you do not only want to use the Gerlos Alpine Road as a connecting route but also want to spend part of your vacation here, you will find numerous hotels and restaurants on site and in the surrounding area.

Can the Gerlos Alpine Road be bypassed?

Yes, the Gerlos Alpine Road can be bypassed by using the Gerlosstraße. However, the Gerlosstraße is very narrow at many points and no longer in the best condition. However, the use of the Gerlosstraße is free of charge.

FAQ about the Gerlos Alpine Road

What does the Gerlospass cost?

The Gerlospass costs €11 for cars and campers up to 3.5 tons MTPLMR as a daily ticket, €24 as an 8-day ticket, and €57 as an annual ticket. The fee can be paid on-site.

Is the Gerlospass toll-based?

Yes, the Gerlospass is toll-based.

How high is Gerlos in Austria?

Gerlos is 1,247 meters high.

What does the Gerlospass connect?

The Gerlospass functions as a highly important mountain pass road. It connects the two Austrian federal states of Salzburg and Tyrol. It also connects the municipality of Wald with Königsleiten.