Last updated: 12.05.2025
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What is the Timmelsjoch Tunnel?
The Timmelsjoch (short: "Timmel") and its tunnel (Timmelsjoch Tunnel), which can be accessed via the high alpine road, is a border tunnel between Austria and Italy. The Timmelsjoch Tunnel connects the Austrian state of Tyrol with the Italian province of Trentino-South Tyrol. The high alpine road leading to the Timmelsjoch Tunnel stretches approximately 34 km and invites travelers to experience the blend of mountains and the Alps through around 30 bends—offering a peaceful escape from the daily work and highway traffic.
Like many other alpine and mountain pass roads and tunnels in Austria, the Timmelsjoch Tunnel heading toward Italy is a special toll route, and is therefore subject to a section toll (special toll). The section toll for the Timmelsjoch Tunnel can be paid on-site at the toll station on the Austrian side of the tunnel, located just past Hochgurgl (coming from Sölden).
The Timmelsjoch Tunnel is toll sticker-free, but the roads leading to the tunnel and the high alpine road may still require a vignette. So it’s best to play it safe and purchase a vignette (ideally a digital one) in our online shop before your trip.
How high is the Timmelsjoch?
There are various numbers circulating about the actual elevation of the Timmelsjoch. The official Austrian map lists an altitude of 2,474 meters. For comparison: the South Tyrolean GIS indicates 2,472 meters (2 meters less). In general, all sources place the elevation of the Timmelsjoch between 2,470 and 2,480 meters. Only the road sign directly at the pass and the operator’s website used to show a significantly different value. Since the construction of the Timmelsjoch Tunnel in 1955 and its opening in 1965, an average of 80,000 to 100,000 cars and 75,000 to 80,000 motorcycles pass through the Timmelsjoch Tunnel each year. The South Tyrolean sections of the road have always been part of the Texel Group Nature Park.
FAQ about the Timmelsjoch Tunnel
Yes, the Timmelsjoch Tunnel is toll-required since a section toll must be paid.
Yes, the Timmelsjoch is open daily from 7 AM to 8 PM.
The journey across the Timmelsjoch and through the Timmelsjoch Tunnel, continuing along the high alpine road down to the spa town of Merano, takes approximately 1.5 hours (90 minutes).
Yes, the Timmelsjoch is now snow-free and can be traveled as usual.
The toll station is located above the tourist town of Hochgurgl. Toll fees for both the Italian and Austrian sides of the road are collected here.
The Timmelsjoch has an average gradient of 6.3%. The maximum gradient is 13%.
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