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Sölden
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Restaurant
To the peak of the Alps. At least if you go by paved roads. At 2,830 meters, the air on the road bike starts to get thin - but perhaps this is also due to the average 10.5 % gradient.
This challenging road bike tour leads from Sölden up the 2,830-metre-high glacier road with a constant 13% gradient. Be sure to bring lights for the 1.8-kilometre-long Rosi Mittermeier Tunnel.
The StVO (road traffic regulations) applies. General valid and usual behavioral rules.
It should be noted that road cycling carries an increased risk of accidents and injuries. Despite careful route planning, there is always a basic risk. Preparations for the route through endurance sports, appropriate training and education as well as personal caution reduce the risk of accidents and dangers.
Your personal equipment must be safe and functional and meet the respective technical standard. Every road cyclist is recommended to inform themselves about the planned routes in specialist literature or on site. Complete road bike equipment is absolutely recommended, even for experienced riders!
Tip: illumination is recommended for the partly poorly lit tunnels.
At the southern edge of Sölden, the road to the two glacier ski areas at Rettenbach Glacier (known from the season opening of the Alpine Ski World Cup) and Tiefenbach Glacier branches off to the right, towards Hochsölden. With an average gradient of 10.5%, the Ötztal Glacier Road is not an easy task. This challenging route along the road built in 1972 leads from Sölden through the spectacular Rettenbach valley up to the glacier ski areas in the Ötztal. The wild beauty of the high alpine terrain is as breathtaking as the thinning mountain air. The panoramic road to the stadium at Rettenbach Glacier demands the last reserves of strength. But only at the parking lot above Rettenbach Glacier at the steel sculpture is it done.
The ride to the Ötztal glacier ski area includes the superlative of the “highest road bike accessible point in the Alps.” For record chasers, this may already be incentive enough to take on the glacier road, newly surfaced with wonderfully smooth asphalt in 2004, but also for those mainly interested in scenic beauty, the excursion into the eternal ice is worthwhile.
In the years 2005 and 2007, the glacier road was conquered by the pro riders of the Deutschland Tour. From 2015 to 2017, Rettenbach Glacier was the destination of the queen stage of the Tour de Suisse.
P.S.: “The red-white-red highlight at 2830 meters, Jan Ulrich called the climb ‘animal cruelty’ and Jens Voigt wanted to call mountain rescue and ‘issue an avalanche warning’. Any questions?”
The hardy then take on Tiefenbach Glacier with an additional 3.4 km and 210 meters ascent. (Illumination is recommended for the tunnel to Tiefenbach Glacier).
Travel comfortably and safely by train to the Ötztal train station. The final stop or exit point is the ÖTZTAL station. Then, travel conveniently and quickly with public transport or local taxi companies through the entire valley to your desired destination! The current bus schedule is available at: http://fahrplan.vvt.at
The following parking options are available in Sölden:
All parking lots are free during the day.
For parking for several days (e.g., hut tour):
