Road bike tour Road Cycling Tour - Sölden - Timmelsjoch

The Timmelsjoch lies at an altitude of 2474 metres, surrounded by mighty three-thousand-metre peaks. The pass is one of the greatest challenges for racing cyclists in the Alps, it is part of the annual Ötztal Cycle Marathon and has already been a stage finish for the Giro d'Italia (1988) and the Tour Transalp. However, the great effort of the ascent is rewarded with the unreal serpentines cut into the steep slopes and the unforgettable glacier panorama of the Ötztal Alps.

Description

The northern approach to the Timmelsjoch is quite varied - initially characterised by green vegetation, further up the pass conquerors can expect a barren stone landscape with scree, which is where the name Timmel comes from. Above the tree line and shortly after Hochgurgl is the toll station with Europe's highest motorbike museum at 2100 metres. The exhibits on display (around 230 motorbikes) are a must-see, even if you are not a motorcyclist yourself. The onward journey for cyclists is free of charge with a separate passage.

This is followed by a short descent, which can be used for a break. Here you already have a view of the long ramp through the Timmelstal valley before the road climbs steeply again to the top of the pass at 2474 metres.

There is plenty to discover along the Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road. The highlights here are the ‘footbridge’ at the toll station, the “smuggler” in the Timmelstal valley and the ‘Pass Museum’ at the top of the pass. Here you can learn more about the history of the Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road and the Ötztal Nature Park.

Before you make your way back, the Timmelsjoch rest stop invites you to take a well-earned break. The distant views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers will make you forget all about your exertions.

The rapid descent back to Sölden is pure adrenaline-fuelled fun. Only the 150 metre ascent is really mean. The Ötztal Cycle Marathon has often been decided up here or has made the descent to Sölden much more difficult for one or the other participant. From here, with a few exceptions, you reach Sölden without any effort.