TIMMELSJOCH (AUSTRIA)
46.9000° N, 11.1000° E
Timmelsjoch connects the Austrian Tirol to the South Tirol in Italy with the highest part of the pass at 2509m above sea level. Being so high this climb is often covered in snow even in August, which is when these photographs were taken.
From Austria, the route does have a different feel to the Italian side which has featured in the Giro d’Italia. It is less rugged and dramatic with its construction, but absolutely it is worthy of every cyclist, motorcyclist or driver’s attention.
23.6
KM
| 1277m | 5.3% | 11.9% | CLIMBED | AVERAGE GRADIENT | MAX GRADIENT |
|---|
From the town of Solden the gradient fluctuates and there is even a slight plateau/descent before you reach 5km. Climbing up the opposite mountains you head out and then have to do a sharp boomerang turn to start climbing up this valley.
Austrian cows in a mountainous heaven.
Although plans to construct the Austrian side of Timmelsjoch were started in 1897, it was only in 1955 that construction began. It was completed in 1959.
Still plenty of snow in August, due to its North Western aspect
Arguably the prettiest section of the Stelvio Pass from Bormio. With its waterfall Cascata del Braulio raging down itside to a hydro electric dam, and 14 tightly formed hairpin bends / switchbacks. For many this their favourite part of the climb.
The climb on both sides has many of these lookout points
TIMMELSJOCH SUMMIT
The climb from the Austrian side does feel significantly different to the Italian side, and we believe that is due to the landscape but also the date of construction. A more gentle gradient and less aggressive road construction. However, the road is still equally as quiet due to lorries and trailers being banned and although the road does connect the two countries there are many newer and faster ways of getting between the two countries
TIMMELSJOCH CYCLING CLIMB FAQ'S
This road is only open from May to October and early/late season is not guaranteed. The road is only open between 7AM and 8PM due to the tunnel on the Italian side closing
It has 30 hairpin bends / 30 switchbacks
There are two ways up Timmelsjoch. One from Austria and the other from Italia (called Passo Rombo)
Although steep in parts the Timmeljoch has a moderate average gradient.
The best time to visit would be from Late June to September
At the summit there is Resthaus Timmelsjoch which is a restaurant offering food and drinks
On the Austrian side there is a toll booth 7KM from the summit (free until that point)
