Top 19 Mountain Passes around Hollersbach im Pinzgau

The region offers several scenic mountain passes. The Pass Thurn (1273 m) provides impressive views of the main Alpine ridge, linking Kitzbühel and Mittersill. Another highlight is Stangenjoch, which offers fantastic views of the Tauern and the main Alpine ridge, especially when approached from the south.

Yes, the Grossglockner High Alpine Road is a renowned high alpine road offering breathtaking views through the mountain landscapes of SalzburgerLand and East Tirol. It features 36 hairpin bends and reaches its highest point at the Hochtor Pass at 2,504 meters (8,215 ft), providing unparalleled vistas of the Grossglockner and the Pasterze Glacier.

Many passes in the region have a rich history. For instance, the Grossglockner High Alpine Road follows a route used as a trade path by Celts and Romans as far back as 3,500 years ago, connecting Central Europe with Venice. The Thurn Pass has also been an important crossing point since the Stone and Bronze Ages, historically used for salt trade and copper mining.

You can observe diverse alpine flora and fauna, including marmots and ibex, especially along the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, which traverses four distinct vegetation zones within the Hohe Tauern National Park. The area around the Thurn Pass also features unique high moors, some protected as natural monuments.

Yes, for experienced hikers, the Venediger High Trail Between Badener Hütte and Galtenscharte is a challenging mountain path. It is part of the Venediger Höhenweg and requires absolute surefootedness and mountain experience due to its narrow sections and great views.

The region offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including scenic routes like the Hohe Tauern Panorama Trail near Thurn Pass. The Gerlos Pass is popular for cycling, offering challenging climbs. There are also running trails available.

The best time to visit depends on the pass and your activity. Many high alpine roads, like the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, are typically closed during winter months until early May. However, the Gerlos Alpine Road is generally open year-round. For hiking and cycling, late spring to early autumn usually offers the most favorable conditions.

Yes, the Thurn Pass serves as a gateway to the extensive Kitzbühel ski region. The Panoramabahn Kitzbüheler Alpen gondola lift, accessible from Hollersbach, makes it easy for winter sports enthusiasts to reach the ski slopes directly from the pass area.

Along the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, you'll find numerous viewpoints, exhibitions, themed hiking trails, and playgrounds. For passes like the Felbertauern Tunnel, there are facilities for chargeable tunnel transfer for bikes, often requiring a shuttle for cyclists.

Near the Gerlos Pass, you can visit the impressive Krimml Waterfalls, which are Europe's highest and a major draw for visitors. The Durlaßboden Reservoir also offers scenic beauty and recreational opportunities in the vicinity.

While the road to Pass Thurn (1273 m) is easy to navigate with a moderate gradient, it can experience quite a lot of traffic. The ascent from Kitzbühel is often recommended as it is not as steep as from Mittersill.

Cyclists often enjoy the challenging climbs and spectacular views offered by passes like the Gerlos Pass. For the Felbertauern Tunnel, cyclists need to be aware that it's a chargeable transfer and a shuttle is required to cross it. Always check road conditions and accessibility, especially for older pass roads in winter.