Ötztal Glacier Road

At the rear end of Sölden you turn right into the rising road – following the magnificent Ötztal Glacier Road either by car, motorbike or public bus. It leads high above Sölden to the eternal glacier fields of Rettenbach and Tiefenbach. The Eastern Alps’ highest mountain road was built in 1972 as an addition to the already existing road to Hochsölden. The average gradient of the 13 kilometer long route to Rettenbach Glacier is about 11%. On the way to Tiefenbach Glacier the vehicles also pass Europe’s highest road tunnel - Rosi Mittermaier Tunnel named after one of the most successful female German ski racers of all time. Just beyond, mountain visitors also reach the highest point of the road at 2830 meters above sea level.

Focusing on the eternal ice of the glacier, passionate alpinists and mountaineers look forward to conquering the high Alpine terrain throughout the summer months. In autumn, the first skiers meet here for the early season’s very first turns on freshly prepared ski slopes.

If novice mountain explorers have passed the highest point of the Glacier Road by car, motorbike, bus or bicycle, they reach the parking areas of Tiefenbach Glacier’s mountain lifts located slightly below. Also Rettenbach Glacier offers enough parking spaces for cars and coaches. Of course, guests can also enjoy a comfy glacier bus ride up to the eternal ice – available especially in the autumn months. Once at the top, a warm and windproof jacket is absolutely required as the weather can change surprisingly quick at altitudes of 2800 meters above sea level. It is also important to check the current road and weather conditions on the spot before the trip. Because the first snowfall of the season in Alpine terrain can happen at any time. Additionally, the Glacier Road remains closed to public traffic throughout the winter.

The Ötztal Glacier Road is a toll road if you drive there by car. The public bus line is included for holders of the Ötztal Inside Summer Card (once a day).

In early autumn, as soon as the glacier ski area opens, the Glacier Road is free of charge with a valid skipass or for people wearing ski equipment. A free glacier skibus is running between Sölden and the mountain lifts at Rettenbach and Tiefenbach Glaciers.

Toll road fees