The Silvretta High Alpine Road is one of the most beautiful panoramic roads in the Alps and is not without reason called a "dream road for connoisseurs". It connects the Montafon in Vorarlberg with the Paznaun Valley in Tyrol and runs for around 22 kilometres through an impressive high mountain landscape. With its 34 hairpin bends, the route winds its way up from Partenen at 1,051 metres to the Bielerhöhe at 2,032 metres and onwards towards Galtür. Along the road you can look forward to spectacular views as well as the well-known reservoirs Vermuntsee and Silvrettasee. The combination of route, altitude and natural scenery makes the Silvretta High Alpine Road a special driving experience. An adventure that delights drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists and vintage car enthusiasts alike.
The road owes its present-day form to the expansion carried out during the construction of the Illwerke power plants. Initial development work took place as early as between 1925 and 1930, before the route was opened to public traffic in 1954 and fully completed by 1961. Since then, it has been one of Austria's most famous alpine roads.
The Silvretta High Alpine Road is currently completely closed and cannot be used at present.
The reason for this is several rockfalls and mudslides in 2024 and 2025. Despite initial safety measures, geological surveys have shown that a short-term reopening is not possible.
According to the current status, a reopening is planned at the earliest for summer 2030. Until then, extensive construction work is necessary. You can find more information in our news article on the Silvretta High Alpine Road. Should there be any new updates on the closure, you will find them in the news article.
The Silvretta High Alpine Road is generally what is known as a special toll route. This means that a separate fee applies for its use (in addition to a vignette or distance-based toll). Currently, however, no toll is payable, as the road is completely closed and therefore cannot be used. After reopening, the special toll is expected to be charged again as usual.
Even though the classic route through the Silvretta High Alpine Road is currently not possible, the region remains accessible.
Via the Vermuntbahn on the Vorarlberg side, visitors can still reach the area towards the Bielerhöhe in summer. Some sections are also accessible from the Tyrolean side via the Paznaun Valley, and are even toll-free during the construction phase.
The surrounding regions also offer charming landscapes and views. Nevertheless, the Silvretta High Alpine Road as a whole remains a unique experience that cannot be fully replaced by any alternative route.
If driving the entire panoramic road is a key highlight of your trip, it may be worth postponing this section to a later date (ideally after the planned reopening in 2030). Feel free to find out more from us about the most beautiful panoramic roads in Austria that you shouldn't miss. Nevertheless, a visit to the region around the Silvretta High Alpine Road is still worthwhile for those who want to see the Bielerhöhe.
Even during regular operation, special rules apply on the Silvretta High Alpine Road:
Trailer ban along the entire route
Night parking ban
Coaches: the maximum length of 13.8 metres must not be exceeded
These rules serve to ensure safety on the high-alpine road.
Even though the Silvretta High Alpine Road is currently closed, the region around the Bielerhöhe remains a rewarding destination. After the planned reopening in 2030, the route is expected to once again be among the highlights of any trip to Austria.
Please note when planning your trip that many roads in Austria require a vignette or are subject to a distance-based toll. You can easily purchase your digital vignette for Austria online with us. Detailed information on the toll and special toll in Austria can be found in our guide. If you have any questions about tolls in Austria or our digital products, our multilingual support team is available at any time via email.
No, the road is currently completely closed.
The reopening is planned for summer 2030.
Yes, it is generally a special toll route. However, no toll applies during the closure, as you cannot use the Silvretta High Alpine Road.
Yes, individual sections remain accessible. However, a complete drive-through is currently not possible.