Gerlos Pass (South side)
The Gerlos Pass serves as a vital alpine link between the Zillertal valley in Tyrol and the Pinzgau region in Salzburg, situated within the rugged Hohe Tauern National Park. The pass is geographically dominated by the massive Krimml Waterfalls, Europe’s highest, which remain visible from several vantage points as the road snakes upward through dense woodlands and high-altitude meadows. Its modern significance grew in the 17th century when the Archbishops of Salzburg commissioned a "gold road" to transport ore from local mines while avoiding disputed territories in Bavaria and Tyrol.
The pass is often featured in the Tour of Austria (Österreich-Rundfahrt), frequently serving as a decisive stage amidst the Zillertal Alps. The modern Alpine Road was engineered by Franz Wallack—the same visionary behind the Grossglockner High Alpine Road—and was designed to harmonize with the terrain, offering a series of wide, sweeping hairpins with panoramic glacier views. This high-altitude route leads directly toward the turquoise waters of the Durlassboden reservoir, marking the transition between the two provinces.
Region: Salzburg
City: Zell am See
Distance: 25.43 km
Elevation Gain: 654 m
Elevation Loss: 475 m
Difficulty: 563 (Moderate)
FIETS Index: 4.13 FIETS
Avg Grade: 6.71 %
Max cat climb: 2
Min elevation: 1010 m
Max elevation: 1625 m
Ride Category: Hilly