Schlegeis Alpine Road
The Schlegeis Alpine Road is a breathtaking 13.3 km stretch of asphalt that climbs from the village of Ginzling to the massive Schlegeis Reservoir in the Zillertal Alps. Known for its rugged beauty, the road features eight sharp hairpin turns and four narrow tunnels carved directly into the natural rock. Because parts of the route are too narrow for two-way traffic, a traffic light system regulates flow, giving you plenty of time to admire the towering 3,000-meter peaks and cascading waterfalls that line the path. Once you reach the top at 1,800 meters, you’re rewarded with the sight of the turquoise reservoir and the imposing 131-meter-high dam wall, a feat of engineering that guards the valley below.
For cyclists, this road is both a punishing challenge and a bucket-list achievement. The climb from Ginzling is steep and steady, with gradients often hitting 10% to 12%, making it a favorite for road bikers looking to test their climbing legs in a classic Alpine setting. While the tunnels are lit, they remain narrow and damp, so high-visibility gear and lights are essential for safety. If you’re visiting on a weekend in mid-summer, aim for an early morning start (around 6:00 AM) to beat the heavy tourist traffic and the heat, ensuring you have the crisp mountain air and the winding hairpins mostly to yourself.
Region: Tirol
City: Mayrhofen
Distance: 22.1 km
Elevation Gain: 1165 m
Elevation Loss: 27 m
Difficulty: 976 (Hard)
FIETS Index: 6.13 FIETS
Avg Grade: 5.34 %
Max cat climb: HC
Min elevation: 655 m
Max elevation: 1803 m
Ride Category: Climb