Timmelsjoch

The Timmelsjoch lies at an altitude of 2,509 meters, surrounded by towering three-thousand-meter peaks. The pass is one of the greatest challenges for racing cyclists in the Alps, it is annually part of the Ötztal Cycling Marathon and has already been a finishing point on a stage of the Giro d'Italia (1988) and the Tour Transalp. However, the great efforts of the ascent are rewarded with the amazing hairpins cut into the steep slopes and the unforgettable glacier panorama of the Ötztal Alps.

The northern approach to the Timmelsjoch is quite varied - initially still characterized by green vegetation, further up awaits a barren stone landscape with rubble heaps, to which the name Timmel comes from. A short descent follows, which can be used for a rest break. Here you already have a view of the long straight through the Timmel valley, before it goes steeply up again to the pass summit at 2509m..

Before you make your way back, the Timmelsjoch rest stop invites you to take a well-deserved break. The distant views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers make you forget some of your exertions.

The rapid descent back to Sölden is pure adrenaline-filled pleasure. Only the 150 meter altitude counter ascent is really mean. Up here the Ötztaler Radmarathon was often decided or has massively complicated the descent to Sölden for some of the other participants. From here on, with few exceptions, you get to Sölden with very little effort.

Author's tip
A ride to the Timmelsjoch at the beginning of the season at the end of May with snow walls up to five meters high is a special experience every year.