Choose Your Route: Comparing the 5 Different Access Roads to the Zillertaler Höhenstraße

If you're planning a day on the Zillertaler Höhenstraße, the first decision is simple but important: which of the five access roads should you take? The right choice can save time, match your driving or cycling comfort level, and set you up for the views, mountain huts, and family stops you most want to experience. In this guide, you'll learn what the Zillertaler Höhenstraße offers, how the five entry routes differ in practice, and how to pick the best approach for your goals.

What makes the Zillertaler Höhenstraße special?

The Zillertaler Höhenstraße is a panoramic mountain road that winds through the Tux Alps above Ried, Kaltenbach, Zell and Aschau in the Zillertal. Built in the early 1960s, it is widely regarded as one of Austria’s most beautiful mountain roads and a must for nature lovers, day trippers, and cyclists alike.

• Length: almost 50 km along the mountain flanks
• Elevation: typically between 1,700–2,100 m
• Highest point: Aribsjochkopf (2,133 m)
• Season: generally mid-May to end of October (depending on snow conditions)
• Toll: €8 per car
• Access: five separate entry routes connect up to the panoramic road

Along the way, classic huts such as Grünalm, Platzlalm, and Zirmstadl invite you to pause for refreshments with sweeping alpine views. Cyclists often speak of the Höhenstraße in the same breath as legendary passes like the Timmelsjoch, the Großglockner High Alpine Road, and the Silvretta High Alpine Road.

For an overview of the road’s highlights, see our feature: Die Zillertaler Höhenstraße – Ein unvergessliches Erlebnis in den Tuxer Alpen.

How the 5 access roads differ (and how to choose)

All five approaches lead you to the same balcony-like route across the Tux Alps. In practice, the best entry for you depends on three things: time and logistics, confidence and comfort behind the wheel (or on the bike), and what you want to do once you’re on the ridge.

1) Time and logistics: Start closest to you

• Pick the access point that’s closest to your base in the Zillertal to minimise valley driving and maximise time on the panoramic section.
• If your day includes a specific stop (for example, a lunch at Platzlalm or a family visit to Murmelland), choose the entry that brings you onto the Höhenstraße nearest to that stop.

2) Driving comfort: Match the road to your confidence

Mountain access roads typically include hairpin bends and sustained gradients. While all five entries are designed for regular vehicles, the approaches can feel different behind the wheel.

• New to mountain driving? Choose the entry with the most direct ascent from your starting point to reduce time on narrow, winding sections.
• Prefer gentler pacing? Plan extra time, use lower gears, and take scheduled breaks at scenic pullouts once you’re on the Höhenstraße.

3) Cycling priorities: Climb profile and recovery

The Höhenstraße is a favourite among cyclists. If you’re riding up via one of the access roads:

• Choose an approach that aligns with your warm-up preference—some riders like to start with a gradual valley roll before the main climb, others prefer to start climbing soon after departure.
• Plan where you’ll refuel on top. Huts like Grünalm, Platzlalm and Zirmstadl provide convenient regroup and refuel points with panoramic terraces.

4) Sightseeing and family stops: Build your day around highlights

• Travelling with kids? Plan your route around a stop at Murmelland Zillertal at the Kaltenbacher Skihütte (approx. 1,800 m). Here, children can watch marmots up close, meet friendly farm animals, and enjoy a large playground and water play area. Best of all, admission is free. Learn more: Murmelland Zillertal – Ein Highlight für Familien.
• Chasing views and classic hut lunches? Target a section with views you love, then align your access road so you arrive near your chosen hut at meal time.

Quick facts for planners

Which access road is best for the Zillertaler Höhenstraße?

Short answer: the best access road is the one closest to your starting point and planned on-route highlights. All five entries connect to the same panoramic ridge between roughly 1,700–2,100 m, the car toll is €8, and the road is generally open from mid-May to the end of October (snow-dependent). Pick the entry that reduces your approach time and positions you well for your chosen hut stop or family activity.

A simple decision framework

Use this quick matrix to match an access road to your priorities:

• If you value: the most time on the panoramic section
  • Choose an access road that gets you to the ridge quickly from your base.
• If you value: confidence and control while driving
  • Choose a shorter ascent and schedule several view-stop breaks on top.
• If you value: a family-friendly day with kid stops
  • Choose an access that positions you near Murmelland around mid-morning or early afternoon.
• If you value: a hut lunch with iconic views
  • Choose the access that brings you close to Grünalm, Platzlalm, or Zirmstadl at your planned eating time.
• If you value: a challenging bike climb
  • Choose an approach that suits your preferred warm-up (valley spin or immediate ascent) and plan refuel points on top.

Sample day plans (adapt to your nearest access)

These outlines help you sequence the day; simply slot in the access road that’s nearest to your accommodation.

Scenic lunch loop

1. Morning: Enter via the closest access to reach the Höhenstraße mid-morning.
2. Late morning: Photo stops at panoramic pullouts along the ridge.
3. Lunch: Terrace meal at Grünalm, Platzlalm or Zirmstadl.
4. Afternoon: Continue along the ridge for more viewpoints; descend via the same or a different access if time allows.

Family day with marmots and playground time

1. Mid-morning: Enter via your nearest access and head toward the Murmelland Zillertal by the Kaltenbacher Skihütte (approx. 1,800 m; free admission).
2. Lunch: Picnic or hut stop nearby.
3. Early afternoon: Short strolls and gentle viewpoints before descending.

Cyclist’s challenge and café views

1. Early start: Warm up in the valley, then ascend via your chosen entry road.
2. On the ridge: Recover with views; refuel at a hut terrace.
3. Descent: Choose the same access for familiarity or plan a different descent after assessing conditions and legs.

Practical tips for a smooth experience

• Check opening status in shoulder season: The road is generally open from mid-May to the end of October, but actual dates depend on snow conditions.
• Bring cash for the €8 car toll and for hut stops.
• Drive in lower gears on climbs and descents to reduce brake wear.
• Start early in peak months to secure parking at popular viewpoints and huts.
• Pack layers. At 1,700–2,100 m, temperatures and wind can change quickly even on sunny days.
• For families, target your visit to align with kids’ energy peaks—Murmelland can be a perfect mid-journey reward.
• Cyclists: carry adequate hydration and nutrition; plan stops at huts like Grünalm, Platzlalm, and Zirmstadl for water and snacks.

Beyond the ridge: Make it a Zillertal getaway

Pair your Höhenstraße day with another signature outing in the region:

• Chase waterfalls: Die Krimmler Wasserfälle – Ein bezauberndes Naturschauspiel!
• Families on the ridge: Murmelland Zillertal – Ein Highlight für Familien
• First-time visitor’s primer: Die Zillertaler Höhenstraße – Ein unvergessliches Erlebnis in den Tuxer Alpen

Conclusion

With five different access roads feeding into one spectacular panoramic route, choosing your entry to the Zillertaler Höhenstraße is all about aligning the approach with your time, vehicle, and sightseeing goals. Start from the access nearest to you, plan your must-do stops—be it a hut lunch at Grünalm, Platzlalm or Zirmstadl, or a family break at Murmelland Zillertal—and give yourself time to savour the ridge’s balcony views between roughly 1,700 and 2,100 metres.

Ready to turn this plan into a memorable day? Book your stay at Gasthof Untermetzger and use this guide to map out your perfect Höhenstraße route. Then share your favourite viewpoint with us when you get back!