Last Updated on: May 12, 2021
This is the continuation of the Euro motorcycle adventure in 2016. Something I never finished. The story, if indeed it is a story, begins here. In this post; about to head into Austria and the Austrian Alps.
Over the mountains
Leaving Füssen behind I at first thought to drop by the world famous castle Neuschwanstein. It’s a short ride from Füssen. Arriving there I realized there wasn’t going to be any sightseeing up to the castle, for a couple of reasons. It was already getting hot, I was alone and would have to strip of all the gear, then walk up to the castle.
This aside from the fact that it was packed with people. If you plan to go here, then don’t in the middle of July, or go and be prepared to get up early.
At the parking down below the Neuschwanstein castle.
As a result, i departed rather quickly and set course for the German Austrian border.
GPS mess, some help from fellow riders
It didn’t take long before I was in Austria, greeting by the first sign of mountains. My old’ish GPS suggested some routes but I wasn’t entirely sure they were good ones. Found some friendly fellow bikers with a paper map. They made some suggestions which I partially misunderstood.
Nevertheless, the tip did lead me in what seemed to be a promising direction. Everything would have been perfect, if it wasn’t for my confused GPS that had me go back and forth a few times.
I love Austria, and to see the country from a motorcycle perspective is really awesome. Navigation mishaps cannot diminish the experience.
Austria is a beautiful country, especially in this kind of weather
Crossing valleys, towards austrian mountains
I followed the E532 which is a great road. The fellow motorbike riders I met earlier suggested Timmelsjoch Hochalpenstrasse (High Alpine street) across the mountains and over into Italy. Since I had no plan I went along with their suggestion.
Along the road passing Schloss Fernsteinsee.
Timmelsjoch high alpine road
I stayed on the same road passed Imst, by Schlierenzau took the 186 towards Hochgurgl. Now things began to look more interesting, smaller road, nice villages.
The 186 takes you right through several small towns, like Oetz
The weather was now not looking so great so I pressed on towards the high mountain pass. Only making one short stop for some very quick lunch. Last thing I wanted was to be crossing Timmelsjoch in rain.
Soon after the ascent began towards Hochgurgl and the gateway to the Timmelsjoch high pass.
Around Obergurgl, stopping to “gurgl” some Austrian nature
The temperature was pleasant and the weather, if not great, stayed in the dry. Those riding a touring bike will find this road very pleasant, with excellent pavement and great twists and turns. The roads here are very different from the Italian Dolomite high alpine passes, with sharper and more demanding curves.
My bike in 2016, a BMW R1200RT, at Timmelsjoch high alpine road
A little later I made it to the Timmelsjoch high alpine road toll station and viewpoint. Here is also the Top Mountain Motorcycle Museum which might be worth a visit. Even the building is pleasant, with great architecture.
Timmelsjoch high alpine road to Italy
Said before the weather wasn’t great. On the other hand, it often look like it’s about to start raining up here. Especially in July. Decided not to let myself be derailed by prospects of getting a little wet. Paid the ticket for crossing and started on the journey. Did not take long before I decided that probably was the best ad-hoc decision made since leaving Norway!
Along Timmelsjoch high alpine road, with breathtaking scenery
The road continued to climb and bend like a snake in the landscape. Soon it became evident that i was going to ride right into a dense fog that hang over the highest point and into italy.
Higher up along Timmelsjoch high alpine road
That will be the next part. It’s highly likely will be riding across Timmelsjoch again!
Go back to: previous post (part 4)