Last Updated on: May 5, 2025

Two passes and two countries, just like in 2021. From Austria and Timmelsjoch into Italy, then Jaufenpass and onwards east to Austria.

View from Timmelsjochstrasse or Timmelsjoch high alpine road, in Italy.

One could argue it would be three passes. Along Timmelsjoch high alpine road there are actually two, one on the Austrian, another on the Italian side.

It was first time for my friend Truls-Erik, whereas these roads were familiar for me. Still, never get tired of the experience. The roads, the mountains, the atmosphere, the weather, the light, there’s always something new to see, or something you missed the last time.

This is one reason why many motorcycle riders flock to the Alps. And return, year after year.

After another of those fabulous breakfasts we continued northeast and soon crossed the border into Italy again and continued on SS41. Didn’t take long before that got boring. so onto a smaller road through Laatsch, before being back on a bigger road, this time SS40.Now on a northern course we crossed the border south of Nauders.

A reward for riding small roads in Austria

If you ever come this way, once in Plutz take off to the right in direction of Piller, later Arzl in Pitztal. I guarantee it’s worth it, even if it will take more time. Something the above picture hopefully can illustrate.

Two passes, #1: Timmelsjoch

Hochgurgl, Timmelsjoch, looking north towards Soelden.

The plan was to ride the two passes. First Timmelsjoch, down into Italy and then Jaufenpass in direction of Vipiteno or Sterzing. We kept it going all the way past Ötztal, past Sölden, past “the Gurgl’s”, or Obergurgl and Hochgurgl. Latter marks the beginning of the Timmelsjoch High alpine road. And this is where you find the gate on the Austria side, a cafe and a motorcycle museum.

Interior of the cafe at Timmelsjoch.

The motorcycle museum was completely destroyed in a violent fire January 17th 2021. And remarkably rebuilt in ten months. More details in this article. I was at the site September 2021 while they were finalizing reconstruction. No small feat to make that happen in such a short timeframe. If you pass by, consider a visit!

Passo Rombo and the border to Italy.

After a brief stop with bought a ticket and rode on. While the first part on the Austrian side and ascent might seem a bit unremarkable, it changes radically as cross the border into Italy at Passo Rombo. That’s when south Tirol opens up below you.

View into Italy from Timmelsjoch high alpine road.

I really like the descent into Italy towards San Leonardo in Passeria. A fantastic road, with lots of tight hairpins, surrounded by a fantastic landscape. Something the photos hopefully manages to deliver a little bit of.

Jaufenpass and east

Down in San Leonardo in Passeria we turned left, and rode up Via Passo Giovo or Jaufenstrasse. It’s a very different ride from the Timmelsjoch high alpine road. But no less fun. You start surrounded by woods, with hairpins and sharp curves. Soon enough you’re above the tree limit to once again marvel at the surrounding mountains.

View west from along Jaufensstrasse, a little before Jaufenpass

I like both passes, riding them on the same day adds something extra to the experience.

We continued down to Vipiteno (Sterzing) and continued east. First on Brennerstrasse south, then onto SS49 in direction of Brenico. We had planned to finish the pan Alpine experience with Grossglockner high alpine road, and go back up north from there.

Hotel Berghof, Berg im Drautal.

Afternoon morphed into evening as we approached our hotel for the night. Just in time for a shower and dinner. The hotel was run by a nice Dutch couple. Not the first time I’ve encountered Dutch hosts while in the Alps. Excellent place by the way, Hotel Berghof gets top remarks from me!

For more pictures check out the 2024 Euro Adventure gallery.
Below our route for the day.