To the Timmelsjoch | To Moos im Passeier | Travelling south

To Moos im Passeier

The Timmelsjochpass, called the Passo del Rombo in Italian, is the highest vehicle-accessible state border between Austria and Italy. The High Alpine Road on the Passeirer side is much steeper and more rugged than on the Ötztal side. Avalanches and falling rocks affect the road here much more than on the other side. After leaving the 555 m-long Scheibkopf Tunnel (2,605 m), a spectacular view opens up across to the far end of the Passeiertal valley with the Seebertal valley towards the south. Amidst the peaks of the Gurgler Ridge, the Granatkogel (3,304 m) to the right and the Hohe First (3,403 m) in the middle, stand out from the panoramic backdrop. The little Seebertal valley, with its diverse array of Alpine flora and fauna and its rich mineral resources (garnet among others), ranks among the most interesting of the high Alpine valleys. The journey continues steeply downwards round nine serpentine bends past the “Hochfirst” tavern (1,860 m), the highest restaurant below the Timmelsjoch. At the Bankeralm, the road switches over to the northerly-situated valley side. The Timmelsbrücke bridge crosses the River Passer, still small at this point but which further down joins the mighty Adige river in Meran. Along the next four kilometres, there are another two restaurants, “Schönau” and “Saltnuss” which enjoy equally superb locations in which to enjoy a break. Shortly before the village of Moos, a road sign points to Stuls. The tiny village is situated on an exposed rocky terrace and offers an all-round view of practically the entire far end of the Passeiertal valley. Another three hairpin bends takes you to the village of Moos (1,007 m), the finishing point of the road on the South Tyrolean side.