From the Alps to the Dolomites: Salzburg, Bolzano & Innsbruck

The route follows the Salzach River Valley upwards to Kaprun, where a cable car can be taken to the glacier. The Upper Alpine Road, one of the most spectacular mountain routes in Europe, begins at Kaprun.

The most direct route leads through Lienz, the capital of East Tyrol. A challenging detour through the Defreggental River Valley is recommended for travellers not faint of heart. The winding road with inclines of up to 10% will take you through a deep gorge with sensational landscapes. You will cross the border to Italy at the Passo Stalle and continue through the Antholzer Valley and the sunny Puster Valley to Toblach.

The short leg leads past Bruneck and Brixen. The Baroque cathedral and Renaissance palace in the latter town are worth a stop. The southern route along side roads and across several passes is more scenic but also more strenuous for the driver. It will take you through stunning landscapes past the Three Peaks of Lavaredo and Monte Cristallo. A cable car runs to the summit of Tofana from Cortina.

The quickest route leads through the Brenner Pass, the most important north-south connection in the Alps. Those wishing to avoid the heavy traffic on the Brenner Motorway can take a scenic detour through the Özttal Alps via Meran and the Passo del Rombo. Vast mountain meadows, deep gorges, waterfalls and glaciers lie along the route.

You will follow the course of the River Inn to Kufstein, then continue east on the German Alpine Road ("deutsche Alpenstraße") with its magnificent views of the Bavarian and Austrian Alps.