March 24, 2026, 2:02 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
For many vacationers, it is one of the most spectacular routes in the Alps—but anyone planning a drive over the Silvretta High Alpine Road in the coming years will need to rethink. The popular panoramic road will remain impassable for a long time. The reason lies deep in the mountains—and the work will take years to complete.
The Silvretta High Alpine Road connects the town of Partenen in Vorarlberg with Galtür in Tyrol. Over a distance of 22.3 kilometers, it climbs about 1,000 meters in elevation to the Bielerhöhe at 2,032 meters—with a total of 32 tight curves.
While the route plays a relatively minor role in traditional vacation travel and is only open in the summer, it is still one of Austria’s most famous alpine roads. Motorcyclists, vintage car enthusiasts, and day-trippers especially appreciate the winding road and the views, such as of the 3,312-meter-high Piz Buin. Additionally, the road serves as a starting point for numerous hikes.
Hundreds of Thousands of Visitors Each Year
According to a report by BILD, around 400,000 people use the High Alpine Road during the summer months. However, the route has been impassable since 2024. Landslides were the initial cause, and further mudslides ensured that the closure remained in place last year.
The operator, illwerke vkw, is now planning extensive measures to secure the road in the long term. The company stated: “The plan is now to comprehensively secure the Silvretta High Alpine Road in the coming years.”
The construction work is complex and will span several years. A quick reopening is therefore out of the question. Specifically, it is stated: “After implementing the construction work over three construction seasons from 2027 to 2029, the Silvretta High Alpine Road could be reopened to public traffic in the summer of 2030.”
This means the well-known alpine route will remain closed for several more summers—impacting especially day-trippers and tourists who have used the route as a scenic highlight.