Discovering Austria's Nockalm Road: An Unforgettable Drive with 52 Hairpin Bends

Nockalmstrasse (Nockalm Road) is a breathtakingly beautiful drive located in Carinthia, in the Karnten region of Austria. It’s one of the scenic Austrian Alpine roads.

Nockalm Road

How long is the Nockalmstrasse (Nockalm Road)?

Tucked away within the Nockberge National Park, this lower alpine road is 34km (21.12 miles) long. It’s a toll road running north-south from Innerkrems to Ebene Reichenau.

When was the Nockalmstrasse (Nockalm Road) built?

The road was completed in 1981.

Is the Nockalmstrasse (Nockalm Road) challenging?

This road features 52 hairpin bends (104 in total for the round trip) weaving through mountains and valleys. The road is in excellent condition, with well-distributed curves that make the ride smooth. As the road climbs it hits a 12% of maximum gradient.

Is the Nockalmstrasse (Nockalm Road) open?

Set high in the southern part of the country, in the Carinthia's Nock Mountains, the road tops out at 2.042m (6,699ft) above sea level, by Eisentalhöhe. It’s open from the beginning of May to the end of October. Between 6:00 pm and 8:00 am, motorcycles are not allowed.

Is the Nockalmstrasse (Nockalm Road) worth it?

Traveling through the road offers plenty of opportunities for photographs but remember it is busy on weekends and holidays. The gradual slope of the Nockbergs enhances their unique appeal, known for their rounded summits called 'Nocken', distinct in the Alpine region. It winds through Europe’s only national park nestled in high mountains, featuring spruce and stone pine forests in the Eastern Alps. Along the way, you'll find mountain huts serving Carinthian specialties. The drive features many viewpoints with stunning vistas in all directions.
Pic: Andeas Madritsch

 

 

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