A toll road crossing the Nockberge nature park, the Nockalmstrasse links several successive passes over nearly 34 km, offering one of the most complete scenic rides in the Austrian Alps.
A rolling crossing rather than a single climb
From Innerkrems, the road stretches 34 km for roughly 1,300 m of cumulative elevation gain, with several short ramps over 10% between more rolling sections. The high point, the Eisentalhöhe, sits above 2,000 m.
Scenery typical of the Nockberge
The road crosses the rounded alpine pastures characteristic of the Nockberge range, dotted with mountain huts (Schwaigen) where herds still graze in summer, a noticeably softer landscape than the rocky ridges of the neighbouring Alps.
Getting the ride right
The route’s length and the string of passes call for careful pacing across the whole day. A compact or triple crankset makes the steepest sections easier to handle without tiring the legs before the end of the ride.
When to go
June to September — the toll road is generally only open during this window, so it’s worth checking access times before setting off.
Good to know
Several viewpoints along the route offer regular breaks with views of the surrounding peaks, a welcome feature given the total length of the crossing.
