Gerlos Pass (old road)

Gerlos Pass (old road)

The Gerlos Pass Old Road (Alte Gerlosstraße) provides a historical passage between the Zillertal in Tyrol and the Pinzgau region of Salzburg. Geographically, it follows a more intimate path through the forest compared to the modern toll road, tracing the natural contours of the mountain above the village of Gerlos. Historically, this route was a primary salt trade artery for centuries; however, its significance shifted in the 1960s with the construction of the modern Gerlos Alpine Road. Today, the old road remains a preserved segment of alpine infrastructure, winding through traditional pastures and offering glimpses of the Krimml Waterfalls from a lower, more sheltered elevation.

The route is a frequent inclusion in the Tour of Austria (Österreich-Rundfahrt), often utilized by the peloton to navigate the transition between the two provinces. Because it bypasses the heavy tourist traffic of the main Alpine Road, it remains a preferred technical section for events where tight hairpins and narrow lanes are prioritized over sweeping curves. The road terminates near the Durlassboden reservoir, where it merges with the higher-altitude modern transit route, connecting the rugged interior of the Hohe Tauern range with the valley floors below.