Tomáš — owner of Stay Lungau Apartment in Tamsweg. I have personally driven the Grossglockner, Nockalmstraße, Sölk Pass, Malta High Alpine Road, and Turracher Höhe; these routes are based on first-hand experience.
Last updated: August 2026.
The Lungau region sits right at the heart of Austria’s most iconic alpine roads — the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Nockalmstraße, Sölk Pass, Malta High Alpine Road, and Turracher Höhe. If you are planning a motorcycle tour through the Austrian Alps, booking an apartment in Tamsweg is the most strategic move: unpack your luggage once and ride a different panoramic loop every single day — no daily packing, no constant hotel hopping.
This article isn't about romanticized riding feelings — I'm not a biker myself. It is focused on actionable logistics: which alpine loops you can ride from a single basecamp, exact riding times, road conditions, and why staying in one central location beats packing up for five different hotels. While I know these roads inside out, please double-check toll fees and operating hours on official websites before your trip, as they change seasonally.
To learn more about the region itself — why Lungau is a recognized UNESCO Biosphere Reserve renowned for untouched nature and pristine mountain lakes — read our detailed regional guide.
Why Choose a Fixed Basecamp Over Hotel Hopping?
The biggest hassle on any alpine motorcycle trip is dealing with luggage. Storage space on a bike is precious, and moving between hotels means strapping down and unpacking panniers every single morning. Operating from a central basecamp eliminates this friction entirely:
- Unpack just once. Ride light during the day while your main luggage stays safe in your apartment.
- Weather flexibility. If the Grossglockner is shrouded in heavy fog or temporarily closed, stay in the valley or switch to a shorter, lower-elevation loop. When hotel-hopping, you are forced to ride into bad weather because your next room is already booked.
- Dry out wet riding gear. Caught in a downpour? Toss your gear into the washer-dryer and start the next morning with completely dry clothes.
- Tailor loops to your mood. Pick a full-day ride, a relaxed half-day loop, or take a rest day — you have absolute freedom of choice.
4 Alpine Loops from Lungau — At a Glance
| Alpine Loop | Distance | Net Riding Time | Route Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grossglockner + Nockalmstraße | 354 km | 6 h 29 min | Epic full-day tour, 2 iconic pass roads, demanding |
| Hallstatt + Sölk Pass | 266 km | 4 h 52 min | Medium day, UNESCO Hallstatt + Stoderzinken peak |
| Malta High Alpine Road + Turracher Höhe | 203 km | 4 h 01 min | Local insider tip, Austria's tallest dam + steep pass |
| Sölk Pass + Obertauern | 155 km | 2 h 47 min | Half-day loop, scenic panoramas, relaxed pace |
Note: Riding times represent net moving time according to Google Maps navigation without stops. In reality, add time for photos, lunch, and coffee breaks — easily double the pure driving time.
Loop 1: Grossglockner + Nockalmstraße (354 km)
354 km | 6 h 29 min net riding time | Full-day ultimate alpine tour
This is the king of alpine loops — riding Austria's two most famous high-mountain roads in a single day. From Tamsweg, head north toward the Ferleiten toll station (Fusch), cross the legendary Grossglockner High Alpine Road into Carinthia, navigate through Winklern and Bad Kleinkirchheim, ride the sweeping curves of Nockalmstraße through the Biosphere Park, and return home to Lungau.
Realistic time estimate: Riding the Grossglockner section gate-to-gate without stopping takes roughly an hour. But that would defeat the purpose — you can easily spend half a day here exploring traditional huts, viewpoints, and the famous Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe overlooking the Pasterze Glacier. Plan for a full day out, not just a quick blast.
Grossglockner High Alpine Road: 48 km long, 36 hairpins, reaching up to Hochtor Pass (2,504 m). Built in the 1930s and now a protected historic monument, it offers flawless asphalt and panoramic views of dozens of 3,000-meter peaks above the tree line.
Nockalmstraße: A gentler, less commercial alternative to the Grossglockner. Winding through the Nockberge Biosphere Park, it features smooth, rounded green mountain peaks ("Nocken"). If you visit in May or September, you will have these roads practically to yourself.
Toll Savings Tip: If you plan to ride both roads on your trip, purchase the Motorrad Tour-Ticket. This combined pass covers the Grossglockner, Nockalmstraße, and Gerlos Alpine Road at a significantly discounted rate compared to buying individual tickets. Check current rates on grossglockner.at and nockalmstrasse.at.
Loop 2: Hallstatt + Sölk Pass + Prebersee (266 km)
266 km | 4 h 52 min net riding time | Medium-length day trip
This route balances world-famous sights with serene local secrets. Ride north from Tamsweg to the iconic lakeside town of Hallstatt, return south over the remote Sölk Pass, and finish your loop at Lake Prebersee near Tamsweg.
Hallstatt is one of the most photographed villages in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. However, timing is everything.
Crucial Travel Tip: Avoid Peak Summer in Hallstatt
During July and August, Hallstatt becomes heavily overcrowded — parking is difficult, streets are packed, and the atmosphere suffers. Plan your visit for late September or May instead. You get the exact same scenery without the tour buses. This rule applies across the Alps: riding during shoulder season yields dramatically better road conditions and atmosphere.
Sölk Pass (Sölkpass) features on the return leg — a fully paved, unpretentious alpine pass road open only in summer. While shorter than the Grossglockner, its rugged, quiet beauty makes it a personal favorite that I have driven multiple times.
Prebersee is a tranquil alpine lake right on Tamsweg's doorstep — the perfect scenic spot to wrap up your ride before pulling into your apartment basecamp.
Bonus Side Trip: Stoderzinken Panoramic Road
While passing through Gröbming on the way toward Hallstatt, take a detour up the Stoderzinken Alpine Road — a thrilling 12 km toll road climbing to 1,845 meters altitude. It is one of the highest elevated roads in Austria, offering hairpin turns and panoramic views over the Dachstein massif and Enns Valley. At the top, Berggasthof Steinerhaus offers fantastic regional food.
Important Seasonal Restriction: Private vehicles (including motorcycles) are banned from ascending Stoderzinken during July and August (shuttle buses only). Motorcyclists can only ride up independently during the shoulder season (May to early July, and September to October). Yet another reason to tour in shoulder season!
Loop 3: Malta High Alpine Road + Turracher Höhe (203 km) — Local Insider Tip
203 km | 4 h 01 min net riding time | Insider recommendation
You won't find this exact loop highlighted in standard international guidebooks, which is precisely why it is highly recommended. Ride south from Tamsweg over the Katschberg pass into the Malta Valley ("Valley of Falling Waters"), ascend to the massive Kölnbrein Dam, and loop back via one of Austria's steepest pass roads.
Malta High Alpine Road (Malta Hochalmstraße): An extraordinary riding experience. Stretching 18 km from Gmünd in Carinthia, this toll road winds past roaring waterfalls and through narrow, unlit rock-carved tunnels (including two hairpin tunnels) up to the Kölnbrein Dam — Austria's highest dam wall (200 m). Walk out onto the Airwalk glass platform cantilevered over the dam edge for an impressive adrenaline rush.
Recommended Route Stops (Owner's Tips):
- Katschberghöhe Pass: A scenic vantage point and ideal rest stop when riding south.
- Porsche Museum in Gmünd: The historic town where the very first Porsche (Type 356) was built. A compact, fascinating museum stop for motoring enthusiasts.
- Kölnbreinsperre Dam: Take in the views from the Airwalk, or enjoy lunch at Berghotel Malta at the top of the road.
Return via Turracher Höhe: Rather than backtracking down the same valley, close the loop by crossing the Turracher Höhe pass. Featuring gradients reaching up to 23%, it is one of the steepest paved pass roads in the Alps and an exciting ride in its own right.
The Malta High Alpine Road is typically open from early May through October (daily 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM). Motorcycle toll fees are around €13 — verify current pricing prior to departure.
Loop 4: Sölk Pass + Obertauern (155 km)
155 km | 2 h 47 min net riding time | Half-day / Arrival day loop
The shortest loop in our collection is perfect for a relaxed warm-up ride on your arrival day, or when weather forecasts suggest unsettled conditions later in the afternoon. Head out from Tamsweg through Rottenmann, cross Sölk Pass, and return via Forstau and the high-altitude pass town of Obertauern.
Sölk Pass: Smooth asphalt, light traffic, and broad alpine vistas. While there is no mountain lodge directly at the summit pass mark, cozy cafes line the descent slopes on either side.
Obertauern: A bustling ski resort in winter, Obertauern transforms in summer into a quiet, high-altitude mountain pass with sweeping curves and minimal traffic.
Practical Alpine Riding & Toll Information
Seasonality & Road Operating Hours
- Grossglockner: Typically open early May to late October (daily ~6:00 AM – 9:30 PM). Check grossglockner.at.
- Nockalmstraße: Summer season only; closed during winter months.
- Malta High Alpine Road: ~May to October (daily ~7:00 AM – 6:00 PM).
- Sölk Pass: Open strictly during summer months (snow dependent).
- Stoderzinken: Private motorcycles permitted only outside July and August.
Mountain Weather Tip — Check Webcams First
High mountain passes like the Grossglockner can be completely enveloped in dense clouds with zero visibility, even when valley towns below enjoy bright sunshine. Always check live webcams at grossglockner.at before setting off. If high peaks are socked in, switch to a lower valley loop. This flexibility is the main advantage of staying at a central basecamp!
Approximate Toll Costs (Motorcycles)
- Grossglockner: Day ticket ~€30–€35 (discounted rates after 6:00 PM).
- Nockalmstraße: Day ticket ~€17.
- Malta High Alpine Road: ~€13.
- Stoderzinken: ~€8–€10.
- Motorrad Tour-Ticket: ~€51–€55 (Combined pass for Grossglockner, Nockalmstraße, and Gerlos).
- Sölk Pass & Turracher Höhe: 100% Free / Toll-free roads.
Fueling & Refueling Logistics
Fill up your gas tank in valley towns (like Tamsweg) before starting your ascent up alpine pass roads, as there are no gas stations on top of the passes. While fuel is sparse at high altitudes, espresso and rustic alpine huts are abundant along the Grossglockner and Nockalmstraße.
Best Time to Tour: Why May and September Win
If you have flexibility in scheduling your motorcycle trip, book during May or late September. Mountain pass roads are fully open, weather patterns are generally stable, and peak summer crowds are absent. You can experience the Nockalmstraße with almost no cars, visit Hallstatt without tour groups, and enjoy easy parking at Grossglockner viewpoints. Furthermore, you can ride your own motorcycle up Stoderzinken (which is restricted in July and August).
As an added bonus, accommodation rates in the shoulder season are generally lower and offer greater availability.
Looking to combine motorcycle riding with other mountain activities like gravel biking or hiking? Explore our comprehensive guide to summer hiking and MTB trails in Lungau.
Stay Lungau Apartment: Purpose-Built Motorcycle Basecamp
Here is what our holiday apartment in Tamsweg (Sauerfeld 44) provides specifically for touring riders:
Covered On-Site Carport
Covered parking directly on private property beside the apartment. Keeps bikes protected from sudden alpine rain and morning dew. Located on private land, not an exposed public street.
In-Unit Washer & Dryer
Riding through rain? Wash and dry riding base layers overnight using our washer-dryer combo machine. Enjoy warm, dry gear every morning without packing damp clothes into panniers.
Fully Equipped Kitchen
Full kitchen amenities allow you to cook comfortable dinners after long rides, save on restaurant dining, or prepare early breakfasts before hitting the mountain passes at dawn.
EV Wallbox Charging
15 kW AG Salzburg EV Wallbox charger on site (credit card payment). Convenient overnight charging for electric cars or electric motorcycles (which also receive discounted tolls on Grossglockner!).
Location: Tamsweg is centrally positioned in the Lungau region, providing seamless radial access to all four loops. Sleeps 2–3 guests; pet-friendly options available upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How far is it from Lungau to the Grossglockner?
From Tamsweg, you reach the northern Ferleiten toll station of the Grossglockner via a full-day loop combining Grossglockner and Nockalmstraße — covering 354 km and approximately 6.5 hours of net riding time. Crossing the Grossglockner pass gate-to-gate takes roughly an hour non-stop, but you should allocate half a day for scenic stops and viewpoints.
What motorcycle loops can be done from Lungau?
Four distinct day loops start directly from Tamsweg: Grossglockner + Nockalmstraße (354 km), Hallstatt + Sölk Pass (266 km), Malta High Alpine Road + Turracher Höhe (203 km), and Sölk Pass + Obertauern (155 km). Each loop varies in distance and riding character, letting you pick according to weather and energy levels without changing hotels.
When are alpine pass roads near Lungau open?
The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is typically open from early May through late October. Nockalmstraße, Malta High Alpine Road, and Sölk Pass are summer-only roads closed in winter. Exact opening dates depend on snow clearance schedules; check grossglockner.at, nockalmstrasse.at, and malta-hochalmstrasse.at for live updates.
When is the best month for an alpine motorcycle trip to Austria?
May and late September offer the best riding conditions. Roads are fully open and weather is stable, but summer traffic is absent. You can ride Nockalmstraße and visit Hallstatt without heavy tourist crowds, and ride your motorcycle independently up Stoderzinken (which restricts private vehicles in July and August).
Where can I safely park my motorcycle overnight at Stay Lungau?
Stay Lungau Apartment features a covered private carport located on private property right beside the building, protecting your motorcycle from rain and dew off the public street.
How much does the Grossglockner motorcycle toll cost?
A daily motorcycle ticket costs approximately €30–€35 (discounted after 6:00 PM). If you plan to ride Nockalmstraße as well, consider the Motorrad Tour-Ticket (~€51–€55), which covers Grossglockner, Nockalmstraße, and Gerlos. Check official pricing at grossglockner.at.
Is the Sölk Pass suitable for standard road touring motorcycles?
Yes. Sölk Pass is a fully paved asphalt road with no gravel sections, open throughout summer. It is easily manageable for all standard street and touring bikes, offering incredible mountain panoramas without heavy traffic.
Book Your Basecamp for an Unforgettable Alpine Motorcycle Tour
If you are planning an alpine motorcycle tour through Austria and seeking a centrally located, hassle-free basecamp, Stay Lungau Apartment in Tamsweg is the natural choice:
- Four famous alpine loops (Grossglockner, Nockalmstraße, Malta, Sölk Pass) accessible from one single base
- Covered private carport on private property
- In-unit washer & dryer for damp riding gear
- Fully equipped kitchen for flexible dining
- EV Wallbox charging for electric motorcycles and cars
Book directly at lungau-apartment.at — guaranteed best direct rates without third-party commission fees.
Have questions about routes or travel dates? Contact me directly — I drive these roads regularly and am always happy to share local insights.