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HomeRoad TripsEuropeWest EuropeGermanyOetztal Transalp
hiking in autumn Ötztal Alps | on our ...

Oetztal Transalp Road Trip

Garmisch-Partenkirchen - Imst - Merano - Trento - Riva Del Garda

Expect on your itinerary

Security Security
Road conditions Road conditions
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Landscape Landscape
Comfort Comfort
Culture Culture
Historical sites Historical sites
Urban life Urban life
Oetztal Transalp Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages4 km302 h/stage1.5

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Oetztal Transalp Road Trip in Germany?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 108EUR drive & more 38EUR sleep & more 121EUR eat & more 144EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 303EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 411EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 126EUR drive & more 50EUR sleep & more 187EUR eat & more 216EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 453EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 579EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 162EUR drive & more 75EUR sleep & more 330EUR eat & more 288EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 693EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 855EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 450EUR drive & more 88EUR sleep & more 110EUR eat & more 144EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 342EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 792EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
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Oetztal Transalp Itinerary

The Oetztal Transalp Road Trip is a 304km journey from Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Germany to Riva Del Garda in Italy. This road trip will take you through Imst, Merano and Trento and is best experienced between the months of April and October. Along the way, you will experience breathtaking views of the Alps, excellent road conditions, and some curvy and narrow roads. Although this road trip can be completed in two days, taking your time to enjoy the scenery and attractions along the way is highly recommended. This road trip provides a very high level of experience and memories, and is suitable for all drivers. However, please be aware that due to weather conditions, some sections of the road may be closed during certain times of the year. The Oetztal Transalp Road Trip is an unforgettable journey and is worth the higher budget to complete.
number of days 2 number of days
route length 302 km route length
budget high budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Distance 302 km Driving time 5.8 h Pace: modest 78.5 kWh Airports INN , OBF
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Garmisch-Partenkirchen is an idyllic alpine town in Bavaria, Germany, located at the foot of Germany's highest mountain, the Zugspitze. It is the perfect starting point for the Oetztal Transalp Road Trip, offering spectacular mountain scenery, quaint Bavarian villages, and a wide variety of outdoor activities. Garmisch-Partenkirchen is renowned for its skiing, hiking and climbing opportunities. Visitors can explore the nearby Olympic ski jump, the Partnach Gorge, or take a historic cog railway up to the Zugspitze. The area also offers plenty of cultural attractions, such as the Richard Strauss Institute and Ludwigstrasse, a pedestrian-only street lined with shops, pubs and restaurants. The closest international airport to Garmisch-Partenkirchen is Munich International Airport (MUC). From there, visitors can rent a car and take the scenic route to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, enjoying the Bavarian countryside along the way. Car rental companies at the airport include Europcar, Sixt and Hertz. No matter what your interests are, Garmisch-Partenkirchen has something to offer everyone. With its stunning mountain scenery, outdoor activities, cultural attractions and easy access to the rest of the country, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is the perfect starting point for the Oetztal Transalp Road Trip.

1 Garmisch-Partenkirchen - Imst

Distance 56 km Driving time 1.2 h Pace: modest 14.7 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road junction of road trips interesting  historic site attractive landscape accommodation options camping sites border crossing
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Welcome road-trippers! We invite you to explore the scenic, 56km-long road trip stage between Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany and Imst. With an estimated driving time of less than an hour, this stage of your journey will be filled with adventure and discovery. As you drive, take in the beautiful views of the Bavarian Alps. Stop in Garmisch-Partenkirchen to explore the picturesque streets and admire the breathtaking views of the Zugspitze mountain. Then, continue your journey to Imst, where you can visit the historic old town and the castle ruins of Schloss Tumpen. As you travel, look out for interesting attractions and activities, such as the outdoor swimming pool in Imst and the ski jump in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. We hope you enjoy this road trip stage and the stunning views it has to offer. Safe travels!

2 Imst - Merano

Distance 123 km Driving time 2.7 h Pace: modest 32.0 kWh View map Itinerary
not recommended for caravans dining venues scenic road !en!generator.stage-attribute.SeasonalClosure! sections of steep road stretches of winding road sections of narrow road junction of road trips interesting  historic site attractive landscape accommodation options camping sites border crossing
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Start your road trip adventure in Imst, Austria and take the scenic route through Timmelsjoch Hochalpenstraße to Merano! This 123km drive will take you less than 3 hours, and you'll pass through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the region. Some sections of the route may be closed seasonally, so make sure to check before you set off. Along the way, you'll encounter steep ramps, winding roads, and some narrow sections - so make sure to keep your eyes on the road! Enjoy the stunning views of the alpine peaks, and don't forget to stop at the most interesting places along the way. You'll be glad you did! This is just one of the many stages of a larger tour, so make sure to check the "Itinerary" for more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Have a safe and enjoyable journey!

3 Merano - Trento

Distance 81 km Driving time 1.1 h Pace: fast 24.4 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues scenic road junction of road trips interesting  historic site attractive landscape accommodation options camping sites
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Take a road trip from Merano, Italy to Trento, a journey of only 81 km that will take you less than an hour. Enjoy the scenic road that passes through the Adige Valley, surrounded by the majestic mountains of the Dolomites and the beautiful vineyards of the South Tyrol. Stop and explore the charming villages along the way, such as Egna, Ora, and Salorno. In Trento, you can visit the historical Piazza Duomo, the Castello del Buonconsiglio, and the Piazza Fiera. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the city’s historical center and the amazing views of the Adige river. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy the ride!

4 Trento - Riva Del Garda

Distance 41 km Driving time 0.9 h Pace: modest 10.7 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues scenic road junction of road trips interesting  historic site accommodation options camping sites
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Are you ready for an adventurous road trip from Trento to Riva del Garda? The journey is only 43 km long and can be completed in less than 1 hour. As you drive along the scenic road, you will be able to enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountains and the lake. The first stop on your journey is Trento, a city with a rich history and culture. Here, you can visit the Castello del Buonconsiglio, a medieval castle, and the Museo Tridentino di Scienze Naturali, a museum dedicated to the history of natural sciences. The next stop is the city of Riva del Garda. Here, you can visit the Castello di Buonconsiglio, a medieval castle, and the Museo Tridentino di Scienze Naturali, a museum dedicated to the history of natural sciences. You can also explore the nearby lakeside towns of Torbole and Malcesine, where you can find beautiful beaches and charming restaurants. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to enjoy the journey from Trento to Riva del Garda!

  Riva Del Garda

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Riva Del Garda is the perfect ending point for the Oetztal Transalp Road Trip. Located in Northern Italy, the town offers stunning views of the Italian Alps and Lake Garda. It is a great place for travelers to relax and explore all the town has to offer. Riva Del Garda has many attractions to explore. Visitors can take a walk through the historic center of town, which is full of winding cobblestone streets, beautiful architecture, and quaint cafes. If you are looking for some outdoor adventure, there are plenty of hiking trails, bike paths and rock climbing. The town also has a vibrant nightlife, with restaurants, bars, and clubs all within walking distance. If you plan to travel to Riva Del Garda by air, the closest international airport is Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN). From there, you can rent a car and make the scenic drive to Riva Del Garda. No matter what your interests are, Riva Del Garda has something for everyone. From its stunning views of the Italian Alps and Lake Garda, to its historic center, outdoor activities, and vibrant nightlife, Riva Del Garda is the perfect destination to end the Oetztal Transalp Road Trip.

Oetztal Transalp at a glance

Before you set off

The Oetztal Transalp Road Trip is an exhilarating 304-kilometer journey that takes you from the charming Bavarian town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Germany to the stunning shores of Riva Del Garda in Italy. This transalpine excursion not only showcases breathtaking alpine vistas but also allows travelers to immerse themselves in the diverse cultures and histories of the picturesque towns along the way, including Imst, Merano, and Trento. Though it can be completed at various paces, taking your time to explore each destination will greatly enhance the overall experience.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

  • Garmisch-Partenkirchen: Kick off your journey at the foot of the Zugspitze, Germany's highest mountain, offering awe-inspiring views and excellent skiing opportunities.
  • Imst: A paradise for adventure enthusiasts, Imst offers an array of activities from thrilling white-water rafting to serene hiking trails.
  • Merano: This elegant town is famed for its spa resorts, the botanical wonders of the Trauttmansdorff Castle Gardens, and its unique blend of Austro-Italian culture.
  • Trento: Step back in time to explore Trento's rich Renaissance heritage, exemplified by the impressive Castello del Buonconsiglio and the city's vibrant piazzas.
  • Riva Del Garda: Conclude your Road Trip by the crystal-clear waters of Lake Garda, where the Mediterranean climate and laid-back atmosphere are perfect for relaxation or engaging in various water sports.

Best Time to Go:

The optimal period to embark on the Oetztal Transalp Road Trip is between April and October. During these months, the weather is typically mild and conducive to both safe driving and comfortable exploration of the outdoor attractions.

Potential Risks:

Travelers should stay alert to changing weather conditions, particularly the possibility of Road closures due to inclement weather. The mountainous terrain also features challenging driving conditions with sharp turns and narrow passes, requiring drivers to remain vigilant.

Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:

  • The journey spans 304 kilometers and is ideal for a leisurely two-day Road Trip, allowing ample time to enjoy each destination.
  • Drivers of all skill levels can navigate the route, which is known for its pristine alpine scenery and well-maintained Road infrastructure.
  • While the Trip may lean towards the higher end of the budget spectrum, it offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the grandeur of the Alps.

A good choice for:

Though the Oetztal Transalp Road Trip may be more of a premium travel choice, it undeniably provides an extraordinary experience filled with stunning landscapes, cultural richness, and unforgettable moments for those seeking adventure in the Alpine region.

Facts for safer driving in Germany

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 50 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 100 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 130 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher no
tolls tolls no
seat belts seat belts yes

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