(South) Tyrolean Pass Round

The (South) Tyrolean Pass Circuit is one of the most impressive convertible routes in the Alps. It connects legendary high alpine passes, sunny valleys, and traditional towns into a varied circular route that takes you in two stages from Meran through South Tyrol, North Tyrol, and back. Being out on the road in a convertible means here: a constant change of panorama and perspective, the rush of the wind in your hair, and the rich feeling of intensely experiencing every curve.

Two Stages Full of Curves, Heights, and Culture

The route can be ideally divided into two large stages that flow seamlessly into each other and showcase the full range of alpine landscapes. While the first stage leads from the Mediterranean Meran over the Reschen Pass to Landeck, you can expect wide roads, varied valleys, and a rich mixture of nature and culture. The second stage delights with high alpine passes like the Timmelsjoch or the Jaufen Pass, where you feel the sense of freedom and adventure in every turn. With the convertible or the roadster, this circuit becomes an unforgettable convertible journey through one of the most fascinating mountain regions in Europe – a tour that offers both sporty driving pleasure and serene panoramas.

First Stage: From Meran over the Reschen Pass to Landeck

The starting point is in Meran, where palm trees, Art Nouveau buildings, and snow-capped peaks form an almost surreal symbiosis. In the convertible, you roll through the Vinschgau, a fertile valley full of apple orchards, castle ruins, and centuries-old villages. Here, it's worth making a stop to try local specialties or stroll through small alleyways. The road then steadily rises until you reach the famous Reschensee. Its sunken church tower, which juts out of the water, is one of the most photographed motifs in the Alps. With the top down, a wide view opens up over the high plateau before crossing over the Reschen Pass into Austria. The descent takes you into the Inn Valley and to Landeck, a lively small town with a charming castle and a rich trade history. This stage combines scenic variety, culture, and relaxed cruising – the perfect start for the upcoming high mountain section.

Second Stage: From Landeck over Sölden, the Timmelsjoch, and the Jaufen Pass back to Meran

From Landeck, the route leads you into the Ötztal, whose wide valleys and waterfalls offer the first taste of the upcoming altitude. In Sölden, one of the most famous alpine resorts, you can expect modern architecture, traditional inns, and a lively atmosphere. But the real highlight follows with the ascent to the Timmelsjoch: one of the most spectacular high alpine roads in existence. Over more than 2,400 meters, the road winds its way up in countless bends, as glaciers, barren rock faces, and alpine meadows create an unforgettable backdrop. Driving in the convertible, every curve invites you to consciously enjoy the panorama. At the pass height, you feel the vastness of the Alps – a moment that will remain in memory for a long time.

The descent into the Passeiertal brings you into a completely different world: lush green meadows, romantic mountain villages, and a milder climate abruptly change the mood. Then you continue over the Jaufen Pass, whose tight curves and extensive forest passages promise pure driving pleasure. After the final descent, you return to Meran, where the elegance of the spa town with its palm trees, promenades, and a Mediterranean way of life provides the perfect conclusion to this convertible tour.

Tips for Your (South) Tyrolean Pass Circuit

The (South) Tyrolean Pass Circuit takes you over high alpine roads that are fully open only in the summer months – plan your convertible trip between June and September. Since the weather in the mountains can change quickly, you should have clothing for different conditions: light clothing for the warm valleys and warm layers for windy pass heights. Also, pay attention to refueling options, as not every pass has nearby stations. Accommodations in popular places like Meran, Sölden, or in the Passeiertal are in high demand during the peak season – it is worthwhile to book early. Short breaks at viewpoints or a detour to hiking trails make the drive even more intense and give you the opportunity to experience the Alps from different perspectives.

Conclusion: A Circuit Full of Highlights

The (South) Tyrolean Pass Circuit is a tour for anyone who wants to experience alpine diversity up close. From the fertile valleys of Vinschgau through the impressive Timmelsjoch to the elegant Meran, it unites nature, culture, and driving fun in a unique way. Driving this route in a convertible allows you to experience the freedom of the road, the drama of the Alps, and the beauty of a landscape that is perfectly suited for an intense convertible road trip. This pass circuit is not just a journey through altitude, but also through moods, contrasts, and unforgettable moments.