Driving the 52 turns of the panoramic Nockalm Road in Austria

Nockalmstrasse (Nockalm Road) is the name of a breathtakingly beautiful drive in Carinthia, in the Karnten region of Austria. It’s one of the scenic Austrian Alpine roads.

How long is Nockalmstrasse (Nockalm Road)?

Tucked away in Nockberge National Park, this lower alpine road is 34km (21.12 miles) long with 52 turns over mountains and through valleys. It’s a toll road running north-south from Innerkrems to Ebene Reichenau. The surface is near perfect and the corners are well balanced. The road encompasses in numerous gentle bends an area of especially delightful landscape.

Is Nockalmstrasse (Nockalm Road) worth it?

The drive through a unique landscape is definitely worth it. There are many excellent photo opportunities here. This sensational driving experience gets busier at weekends and in the main holiday season. The slight gradient of the road is an optimum prerequisite for enjoying the uniqueness of the Nockbergs and their unmistakeable appearance - the rounded "Nocken" (summits) - which count among the geological rarities and are unique in the entire region of the Alps. The ride or drive in the Nockbergs is a lasting experience for every nature lover. The road leads through the only European national park in gentle high mountains with the largest stands of spruce and stone pine in the eastern Alps. Along the way through mountain landscapes you will have panoramic views to every direction. Tucked away on Along the way you will find plentiful choices of charming wooden mountain huts where tasty Carinthian specialties are served.

Is Nockalmstrasse (Nockalm Road) open?

Set high on the southern part of the country, the road was built in 1979. Its highest point is way up at 2.042m (6,699ft) above the sea level. It’s open from May to October. Between 6:00 pm and 8.00 am, motorcycles are not allowed.
Pic: Andeas Madritsch