Hohe Mut road: A steep 4x4 climb to the peak in the Ötztal Alps
Hohe Mut is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,652m (8,700ft) above sea level, located in the Ötztal Alps in the Tyrol region of Austria. This summit is a legendary destination for off-road drivers, offering one of the most demanding climbs in the Eastern Alps, with breathtaking views of surrounding glaciers and 3,000-meter peaks.
The road to the summit of Hohe Mut is an extreme alpine track that serves as access to the high-altitude terrain above the village of Obergurgl. It is an unpaved, narrow, and rocky trail that requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle and advanced mountain driving skills to navigate the steep ramps and loose surface safely.
| Road facts: Hohe Mut | |
|---|---|
| Elevation | 2,652m (8,700ft) |
| Length | 4.6 km (2.8 miles) |
| Elevation Gain | 696 m |
| Average Gradient | 15.13% |
| Surface | Unpaved / Gravel |
How challenging is the road to Hohe Mut in Austria?
Starting from the village of Obergurgl, the road to the summit is a relentless 4.6 km sprint. The numbers speak for themselves: with an elevation gain of 696 meters, the average gradient is a punishing 15.13%. This means you will encounter sections that far exceed this average, testing your engine's cooling system and your tires' traction on the loose gravel. Low-range gearing is essential for maintaining control during both the ascent and the steep descent.
Is the drive to the Hohe Mut peak dangerous?
Yes, driving to the Hohe Mut peak involves significant risks. The road is characterized by sharp curves and narrow passages with no guardrails, meaning there is zero margin for error. Even during the height of summer, the weather at 2,652 meters is unpredictable. Drivers can encounter lingering snowfields, patches of ice, or sudden landslides caused by heavy alpine rain. The high altitude also means thinner air, which can affect vehicle performance and driver concentration.
When can you drive the Hohe Mut road in Tyrol?
The road is strictly a seasonal route, passable only during the short summer window (usually from late June to September). During the rest of the year, the Hohe Mut is covered in deep snow and is part of the Obergurgl-Hochgurgl ski area. Before attempting the drive, always check local weather reports and trail conditions, as the track can be closed without notice due to avalanche risks or extreme weather events.
What is at the summit of Hohe Mut?
Once you reach the top of Hohe Mut, you are rewarded with a 360-degree vista of over 20 peaks exceeding 3,000 meters and several massive glaciers, such as the Rotmoosferner. The summit also hosts a mountain refuge known as the Hohe Mut Alm, but the real draw for drivers is the sheer accomplishment of reaching such a high-altitude peak via a technical and steep unpaved road.
Pic: http://www.hohemutalm.com/