The name Timmelsjoch is older than that of the Brenner, first being documented in 1241 as "Thymelsjoch", but the road officially opened up for public on July 17th, 1959 after four years of construction work.



Due to the exposed high mountain situation the opening date of the Timmelsjoch - Hochalpenstrasse depends essentially on the snow situation as well as area conditions.
According to experience the road can be opened mostly between the end of May and the beginning of June and is closed in fall (in winter the road is ofcourse also closed).

The pass had just opened up and therefore the amount of snow was still enormous.



Slowly we drive into the Oetztal valley. We just don't know where to look first.






Even Elgar was enthusiastic about this 'secret gap' in the alps. He was thrilled to be out of the car and enjoyed the scenery. But all good things come to an end and with one more look we drive on towards Oetz.



This was an exceptional beautiful day. We really can recommend anyone to take this pass instead of the Brennerpass, but only when you have plenty of time and the weather is good.

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It is a beautiful spot where one can see the peaks of the Dolomites rising above you.
Rosa suddenly looks very tiny in this wilderness.



From here on, you will have to climb up. The track in the beginning is not too difficult but at some point in time becomes rather tricky. Not advisable to go up when it is raining, because the rocks will become very slippery. There is even a robe on some spots to guide you on the stony path, which is progressing rather steeply.



Suddenly you are in the midst of rocky scenery. Take your time now and then to catch your breath and to enjoy this rough terrain.



Finally after a tough struggle we manage to get passed this rocky scenery and upon looking back you'll notice what you have achieved. A climb up from 1603m to 2440m through massive rocks. We are proud that we made it and really enjoy the impressive scenery.




As a reward you can see the Tierser Alpl Hutte (2440m) in the far distance. Our next goal for today. And the view from this hut is absolutely fabulous. Especially when the sun is shining and there is still lots of snow visible. A good spot to have something to drink or eat, but don't forget the time as you will have to catch the bus back to the hotel and it is still about 2 hours from here to the cable car.



The hut is huge; in summer it must be very crowded here.
After a well deserved lemonade, we continue our way towards Kompatsch, which is situated in the valley below at 1844m.



We opt for tracknr. 2, which will cross the Rosszahne (Denti de Terrarossa), a zigzagging descend towards the valley. The surroundings are just awesome and you actually do not know where to look first.
Upon reaching the Rosszahne you will have a lovely view over the Seiseralm.



After the descend from the Rosszahne the track is rather easy-going. Don't forget to look back now and then. When you look at underneath picture you can see the Rosszahne track (the zigzag route on the lefthand side of this picture). It started to rain as were nearing the cable car and had to put on our raingear. We reach Kompatsch and thus the cable car, which will takes us to the bus station down below.



Yessss.....we made it to the bus station on time ! We even had to wait 1 hour before our bus would come to bring us back to the hotel.




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