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Crossing the Alps by car is a special experience for vintage car enthusiasts and sports car fans. Those times when we let the days and activities come our way, i.e. traveled “at random”, so to speak, seem to be finally over. Because themed hotels, adventure holidays and other well-organized trips have long been very popular. Here, in the high mountains, an exciting "playground" for outdoor fans and other young at heart, there is a lot to experience.
In fact, the European Alps hardly need to shy away from comparison with other high mountain regions on earth. The Alps are often a longing destination that can also be easily reached by vintage car.
Why wander into the distance when the good is so close
"Here is everything your heart desires!"
No less a person than Luis Trenker sang this hymn of praise to the Val Gardena, whereby the legend of mountain sports praised above all the silence of the mountain forests and the sunny rocks and slopes, which not only fascinate mountain hikers. After all, mountain pass trips in four-wheel drive vehicles or vintage car rallies in the mountains know how to inspire automobile fans. Driving fun that is then often combined with other outdoor activities such as hiking or rafting.
Crossing the Alps by car
The "Grödner Dreigestirn" is also a worthwhile destination for modern mountain lovers - and that at any time of the year. Ski and snowshoe hikes, but also summer mountain tours, can be organized starting from the villages of Ortisei, Santa Cristina and Selva. Among other things, there are more than 1.000 (!) kilometers of hiking trails waiting here in the Dolomites (which geologists count as part of the Southern Alps). In addition, various indoor activities such as riding stables or tennis and climbing halls ensure entertainment and a good mood even in poor weather conditions (or for the family members traveling with you).
Experience dreams, experience dreams
Under this motto stands the Kitzbühel Alpine Rally, which this year – for the 31st time – takes place from June 6th to 9th. There is, among other things, a "Gasteinertal Runde", which, starting from Kitzbühel, leads via Sankt Ulrich, Bischofshofen, Kaprun, the Thurn Pass and back again.
But even beyond the rally, Kitzbühel and north-eastern Tyrol know how to enchant their guests. Because here everyone is offered the right leisure activity, from hiking to skiing to golf. It is not for nothing that Kitzbühel is known as the sports town in the mountains and a special “Ski + Golf” day ticket can be booked in April.
High up on the pass
The Pass Thurn itself, a mountain ridge around 1270 meters high in the Kitzbühel Alps, connects the Pinzgau and the upper Salzach Valley with Leukental (Tyrol). A connection that was already actively used by the ancient Celts (at that time still in the form of narrow mule tracks). Various high moors and several lifts and chairlifts are considered sights, so that a visit to the region is also worthwhile outside of the rally.
Continuous pass tours
Nevertheless, pass tours in particular represent a very special kind of experience for passionate motorists crossing the Alps by car. Numerous tours and combinations are possible in the Alps alone, with their well over 300 passes and high roads. The Stelvio Pass is legendary, the highest mountain pass in Italy, which is around 50 kilometers long and, depending on the weather, is open from May to November.
The Simplon Pass, usually called Simplon for short, can also look back on a long tradition and narrow mule tracks. A fantastic area in the Valais Alps, which is also very popular with hikers. The road itself is less picturesque, although it is excellently developed, but is also used by heavy goods traffic.
Before heading into the mountains
Incidentally, despite modern safety technology, every pass trip and every tour into the high mountains should be meticulously planned. For example, the Simplon Pass is completely forbidden for trailers and caravans. At least for the Splügen Pass (also applies to mobile homes) it is not recommended. Because some of the 75 switchbacks are so tight that even motorcyclists break a sweat.
Therefore, the following applies: there is strength in stillness. Especially in the high mountains you should travel calmly and above all safely instead of racing. So it is advisable to use the "motor brake" when driving downhill. Even if the camper then gets a little noisy. However, crossing the Alps by car can also harbor other dangers.
Always keep an eye on oncoming traffic and dangers!
In addition, you have to steer with foresight, especially in the high mountains. Because even on modern mountain passes, the hairpin bends are often difficult to see. Honking and attracting the attention of oncoming traffic can therefore make sense even where it is not explicitly required.
In the mostly rural high mountain regions, free-roaming grazing animals also pose a danger that is often underestimated. Especially for the driver, but also for those who are on the road on Shank's pony. Even hikers should show respect to cows. Simply petting or even harassing them can be fatal. Especially when young animals are part of the party. Calves are defended aggressively. In such cases, hikers or loose dogs can be injured.
We should therefore make sure that the herd does not feel threatened by us or our four-legged friends. If in doubt, put the dog on a leash and avoid the grazing cows as far as possible. Likewise, care should be taken with free-running horses, mostly Haflingers. Because they can become obtrusive, especially when attracted by food, so that the interior of our car or its paintwork are at risk.
What starts off funny can degenerate. Therefore, we should always treat grazing cows, but also horses, with respect and never feed them. Otherwise even a really cozy draft horse can become quite pushy and rabid!