Innsbruck to Alpbach: Alpine Road Trip Guide

This 80-kilometer drive from Innsbruck to Alpbach follows the Inn Valley eastward before climbing into the Kitzbühel Alps. The route uses the A12 Inntal Autobahn for 40 kilometers, then diverges onto the B178 past Brixlegg. Scheduled driving time is 1 hour 10 minutes without stops, but winding mountain roads and jaw-dropping views extend many journeys to 90 minutes or more.

The final 9-kilometer leg from Brixlegg to Alpbach gains 600 meters in elevation, passing through dense forest and hairpin turns. This stretch is known for a local driving quirk: narrow passages require frequent use of pull-outs to let oncoming traffic pass. While the A12 is a modern motorway, the B178 and local roads are classic Tyrolean carriageways with gradients up to 15%.

Scenic Highlights along the Route

The A12 hugs the Inn River, offering glimpses of the Karwendel mountains to the north and Patscherkofel to the south. Between Wattens and Brixlegg, the valley widens, and the road passes over the Inn via the Volderer Brücke bridge. The final ascent to Alpbach climbs through dense spruce forests, with clearings revealing the Gratlspitz peak (1,899 m) and the Alpbachtal seen from the restored farmhouses that dot the valley.

UNESCO World Heritage sites are minutes from the route: the Hall-Wattens region includes the Swarovski Crystal Worlds (just 2 km off the A12) and the Hall Mint Tower, part of the historic old town of Hall.

• River Inn viewpoints from rest areas near Wattens (Raststation Volders) and Brixlegg.
• Mariastein pilgrimage church and castle, visible from the A12 east of Brixlegg.
• Reintalengrund waterfall near the Alpbach cable car base.

Commerce and Souvenirs

Brixlegg is the last sizable town before Alpbach, offering a Spar supermarket, a Tuesday morning farmers’ market, and several craft shops selling traditional Tyrolean hats and leather goods. Alpbach itself is famous for its flower-adorned wooden balconies and hosts a weekly ‘Alpbacher Bauernmarkt’ (Thursday 3-6 pm, May–October). Local products include cheese from Alpbach Dairy and handmade felt slippers.

The A12 motorway requires a vignette for Austrian highways. Purchase at any gas station near Innsbruck (e.g., OMV at the Innsbruck-Mitte exit) or online. Costs: 10-day vignette €9.90, 2-month €27.40. The B178 and L3 local roads are vignette-free.

From Innsbruck, head east on the A12 (exit 6) toward Hall in Tirol. After 30 km, take exit 28 (Kramsach/Brixlegg) onto the B171, then turn onto L3 into the Alpbachtal valley. A detailed guide on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities can help you discover side trips off the main road.

• Fuel: Shell and BP stations at Hall in Tirol (just east of Innsbruck) and near Brixlegg. Diesel €1.50/L, petrol €1.45/L (March 2025).
• EV Charging: Fast-chargers at EN+ filling station in Volders (CHARGEPOINT, up to 150 kW) and at the Alpbach tourism office (Type 2, 22 kW).
• Tolls: No additional tolls beyond the vignette. The L3 has no toll booths.
• Parking: Alpbach village has three affordable parking zones (€4/day). Large P+R at Brixlegg train station (free for up to 24h) for train travel.

The route is well-maintained, but the final climb to Alpbach has tight turns, gradient warnings, and occasional livestock crossings. Speed limits: A12 130 km/h, B178 100 km/h (60 in villages), L3 50 km/h with 30 km/h in hairpins. Winter tires are mandatory from November to March; snow chains may be required on the L3 after heavy snowfall. The road is cleared regularly, but black ice is common in early morning or late evening.

For families, several playgrounds and picnic spots exist along the route. The Raststation Volders on the A12 has a playground, restrooms, and a restaurant with child-friendly Tyrolean dishes. Near Alpbach, the Erlebnisbad Brixlegg (open-air pool and waterslides) is a popular stop. Dogs are welcome in outdoor seating areas at most rest stops; Alpbach has designated dog-walking areas near the valley station.

Fatigue management rest zones: the A12 service area ‘Raststation Volders’ (km 15, eastbound) and the small parking lot at the Reintalensee turnoff (L3, 5 km before Alpbach) with benches and forest views. For a longer break, pull into the ‘Gasthof Brettfall’ in Brixlegg, which has a Biergarten and spacious parking.

Hidden Off-Route Spots

• Burg Kropfsberg ruins near Brixlegg (10-minute walk from the road).
• Lauser See bathing lake (5 km south of Wiesing via B171), ideal for a swim in summer.
• Alpbach village's ‘House of Essays’ museum, a half-hour walk from the main parking.

Local population respects traffic rules; police checks are rare but happen on the L3 during skiing season. Emergency call boxes are every 2 km on the A12; mobile coverage is reliable (3G/4G).

The best time to drive is May–October for clear views and dry roads. Winter offers snow scenery but requires careful driving. Always check www.oeamtc.at for road closures.