Hippach to Jausenstation Bike Climb, Zillertal Austria

Austria Hippach to Jausenstation

Hippach to Jausenstation Bike Climb - PJAMM Cycling

40.3

PDI

8.4 mi

DISTANCE

4,607 ft

GAINED

ELEVATION GAINED

10.4 %

AVG. GRADE

AVG. GRADIENT

FULL CLIMB STATS

INTRO

Hippach to Jausenstation climbs out of the small village of Hippach in Austria's Zillertal (Tirol), one of four demanding roads that radiate from this same small area. From the base on Hippach-Dorf Road, the route covers 8.44 miles and 4,607 feet of gain at a sustained 10.39% average grade, topping out at 6,570 feet at a Jausenstation - a traditional Alpine snack hut and cafe.

We spent time riding and documenting this whole pocket of the Zillertal and came away considering it a genuinely underrated climbing area - four separate, seriously demanding climbs (this one, Zell am Ziller to Jausenstation, Aschau-Kristall Hutte, and Aschau-Murmelland) all launch from the same small valley, several finishing near a Jausenstation hut of their own. Hippach's version starts with six switchbacks right out of the gate and holds a steep, mostly uninterrupted grade the rest of the way - there's little flat ground anywhere to recover on.

A world rank of #99 puts it among the more difficult climbs we've documented anywhere, and the reward at the top is real: a working alpine hut serving food and drink with sweeping views back down the valley - worth timing the ride around its opening hours if you want to refuel before the descent.

PLAN YOUR ROUTE

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Hippach to Jausenstation averages 10.39% over 8.44 miles, with the steepest riding right at the start: the opening quarter-mile touches 13.97%, and the whole first mile still averages 12.46% through the six switchbacks off Hippach-Dorf Road.

The grade eases only slightly from there - even the toughest 5-mile stretch still holds a sustained 10.86% - so there's essentially no recovery anywhere on the climb.

World rank #99 reflects that lack of any easy section as much as the total elevation gained - a short climb by distance, but a demanding one throughout.

Roadway: The climb runs on paved mountain road (Hippach-Dorf Road onto Schwendberg Road), typical of the steep valley-side farm and alpine access roads common in this part of the Zillertal. We didn't find any recent reports of resurfacing, damage, or closures specific to this route - if you have current, on-the-ground knowledge of conditions here, it's worth checking before a visit, since alpine roads like this can see winter frost damage or seasonal restrictions near the top.

Traffic: Light. Expect brief local traffic near the village of Hippach at the base; above that this is a quiet farm and alpine-access road with minimal car traffic, aside from occasional ranchers and Jausenstation guests driving up.

Parking: There's no dedicated parking at the base - riders typically start from the village of Hippach, which has street parking available near the town center.

This is a short, steep effort - budget 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on fitness. Bring the lowest gearing you have (a 34x32 or lower); the sustained double-digit grade with essentially no flat sections rewards a compact setup more than raw power.

There are no services on the climb itself, so carry what you need and plan to refuel at the Jausenstation at the top if it's open when you arrive.

Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.

Hippach is a small village in the Zillertal (Tirol), a short drive or train ride from the larger resort town of Mayrhofen. It's one of four demanding climbs radiating from this same small area - Zell am Ziller to Jausenstation, Aschau-Kristall Hutte, and Aschau-Murmelland are all nearby - so it's worth basing here for more than a single day if you want to collect the set.

Use PJAMM's Sherpa Map tool to help plan which of these climbs to pair on the same trip. We found Zell am Ziller itself a genuinely worthwhile small town to stay in while covering this region, with easy access to all four routes.