Zell am Ziller to Jausenstation Bike Climb - Zillertal, Austria

Austria Zell am Ziller to Jausenstation

Zell am Ziller to Jausenstation Bike Climb - PJAMM Cycling

37.1

PDI

9.7 mi

DISTANCE

4,729 ft

GAINED

ELEVATION GAINED

8.8 %

AVG. GRADE

AVG. GRADIENT

FULL CLIMB STATS

INTRO

We stayed in Zell am Ziller, within a kilometer of the start of this climb, on a visit to what turned out to be one of our favorite - and least known - climbing regions in Austria. From Zellberg Road's "T" intersection with Zellbergeben Road, we climb quickly away from and above Zell am Ziller, gaining 9.6 miles and 4,729 feet at an 8.8% average grade on the way to Jausenstation Melchboden.

The road is very narrow but minimally traveled, weaving through forest with occasional windows to the mountains beyond before opening onto pastureland near the top. It's also a toll road for cars, though not for bikes - one of the reasons traffic stays so light.

The steepest kilometer, at 13.9%, comes fairly early in the ride; the steepest full mile still averages a stout 13.1%. Zell am Ziller sits at the base of four Top World Climbs that overlap and interconnect in this small stretch of the Zillertal, including Hippach to Jausenstation and the Aschau climbs to Kristallhutte and Murmelland - genuinely one of the best under-the-radar climbing bases we've found in the Alps.

This ascent tops out, like the others, at Jausenstation Melchboden, a mountain hut with pastries and a cafe that's the perfect reward after the effort - it now ranks as the 137th hardest climb in the entire world.

PLAN YOUR ROUTE

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Zell am Ziller to Jausenstation's 8.8% average is remarkably consistent for a climb of this length - there's no long false flat, just steady, sustained grade throughout. The steepest quarter mile point-to-point reaches 14.3%, the steepest kilometer, fairly early in the climb, hits 13.9%, and the steepest full mile still averages 13.1%. Even the hardest continuous 5 miles hold at 11.1%, making this one of the more evenly demanding climbs in the Zillertal.

Roadway: The climb is paved throughout, very narrow in sections but well-maintained and minimally traveled - the kind of quiet, well-surfaced mountain road that makes this region a hidden gem. It's a toll road for motor vehicles, but cyclists ride it free of charge.

Traffic: Light. Because of the toll, this road sees far less car traffic than a typical Alpine access road, and most of what's on it is headed to Jausenstation or one of the other three climbs that share this small mountain zone.

Parking: Zell am Ziller is the obvious base - a genuinely charming town on the Zillertalbahn narrow-gauge railway, with a full range of hotels, restaurants, and at least one bike shop (Intersport Strasser) for rentals and repairs. The climb starts within about a kilometer of the town center.

Jausenstation Melchboden, at the top, has a genuine cafe with pastries - a great reward, but not a place to rely on for pre-ride fueling, so stock up in Zell am Ziller before heading out. There's nothing else along the narrow, forested road in between. Given the sustained double-digit pitches, especially the steep kilometer early in the climb, gear low enough to hold a comfortable cadence for the full ascent.

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.

Zell am Ziller is a genuinely charming base for a multi-day climbing trip - four Top World Climbs (this one, Hippach to Jausenstation, and the two Aschau ascents to Kristallhutte and Murmelland) all launch from within a few kilometers of town, several sharing the same Jausenstation finish. The Zillertalbahn narrow-gauge railway runs right through town if you want a rest-day excursion. See the other climbs nearby, or build a custom route connecting them, with our Routes in the Area tool.