March 16, 2012 -

The Sölkpaß is on The Lower Tauern in Steiermark (Styria) and connects the valleys of the Rivers Mur to the south and The Enns to the north. At the southern end you pick up The Sölkpaß near Schöder at the junction of the L501 and L704 and head North. Initially the road surface is very good, quickly climbing up a few hundred meters in altitude through some challenging but enjoyable bends. After a few kilometres you enter the forest and the road surface is very uneven for a few more kilometres before improving again. This section is a gentle climb through scenic countryside with no serious hazards. Then you start to climb more steeply and need to be aware of cattle which like to gather on the hairpins. The top is at about 1788m and then descends through some nice bends before flattening out for a while. Once you reach Sankt Nikolai the road widens and is of a very good quality with fast sweeping bends all the way down to Stein.

There are a number of Alm and Hütte along the route, plenty of places to stop and enjoy the scenery and in Stein you ride past a Petrol Station which has a Cafe next door which is popular with Bikers.

The Sölkpaß is closed in winter and doesn't normally open until the end of May. There can still be closures in late spring due to weather but it is well signed at either end as to the state of play.