Würzjoch at the foot of the Peitlerkofel
The Würzjoch pass (Ladin: Ju de Börz, Italian: Passo delle Erbe) lies at an altitude of around 2,000 metres above sea level. It connects the Eisacktal valley with the Gadertal valley and forms the northern border of the Puez-Geisler Nature Park. Surrounded by wide alpine meadows, rugged rock faces and the imposing Peitlerkofel, the Würzjoch is a popular starting point for hikes, mountain tours and scenic drives.
Interesting facts about the Würzjoch
- Altitude: 1,982 m above sea level
- Location: between the Eisacktal valley/Lüsen and the Gadertal valley/Untermoi
- Access: via the SP30 (Lüsen) and SP20 (Afers/Villnöss or St. Martin in Thurn/Untermoi) roads
- Winter closure: in winter, only accessible from the west via the Gadertal valley
The mountain tour to the Peitlerkofel (or around the striking Dolomite mountain) starts at the Würzjoch Pass
Unsplash / David BeckerLandscape, location & special features
The Würzjoch pass is a natural link between the Eisacktal valley in the west and the Gadertal valley in the east – and thus also the border between German- and Ladin-speaking South Tyrol. Surrounded by the gentle alpine pastures of Lüsen in the north and the striking rocky peaks of the Dolomites in the south, the pass offers an impressive panorama.
Particularly striking is its proximity to the Peitlerkofel (2,875 m) – a freestanding Dolomite peak that rises south of the Würzjoch and dominates the landscape. Its striking shape makes it a popular photo motif (and mountaineering destination). The pass is also located on the edge of the Puez-Geisler Nature Park, an area of particular geological and botanical importance.
Hiking & mountain tours around the Würzjoch
Numerous hikes start at the Würzjoch Pass and lead you into an impressive mountain world.
IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Harald WisthalerThe Würzjoch is an ideal starting point for hikes and mountain tours in the Dolomites, mainly because of its easy accessibility, magnificent views and proximity to the Peitlerkofel. Both leisure hikers and ambitious mountaineers will find suitable routes here.
Hiking tips starting at the Würzjoch
- Roda de Pütia: moderately difficult hike around the Peitlerkofel
- Peitlerkofel: scenically impressive summit tour with a short climb to the main summit
- Maurerberg hut: leisurely hike with magnificent views
- Lüsner Alm: across the flower-filled alpine pasture landscape
Many routes can be combined, so that short walks are just as possible as extended day trips – always accompanied by the impressive backdrop of the Dolomites.
Ambitious bikers can also reach the Würzjoch Pass under their own power or discover the surrounding area on two wheels.
IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Daniel GeigerMotorcycle, bike & panoramic rides
The Würzjoch is not only a paradise for hikers – motorcyclists and ambitious cyclists also appreciate the spectacular routes, the sweeping views and the comparatively peaceful atmosphere away from the major passes.
The approach from St. Martin in Thurn or via Afers in particular offers motorcyclists and motorists driving pleasure on a narrow but well-maintained road with many hairpin bends, moderate gradients and magnificent views of the Dolomites. The pass itself, with its huts and photo opportunities, invites you to stop for a short break or a longer rest. The Würzjoch is also accessible by bike, offering a sporting challenge.
Many starting points for hikes in the Dolomites can be reached comfortably and environmentally friendly by public transport.
IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Manuel KotterstegerWürzjoch: How to get there
The Würzjoch is somewhat remote, but still easy to reach. Well-maintained pass roads lead to the plateau from several valleys. There are three options by car:
- From the north via Lüsen: scenic, but winding. A good option if starting from the Brixen area.
- From the west through Afers or via Villnöss: narrow road in parts, busy in the high season.
- From the east via St. Martin in Thurn in Alta Badia: well-maintained, popular with motorcyclists.
Please note: Between May and November, the Würzjoch is accessible from all sides. In winter, however, access is only possible via St. Martin in Thurn to the top of the pass. Depending on the route, there are driving restrictions for buses and heavy vehicles.
It should also be noted that the roads to the Würzjoch Pass are narrow in places and can be very busy during the high season. It is worth setting off early – both to avoid traffic and to find a parking space.
Parking at Würzjoch
Shortly before the pass summit on the Gadertal side, there is a paid car park, which fills up quickly during the high season. Additional parking spaces are available directly at the pass near Ütia de Börz. Parking on the roadside is not permitted.
Public transport
Using public transport is recommended if you are planning hikes and want to avoid looking for parking spaces. The following bus connections can be used:
- From Villnöss: Connection only in summer via bus no. 339 from St. Peter, connection to Brixen via line 330.
- From Lüsen: Shuttle hiking bus in summer on certain days of the week.
- From St. Martin in Thurn: Line 464 from Pikolein in summer, in winter you need to change to line 339 in Untermoj.
All current timetables can be found at suedtirolmobil.info.
