Exploring Germany-Austria: A Network Of Routes And History

Austria is a mountainous country in Central Europe, sharing a border with Germany to the northwest. The westernmost third of the country is a narrow corridor between Germany and Italy, which is between 32 and 60km (20 and 37 miles) wide. One of the most important passes in the Austrian Alps is the Brenner Pass, which is located on the Austrian-Italian border in Tyrol. The route up the Inn Valley and over the Brenner Pass has historically been an important route of north-south transit between Germany and Italy.

The Brenner Pass route is an important and convenient route of north–south transit between Germany and Italy

Austria shares an 801 km (497 mi) border with Germany. The Brenner Pass route is an important and convenient route of north–south transit between Germany and Italy. It is located on the Austrian-Italian border in Tyrol and is one of the lowest Alpine passes at 1,370 m. The route up the Inn Valley and over the Brenner Pass has been historically significant, providing a direct connection between two of Europe's most industrialised regions: Germany and northern Italy.

The Brenner Pass is a mountain pass over the Alps, forming the border between Italy and Austria. It is one of the major passes of the Eastern Alpine range and has the lowest altitude among Alpine passes in the area. The Alamanni, a Germanic tribe, crossed the Brenner Pass southward into modern-day Italy in 268 AD. Since the 14th century, the Brenner Pass has been one of Europe's great trade routes.

The modern Brenner Highway, completed in the early 1970s, links Kufstein, Austria, with Modena, Italy. The motorway E45 (European designation; in Italy A22, in Austria the A13), Brenner Autobahn/Autostrada del Brennero, begins in Innsbruck, runs through the Brenner Pass, Bozen/Bolzano, Verona, and finishes outside Modena. It is one of the most important north–south connections in Europe.

After Austria joined the European Union in 1995, customs and immigration posts at the Brenner Pass were removed in 1997. However, in 2015, Austria reinstituted border checks in response to the European migrant crisis and announced plans to build a 370-metre-long fence at the Pass.

The westernmost third of Austria is a narrow corridor between Germany and Italy

Austria and Germany also share a route that passes through Bremen and the ancient forest of Reinhardswald. This route is highlighted by magical stories and attractions, such as Steinau's Grimm House, Alsfeld's Little Red Riding Hood House, and Bad Wildungen's Snow White museum. The length of this route is 600 kilometres, and it offers a unique and memorable driving experience.

The Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse in Austria is another route that connects the two countries. This route is known for its scenic beauty and thrilling driving experience. With all the Alps you can handle, rolling hills, and wildflower-filled valleys, this route offers a truly immersive experience in the heart of nature.

Overall, the westernmost third of Austria provides a network of routes and corridors that facilitate travel and connections between Germany and Italy. These routes offer a range of experiences, from scenic drives and hikes to immersive cultural and historical explorations.

Austria shares an 801km border with Germany

Austria shares an 801km (497-498mi) border with Germany. The German-Austrian border crosses itself near Jungholz, and the border runs along the Austrian states of Vorarlberg, Tyrol, Salzburg, and Upper Austria, as well as the German state of Bavaria. The border follows the western part of the Northern Limestone Alps, and the Danube, Inn and Salzach rivers in the east, and the Leiblach in the west. The westernmost third of Austria is a narrow corridor between Germany and Italy, which is between 32 and 60km wide. The border is 817km long, but a straight line between the endpoints is 345km long. Jungholz and Kleinwalsertal are two Austrian pene-exclaves, which can only be reached by road through German territory.

The Austrian-Swiss-German border is located at Lake Constance

Austria has 18 autobahns, and there are several driving routes between Germany and Austria. One of the most popular routes is from See to See (lake to lake) through Southern Bavaria and the Alps, with rolling hills, picturesque peaks, sparkling mountain lakes, and charming little towns. Another route is from Hanau to Baunatal, Germany, which is 600 km long and takes you through Bremen and Sleeping Beauty's castle in Reinhardswald.

The Neusiedler See is located on the Austrian-Hungarian border

There are many driving routes between Austria and Germany, including the Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse, which is described as 'not for the faint of heart'. The route from Bruck to Carinthia in Austria is famed for its 36 hairpin turns and is only open from June to September due to snow. Another route takes you from See to See (lake to lake) through Southern Bavaria and the Alps, with picturesque peaks, sparkling mountain lakes and charming little towns.

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