Flexen Pass

The Flexen Pass is a high mountain pass in the Austrian Alps, standing at 1,773 metres in the Vorarlberg region. It links the upper Lech valley—between the villages of Warth, Lech, and Zürs—with the Klostertal near Stuben. The pass road was constructed in 1940, forming a connection to the Arlberg Pass road. Its development began after the Arlberg railroad opened in 1884, when earlier routes over the Tannberg via Oberstdorf proved inadequate. The road’s history includes early protective measures against avalanches, starting with wooden covers and later a tunnel and a bridge over the Hölltobel. Originally only three metres wide, it was completed into the Lech Valley in 1909. Winter access has been possible since 1936, and post-war improvements funded by the Marshall Plan made the route safer. More recently, plans for a tunnel between Stuben and Zürs were abandoned due to lack of funds. Visitors to the Flexen Pass find a high-altitude crossing with sweeping views of the surrounding Alps. The road winds through dramatic landscapes, connecting two major ski regions. The pass remains an important route for traffic between Vorarlberg and Tyrol. Its engineering history is visible in the older protective structures and the modern road alignment. The route offers access to some of the most renowned winter sports destinations in the Alps.