Sometimes, an adventure is just what you need to start the day right. After a hectic work period, I craved the great outdoors. My beloved partner had been asking repeatedly to spend a day in Venice, Italy, and I noticed that the weather in the mountains and northern Italy was surprisingly sunny, especially for late October. I decided to seize the moment and take a chance on this trip! It felt like the perfect opportunity to follow the sun and embrace the beauty of life. Who wouldn’t want to bask in the warmth of Venice while making unforgettable memories? Let’s go for it!

The rooftop tent proudly perched on my Land Rover Defender set the stage for an unforgettable adventure. With our camping gear packed, we hit the road toward Austria at 3 in the afternoon, ready to embark on an epic road trip covering 1,200 kilometers. Our first day included a drive of 650 kilometers, culminating in a comfortable stay at a hotel in Germany, just a stone’s throw from the Austrian border. Choosing a spacious hotel conveniently located next to the highway would ensure a restful night and a hearty breakfast, energizing us for the next leg of our journey toward Venice.

As we crossed the German border into Austria, nostalgia washed over me—these were the roads I had ridden over a year ago on my motorbike. Hahntennjoch (elevation 1,894 m) beckoned us next, a high mountain pass in the stunning Austrian Alps of Tyrol, linking the upper Inn Valley to the breathtaking Lech Valley. This 29-kilometer route from Imst to Elmen is a favorite among motorcyclists and cyclists alike, offering not only a shorter alternative to the Fern Pass and Flexen Pass over the Arlberg but also exhilarating twists and turns. With grades reaching 18.9 percent, it’s a drive that promises excitement, while the gorgeous views of the majestic mountain landscape make it a journey to remember.

And the memories truly resonate with me. I still remember stopping at the very same spot on my motorbike a year ago. The energy of the mountains and their majestic snow-covered peaks left me in awe and silence, just like that moment. Writing about it gives me goosebumps and reaffirms my love for embracing the beauty of the world in my soul.

One of the most breathtaking places I visited last year was the glacier in the renowned ski village of Sölden. It would mean so much to share this experience with my beloved wife. Imagine riding my Defender up to an elevation of 2,800 meters, discovering the breathtaking views from the roof of the Alps together! Here we are …

Yes, there I stood, with my Defender parked atop the highest asphalt roads in the Alps. Just the weekend before, the world watched the thrilling World Cup slalom ski competition at the Sölden glacier. Although I didn’t witness the event live, seeing the track in its majestic state was truly awe-inspiring. One striking detail was the almost complete absence of snow at the summit. I captured these moments with my beloved Hasselblad 503cxi, which lends a unique, vintage quality to the images—something that truly evokes the essence of the past.

It was noon, and we revved up our Defender, eager to tackle the journey to the Italian border. With 300 kilometers still ahead to reach Venice, it was time to step on the gas and embrace the adventure that awaited us.

As we navigate the winding roads of Austria, we’re embarking on an unforgettable journey toward the Italian border via the Timmelsjoch (Italian: Passo del Rombo). This stunning high mountain pass, reaching an elevation of 2,474 metres (8,117 ft), offers a breathtaking link through the majestic Ötztal Alps, straddling the border between Austria and Italy.

The Timmelsjoch seamlessly connects the picturesque Ötztal valley in Tyrol, Austria, to the enchanting Passeier Valley in South Tyrol, Italy. It beautifully bridges the saddle between the towering peaks of Jochköpfl (3,141 metres or 10,305 ft) and Wurmkogl (3,082 metres or 10,112 ft). Unlike the more popular Brenner Pass, just 25 kilometers (16 miles) to the east, and the Reschen Pass, about 60 kilometers (37 miles) to the west, Timmelsjoch remains a hidden gem, often referred to as the “secret passage.”

We chose this route not only for its breathtaking views but also for the peaceful escape from the crowds. It provided us with ample time to truly savor the beauty of the area, and the small toll we paid was worth every penny. With the sun warming our faces, we snapped pictures that felt like dreams, all while enjoying the stunning Alps at a perfect 20 degrees—absolutely incredible.

However, I couldn’t help but notice the alarming changes in the climate during our journey, which left me feeling a deep sense of loss. When nature suffers, we all suffer, especially since it’s the playground for our children and future generations. It’s crucial that we take action now to make a difference and stop the pollution, starting in our own lives.

Together, we can create a better world for those who come after us.

As we immerse ourselves in the breathtaking scenery, we cruise along the highways of Italy, flanked by majestic mountains. With the sun dipping low on the horizon, we reach our campsite by the water, where the enchanting view of Venice unfolds before us in the evening light. Embrace the miracles of travel that await you. We settle in for the night, feeling a deep sense of gratitude as we drift off to sleep in our cozy rooftop tent.

Thank you