Grossglockner High Alpine Road

The basics

Explore the distinctive triangular peak of Grossglockner—the highest mountain in the Austrian Alps at 3,798 meters (12,460 feet)—and the lakeland scenery of the Hohe Tauern National Park by joining a driving or self-drive tour of the Grossglockner High Alpine Road. Many full-day or multi-day tours also take in the Hahntennjoch Pass and Neuschwanstein Castle. Along the route, you can admire the Pasterze Glacier—one of Austria’s longest glaciers—as well as the giant waterfall of Krimml Falls (Krimmler Wasserfalle). In summer, the region is popular with climbers, hikers, and cyclists; and in winter, there’s skiing at the Heiligenblut/Grossglockner resort.

Things to know before you go

• The Grossglockner High Alpine Road offers some of the most dazzling views in the Austrian Alps, but can be a challenge for those who suffer from motion sickness. Choose a self-driving tour and break up the ride with frequent stops if long car rides are an issue.
• Keep an eye out for the blue signage along the route that indicates attractions, views, and altitude measurements.
• For an excellent view and great photo ops of the Pasterze Glacier, stop at the Kaiser Franz Josefs Höhe visitor center.
• There is a toll for cars wanting to take the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, with rates that vary for gas-powered or electric engines.
• The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is best explored by car, so is an ideal way to take in memorable Alpine views for those with limited mobility.

How to get there

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is 77 miles (123 kilometers) from Salzburg, and the route’s starting point is about a 90-minute drive from the city; the Pasterze glacier can be reached by cable car throughout the year. Salzburg is home to the nearest airport and train station connecting to other European cities.

When to get there

The route is open between May and November, though traffic along the route can get heavy during the high-season summer months. Visit in May or October for the best views with the least amount of cars on the road.

The Best Scenic Overlooks along the Grossglockner High Alpine Road

One of the biggest selling points of the Grossglockner route is the magnificent Alpine scenery. The most dazzling views can be had at Hochmais and Edelweissspitze viewpoints, both overlooking the Grosses Wiesbachhorn peak. Nearby, Fuscher Lake is a much quieter scenic spot with crystalline waters reflecting the surrounding peaks. The Wilhelm-Swarovski observatory, on the other hand, offers unforgettable views over the Pasterze Glacier.