Things to Do in Grossglockner High Alpine Road
Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Österreich - Complete Travel Guide
The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is Austria's most spectacular mountain highway, winding through the heart of the Austrian Alps and offering breathtaking views of the country's highest peak, Grossglockner (3,798m). This engineering marvel stretches 48 kilometers through the Hohe Tauern National Park, connecting Salzburg and Carinthia provinces while providing access to some of Europe's most pristine alpine landscapes. The road features 36 hairpin bends and climbs to an altitude of 2,504 meters at the Hochtor tunnel.
More than just a scenic drive, the Grossglockner High Alpine Road serves as a gateway to extraordinary alpine experiences, from glacier viewing at Pasterze Glacier to wildlife spotting in protected mountain habitats. The route includes several visitor centers, viewing platforms, and hiking trails that showcase the region's unique ecosystem and geological wonders. This UNESCO World Heritage area attracts over 900,000 visitors annually, making it one of Austria's most popular tourist attractions and a must-visit destination for mountain enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Top Things to Do in Grossglockner High Alpine Road
Scenic Alpine Drive
Experience one of the world's most beautiful mountain roads with 36 hairpin turns and panoramic views of 37 peaks over 3,000 meters. The journey takes you through diverse alpine landscapes, from lush valleys to glacial terrain, with numerous photo stops and viewing points along the way.
Booking Tip: Road toll costs €37 for cars (2024 prices), valid for return journey within 7 days. Best visited May-October when fully open; check weather conditions before traveling. Early morning or late afternoon drives offer the best lighting for photography.
Pasterze Glacier Viewing
Visit Austria's largest glacier from the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe viewpoint, offering spectacular close-up views of this massive ice formation. The visitor center provides educational exhibits about glacial formation and climate change impacts on alpine environments.
Booking Tip: Glacier viewing is included with road toll fee. Funicular to glacier costs additional €9. Best visibility typically in morning hours; bring warm clothing as temperatures can be 15°C cooler than valley floor.
Alpine Hiking Trails
Explore numerous hiking trails ranging from easy nature walks to challenging mountain climbs, including paths to mountain huts and alpine lakes. Popular routes include the Gamsgrubenweg trail and hikes around the Fuscher Lacke alpine lakes.
Booking Tip: Most trails are free; mountain hut stays cost €25-45 per night. Hiking season runs June-September; always check weather conditions and carry proper mountain gear including sturdy boots and rain protection.
Wildlife and Marmot Watching
Observe native alpine wildlife including marmots, golden eagles, and ibex in their natural habitat within Hohe Tauern National Park. The area around Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe is particularly good for marmot sightings, especially during morning and evening hours.
Booking Tip: Wildlife viewing is free with park access. Bring binoculars for best experience; guided nature walks available for €15-20. Early morning (7-9 AM) and late afternoon (4-6 PM) offer best wildlife activity.
Photography Tours
Capture stunning alpine landscapes, dramatic mountain peaks, and glacial formations with guidance from local photography experts. Tours focus on optimal lighting conditions and composition techniques for mountain photography in this UNESCO World Heritage landscape.
Booking Tip: Photography tours cost €80-150 per person for half-day experiences. Book during golden hour times (sunrise/sunset) for best results. Bring telephoto lens for wildlife and wide-angle for landscapes.
Getting There
The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is accessible from two main entry points: Ferleiten in Salzburg province (north) and Heiligenblut in Carinthia (south). From Salzburg city, drive south via A10 motorway to Bruck an der Grossglocknerstrasse, then follow signs to the northern entrance at Ferleiten (approximately 2 hours). From the south, access via Lienz in East Tyrol, then drive to Heiligenblut (1.5 hours from Lienz). The nearest airports are Salzburg (120km) and Klagenfurt (130km), with car rental essential as public transport doesn't serve the alpine road directly.
Getting Around
Personal vehicle is essential for exploring the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, as no public transportation operates along the route. The road is well-maintained with multiple parking areas at viewpoints and attractions. Motorcycle touring is extremely popular, with special motorcycle-friendly facilities available. Consider fuel stops before entering, as no gas stations exist along the alpine section. The road is typically open from early May to late October, with possible closures during severe weather. Allow 3-4 hours minimum for the complete journey including stops.
Where to Stay
Zell am See
Kaprun
Heiligenblut
Lienz
Mittersill
Fusch an der Grossglocknerstrasse
Food & Dining
Dining options along the Grossglockner High Alpine Road focus on traditional Austrian alpine cuisine served at mountain restaurants and visitor centers. The Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe visitor center offers a self-service restaurant with hearty Austrian dishes and spectacular glacier views. Mountain huts along hiking trails serve traditional fare like goulash, schnitzel, and apple strudel, typically priced €12-18 for main courses. For more extensive dining options, base towns like Zell am See, Heiligenblut, and Kaprun offer everything from cozy gasthofs serving local specialties to upscale restaurants featuring regional ingredients like alpine trout, venison, and locally produced cheeses and wines.
When to Visit
The optimal time to visit the Grossglockner High Alpine Road is from late May through early October when the entire route is typically open and weather conditions are most favorable. July and August offer the warmest temperatures and longest daylight hours, but also the heaviest crowds and highest accommodation prices. June and September provide excellent weather with fewer visitors and stunning alpine scenery, including wildflower blooms in early summer and autumn colors in September. Winter access is limited to lower elevations only, as the high alpine sections close due to snow and avalanche risks from November through April.
Insider Tips
Purchase the annual pass if visiting multiple times - it pays for itself after two trips and includes discounts at partner attractions
Start early morning drives to avoid afternoon crowds and capture the best lighting for photography, especially at major viewpoints
Check road conditions and weather forecasts before traveling, as sudden weather changes can affect visibility and safety in high alpine areas