Grossglockner High Alpine Road – Stunning Alpine Views in Austria

Imagine winding your way up through snow-capped peaks, past verdant valleys, beside glaciers and alpine meadows, all from the comfort of your car. Welcome to the Grossglockner High Alpine Road – Austria’s most iconic mountain pass and one of Europe’s most beautiful driving routes.
 

As your personal guide, I’ll take you through everything you need to know about this breathtaking journey, from history and highlights to road tips and must-see stops. Whether you’re a road tripper, hiker, biker, or photographer, this unforgettable route through the heart of the Austrian Alps deserves a place on your travel bucket list.

🏔️ 1. What Is the Grossglockner High Alpine Road?

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road (Großglockner Hochalpenstraße) is a 48-kilometer scenic road that winds through the Hohe Tauern National Park, connecting Fusch in Salzburg with Heiligenblut in Carinthia.

Named after Grossglockner, Austria’s highest mountain at 3,798 meters

Opened in 1935, a marvel of engineering and alpine tourism

Features 36 hairpin bends, rising to an altitude of 2,504 meters

Offers access to the Pasterze Glacier, alpine trails, and panoramic viewpoints

This road isn’t just a drive – it’s an experience of nature, history, and adventure.

📜 2. History of the High Alpine Road

The road was a visionary project during the Great Depression, built to create jobs and connect remote Alpine regions.

Construction began in 1930, employing thousands of workers

Opened in August 1935 with only 150,000 visitors a year – today it attracts over 900,000 annually

Built with environmental respect and continues to be maintained as a sustainable Alpine attraction

It’s a symbol of human achievement meeting natural beauty.

📍 3. Where Is It and How to Get There?

🗺️ Start & End Points:

North entrance: Fusch an der Glocknerstraße (Salzburg State)

South entrance: Heiligenblut (Carinthia)

🚗 Getting There:

From Salzburg: About 1.5 hours by car

From Zell am See: 30–45 minutes

From Innsbruck or Klagenfurt: 2–2.5 hours

There’s no public bus through the entire road, so a car, motorbike, or organized tour is the best way to go.

🚘 4. Driving the Route: What to Expect

You’ll be driving through an Alpine paradise. Some of the highlights along the 48-kilometer journey include:

🛣️ Key Features:

36 bends with panoramic viewpoints

2 tunnel crossings through rugged terrain

Interpretive stops, visitor centers, and alpine exhibits

🚗 Driving Tips:

Drive carefully – roads are well maintained but narrow and winding

Keep your camera handy – there are countless photo stops

Check weather and road status before visiting

Note: The road is only open from May to early November, depending on snow conditions.

🗻 5. Must-See Stops Along the Route

Here are the top attractions and viewpoints you shouldn't miss:

🏞️ a. Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe

Most famous viewpoint, directly facing Grossglockner

View of the Pasterze Glacier, Austria’s largest glacier

Exhibitions, restaurants, souvenir shops, and a panoramic terrace

Optional hike down to the glacier (1–2 hours round trip)

🏔️ b. Edelweißspitze

Highest accessible point by car at 2,571 meters

360° panoramic view of 30+ peaks over 3,000 meters

Accessed via a cobblestone side road (steep and narrow)

🐐 c. Alpine Nature Show Museum (Haus Alpine Naturschau)

Interactive exhibits on flora, fauna, and geology of the region

Great for families and kids

🦅 d. Wilhelm Swarovski Observatory

Spot golden eagles, marmots, ibexes, and other alpine wildlife through telescopes

🛤️ e. Fuscher Törl

A historic viewpoint with a memorial to the road’s builders

Excellent for sunrise photography

📷 6. Photography and Nature Watching

This road is a dream for photographers and nature lovers.

Morning light casts golden hues over snow-dusted peaks

Wildflowers bloom across meadows in late spring and summer

Wildlife sightings include marmots, deer, chamois, and eagles

Tip: Bring a zoom lens and binoculars if you’re serious about wildlife watching.

🥾 7. Best Hiking Trails Along the Route

You don’t have to just stay in your car! There are numerous hiking trails accessible from the road.

🥾 Recommended Trails:

Gamsgrubenweg (from Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe): 1–2 hrs, tunnels and glacier views

Pasterze Glacier Trail: Steep descent to the glacier tongue

Fuscher Lacke Loop: Short walk around a picturesque mountain lake

Stockerscharte Trail: Moderate trail with stunning ridge views

🧭 Tip: Wear layers – alpine weather changes quickly.

🏍️ 8. For Motorcyclists: An Alpine Thrill

Motorcyclists from all over Europe come to test their skills on the tight turns and steep climbs of the road.

Parking areas and motorcycle-friendly facilities

Safety is key – full gear and awareness of road conditions are essential

It’s considered one of Europe’s top motorcycle routes for good reason.

🚴 9. Can You Cycle the Road?

Yes – if you’re up for a challenge!

Popular with road cyclists, especially during dedicated car-free events

Total elevation gain is over 1,500 meters from either direction

Bring strong legs, layers, and good brakes!

🚴‍♀️ Tip: Check for “Glocknerkönig” cycling event held every June – an epic race to the summit.

🏨 10. Accommodation and Dining

🛏️ Where to Stay:

Fusch: Cozy alpine inns and family-run hotels

Heiligenblut: More options including ski resorts and guesthouses

On the road: Several mountain lodges (like Gasthof Fuscherlacke) offer rooms with a view

🍴 Where to Eat:

Alpine huts and roadside restaurants serve:

Käsespätzle (cheesy noodles)

Brettljause (charcuterie board)

Fresh strudel, schnitzel, and local beer

Dining with a view has never been this satisfying.

🎟️ 11. Ticket Information and Prices

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is a toll road. Entrance fees support maintenance and environmental protection.

🎫 2025 Toll Fees (subject to change):

Car: €40 (day ticket)

Motorcycle: €30

Bicycle: Free

Bus/Group Discounts available

Tickets can be purchased on-site or online for faster entry.

🕒 Opening hours: Generally 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM (changes seasonally)

❄️ 12. When Is the Best Time to Visit?

🌸 May–June:

Snow still visible on peaks

Fewer crowds

Alpine flowers start blooming

☀️ July–August:

Warmest weather

Most accessible hiking trails

Can be busy during peak tourist season

🍂 September–October:

Beautiful fall foliage

Clear skies and quieter roads

Closing season by early November

🧊 Winter: CLOSED due to heavy snowfall and avalanche risk

🧭 13. Combine Your Trip With Nearby Attractions

Make the most of your visit with nearby gems:

Zell am See: A stunning alpine lake town just 30 minutes away

Kaprun and the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier

Hohe Tauern National Park Visitor Center

Wild & Erlebnispark Ferleiten: Great for families and kids

🧳 Make it a weekend Alpine adventure!

🌱 14. Eco-Friendly Alpine Tourism

The road is managed with a strong focus on sustainability:

Wildlife corridors and ecological monitoring

Interpretive signage promoting conservation

Visitor centers encourage low-impact tourism

Respect the environment – stay on paths, take trash with you, and support local businesses.

📚 15. Fun Facts About the Grossglockner Road

It’s Austria’s highest paved road.

Originally promoted as a "road to the roof of Austria."

More than 15 million visitors have experienced it since opening.

Featured in countless travel films, documentaries, and car commercials.

💬 Final Thoughts: Why Visit the Grossglockner High Alpine Road?

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is more than just a route – it’s a journey into the soul of the Alps. Whether you’re gliding around switchbacks, standing on glacier overlooks, or hiking with marmots, you’re participating in one of Austria’s grandest traditions.

A perfect blend of engineering marvel, natural beauty, and cultural heritage, it’s a bucket-list experience for every traveler, driver, and dreamer.