Grossglockner High Alpine road has made countless people admire the beauty and dreamy landscape. It is considered one of the most beautiful roads in Europe with waterfalls, mountains, glacial lakes and green grass,..

About the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria

The Grossglockner High Alpine road has a total length of 48km winding, zigzagging through many mountain ranges from Bruck in the state of Brandenburg, Germany to Heiligenbult, Carinthia and Austria. Exploring this breathtakingly beautiful road is an expensive experience when traveling in Europe. Not only is it one of the most beautiful and highest mountain roads in Europe, but Grossglockner is also considered the King of all scenic roads.

This road is named after the highest mountain in Austria and was built from 1930 – 1935. Architect Franz Wallack conceived the idea and design. To build this road, more than 3,000 workers must be mobilized. They have built a narrow road going through the most majestic and harsh mountainous terrain in Europe. In 1924, the idea of ​​​​building a road was first discussed by a team of Austrian engineers but this ambitious plan was opposed by many people. 11 years later, the Grossglockner High Alpine Road was officially opened in August 1935.

Coming to Grossglockner High Alpine, you will have the opportunity to visit many famous destinations such as Pasterze Glacier, Hohe Tauern National Park, and Celtic Trail with beautiful natural scenery like stepping out of a fairy tale. Every year, this road welcomes more than 900,000 visitors, making it the second most popular destination in Austria after Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna with nearly 4 million visitors per year.

Grossglockner High Alpine Road Operation Time

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road Austria opens to traffic after winter ends. Usually late April and early May. Most other alpine trails in Europe are usually closed until mid-June. In winter some hiking trails are closed. During the day, this route will be open from early morning until late afternoon.

Early May to May 31: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm

June 1st to August 31st: 5:30am – 9:00pm

September 1st to early November: 6:00 am – 7:30 pm

Great experience of adventure Grossglockner High Alpine

Once the Grossglockner High Alpine Road opens, summer begins. At this time, the road attracts a large number of visitors to admire the majestic mountain landscape. Those who experience hiking, climbing or skiing use this road as a starting point for the trip. Motorcyclists will be able to go through 36 turns for an unforgettable trip. For cyclists, conquering this road is a great challenge. The highlight of cycling enthusiasts on this road is the annual Glocknerkönig tournament. In that race, both professional and amateur cyclists had to cover a 27-kilometer distance with many ramps.

With 36 picturesque curves that will take you to an altitude of more than 2500m. Driving in Grossglockner High Alpine is challenging, but it opens your eyes to a breathtaking landscape that is sure to be the most scenic drive of your life. When driving, you should go slowly, stopping many times to be able to admire the beautiful scenery to the fullest.

Great stops at the Grossglockner High Alpine road

One of the best views on the Grossglockner High Alpine trail is the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Hohe stop. On clear days you can enjoy the majestic beauty of the majestic Grossglockner mountain and the Pasterze glacier (the largest glacier in Austria). Along the alpine road, you will likely encounter many wild animals such as chamois, ibex, vultures, marmots and golden eagles, etc. And on that journey, if you feel hungry, You can stop at some roadside restaurants.

The journey to conquer the Grossglockner High Alpine road, Austria is not in a hurry but to take the time to enjoy the magical beauty of nature as much as possible. Fisher Lake is just one of many beautiful spots along the way. To the south of the Grossglockner High Alpine, there is a small town called Lienz. This place does not have too many impressive experiences, but it is very suitable for you to rest or want to find restaurants and cafes.

Hiking trails along the Grossglockner High Alpine, Austria

Glocknerhaus – Margaritzenstausee – Sandersee – Franz-Josefs-Höhe Hiking from Glocknerhaus to Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe is a wonderful thing that you can experience on the Grossglockner High Alpine road. This somewhat easy hike will usually take 2 hours one way. This is also the first leg of the Alpe Adria trail which starts at Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höh and ends at Heiligenblut. Although there are a few options, it’s best to start at the Glocknerhaus because the views are breathtaking when you’re fairly close to the foot of the Grossglockner.

Initially, the trail descends the Glocknerhaus to the Margaritzenstausee reservoir and then continues along the water, past the two cement walls of the reservoir. The water in Margaretenstrasse is supplied by the Pasterze Glacier. Continue you follow the trail to Sandersee Lake. From here, you will have a panoramic view of the Pasterzee glacier and Grossglockner mountain.

Gamsgrubenweg

This tour takes about 2 hours starting at Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe and is suitable for all ages. There is a series of tunnels that lead you closer to the Pasterze Glacier. The view from the Game Grubenweg trail is amazing. However, be aware of the timing as this road will be closed during the winter months due to snow and ice covering all the paths.

Hochtor go to Brennkogel

This trip will start from Hochtor and go to Brennkogel 3018m high. After about 2 hours of travel, you will come across Better See – a mountain lake with crystal clear water. Going about an hour more you will reach the top of Brennkogel (also known as Goldberg). Note that this trial will be closed in mid-June every year.

Perhaps after seeing and reading the above information, many tourists will want to include the Grossglockner High Alpine Austria road in their European travel itinerary. This road is relatively short but thanks to the wonderful scenery and many spectacular turns will make you want to spend more time here than you planned.