Why the
Grossglockner Alpine Road
is special

This winding, sometimes steep 48-meter (30-mile) long road boasts one of Europe's most scenic mountain drives.

Grossglockner Alpine Road
tips and insights

Top 2 views

 

Grossglockner Mountain

Its 3,798 meter (12.461 foot) pyramidal peak is the highest in Austria and second highest in the Alps. See photo above.

Pasterze Glacier

Though receding, this glacier is still impressive and Austria's longest.

Best
Grossglockner Alpine Road
viewpoint

It's at and near the Kaiser Franz Joseph's Hohe visitors center. Grossglockner Mountain majestically soars above you and the Pasterze Glacier lazily stretches below you.

The visitor center has educational videos and exhibits, as well as eating facilities.

Route

The Grossglockner Alpine Road links the Austrian states of Salzburg and Carinthia. It ascends 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) while passing by alpine forests, serene meadows, and rugged snow-capped peaks.

Biker's paradise

Motorcyclists love riding through the picturesque, fresh-aired mountainscape. Many come.

When to go

The Grossglockner Alpine Road is open to visitors only from early May through late October. Severe wintry conditions impede crossings the rest of the year.

Low-lying clouds can hide the mountain peaks and sometimes even the glaciers. Since the toll fee is about $40 per passenger car, delay your journey until weather forecasters promise a relatively clear day.

Location in Austria

Know these Austria tips and insights

Vienna
Belvedere Palace
Hofburg Palace
Kunsthistorisches Museum
Schonbrunn Palace
Spanish Riding School
St Stephen's Cathedral
Vienna State Opera House

Beyond Vienna
Danube Cruise  multi-national
Eisriesenwelt Caves
Grossglockner Alpine Road
Melk Abbey and its Church
Salzburg Old Town/Castle

Rankings
Top 5 Austria Wonders

 

Photo Grossglockner Hochalpenstrassen

 

Austrian Tourism Board

 

World's Top 100 Wonders
World's Top 1000 Wonders

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