Grossglockner Alpine Road
Why the
Grossglockner Alpine Road
is specialThis 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.
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
