Discovering Grossglockner High Alpine Road
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Discovering Grossglockner High Alpine Road

Austria's highest pass road through Hohe Tauern National Park

1 day • Easy difficulty • Est. €117

Day 1: The Grossglockner High Alpine Road Traverse

A full-day scenic drive along Austria's highest mountain pass road, connecting Fusch in Salzburg to Heiligenblut in Carinthia. This itinerary focuses on the main highlights of the Hochalpenstraße, including the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe viewpoint and the Edelweiss Peak.

  • 08:00

    Arrival at Fusch Toll Gate

    Arrive at the southern entrance of the Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Fusch. Purchase the toll ticket (valid for 24 hours) and prepare for the ascent. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition and you have warm layers.

  • 08:30

    Scenic Ascent via 36 Hairpin Bends

    Begin the drive towards the summit. Enjoy the winding road with 36 hairpin bends, passing through tunnels and diverse alpine landscapes. Stop at intermediate viewpoints like the Gletschersicht (Glacier View) if time permits.

  • 10:00

    Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe Viewpoint

    Visit the highest point of the road (2,369m). This is the prime spot for close-up views of the Grossglockner peak and the Pasterze Glacier, Austria's longest glacier. Walk the short paths around the viewing platform.

  • 12:00

    Lunch at Edelweiss Lodge

    Enjoy a traditional Austrian lunch at the Edelweiss Lodge near the summit. Try local specialties like Kaiserschmarrn or Tiroler Gröstl while overlooking the alpine scenery.

  • 13:00

    Edelweiss Peak (Edelweißspitze)

    Take the cable car from the Edelweiss Lodge up to Edelweiss Peak (2,572m). Enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of 30 peaks over 3,000 meters. This is the highest accessible point for visitors.

  • 14:30

    Descent to Heiligenblut

    Drive down the northern side of the pass towards Heiligenblut. The descent offers different perspectives of the Hohe Tauern National Park. Stop at the Krimml Waterfalls viewpoint if you have extra time before reaching the village.

  • 16:00

    Exploring Heiligenblut

    Arrive in the historic mountaineering village of Heiligenblut. Visit the St. Vincent's Church (St. Vinzenz), which houses the famous 'Heiligenblut Blutbild' (Blood Image of Christ). Walk through the village square.

  • 17:30

    Dinner in Heiligenblut

    Dinner at a local restaurant in Heiligenblut. Enjoy hearty alpine cuisine to recharge after the day of driving and sightseeing.

Meals: Lunch at Edelweiss Lodge (Summit Area) , Dinner at Restaurant in Heiligenblut

Where to stay: Stay overnight in Heiligenblut or nearby Bruck/Fusch if returning the same way. Heiligenblut offers charming alpine hotels and guesthouses.

Getting around: A private car is essential. The road is open from May/June to October/November depending on snow conditions. Check the official Grossglockner website for current opening status. No public transport runs directly on the pass road itself.

Practical Information

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is typically open from late May or early June through late October, depending on snow conditions. Winter closure is mandatory due to heavy snowfall and avalanche risks. The best months for clear weather and full accessibility are July and August, though these are peak tourist seasons. September and October offer fewer crowds and stunning autumn foliage, but weather can be unpredictable with sudden storms. Visitors should check the official website daily for opening status, as closures can occur due to landslides or ice. Accessing the road requires a vehicle, as public transport does not traverse the pass itself. The most common entry points are Fusch in Salzburg (north) and Heiligenblut in Carinthia (south). Most travelers drive from Salzburg, which is approximately 1.5 hours away, or from Klagenfurt, about 1.5 hours from the southern entrance. The road is a toll route; fees are charged per vehicle and are not included in standard rental car packages. Payment is accepted via credit card or cash at toll booths. There are no shuttle services on the pass, so self-driving is the only option for reaching high-altitude viewpoints like Edelweiss Peak and Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe. For accommodation, stay in gateway towns rather than on the road itself, as there are no hotels directly on the pass. Fusch and Bruck an der Großglocknerstraße are ideal for northern access, offering easy proximity to the Fusch entrance. Heiligenblut is the best base for southern access, providing a historic alpine atmosphere. For those planning the full "King’s Tour" circular itinerary, consider splitting your stay between Salzburg and Lienz or Klagenfurt to minimize driving time. Budgeting should account for the toll fee, which is relatively high compared to standard highways, as well as fuel costs for the winding ascent. Meals at mountain restaurants are expensive due to logistics; packing snacks and water is highly recommended. Essential items to pack include layers for rapidly changing alpine weather, even in summer. Sunscreen and sunglasses are critical due to intense UV reflection off snow and rock. Sturdy walking shoes are necessary for short hikes at viewpoints. Finally, ensure your vehicle is in good condition, as the 36 hairpin bends and steep gradients require reliable brakes and engine performance. Carry a physical map or offline GPS, as mobile signal can be intermittent at high elevations.

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