Großglockner High Alpine Road

When you’re driving along the Großglockner High Alpine Road, the first thing you wonder is why you didn’t charge your camera’s battery in time. Then you wonder whether this road might just be even more beautiful than ‘the most beautiful’, and finally, you wonder why your passengers have actually gone completely quiet.
You look around – yes, this view really does leave you speechless. The Großglockner High Alpine Road was opened in 1935 and has been regarded as the absolute highlight of our region ever since. The 48-kilometre-long road not only offers pure driving pleasure, it’s also lined with culinary and cultural delights. Stop – get out – carry on your journey.

If you want to enjoy the view of Austria’s highest mountain, the Großglockner, and the breathtaking panorama of 3,000-metre peaks in all their glory, a trip along the Großglockner High Alpine Road is just the thing for you. There, you can take in the unrivalled panorama and simply enjoy the moment. The main destination for all visitors is the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe. From there, you’ll have an unobstructed view of the Großglockner, which, at 3,798 metres, towers over the largest glacier in the Eastern Alps – the nine-kilometre-long Pasterze. The snow-capped Johannisberg completes the mountain panorama. The hiking trail to the Gamsgrube, right into the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park, offers unique views and the chance to spot rare Alpine wildlife such as the majestic ibex. On the hill named after the Habsburg Emperor Franz Joseph, the visitor centre offers exhibitions and numerous attractions.

Whether you’re young or old, a hiker or a motorbike enthusiast – the Großglockner is the mountain for everyone and everything. Along the High Alpine Road, you can set off on either short strolls or long hikes. The various museums, exhibitions, information points and nature trails are ideal for anyone who is curious and loves to explore. Families with children can learn a great deal about the construction of the road and the surrounding natural environment at the four themed playgrounds. For motorised mountain enthusiasts, the Großglockner High Alpine Road is an absolute highlight: as well as the unrivalled driving pleasure, it also attracts visitors with various international events. Motorcyclists will appreciate the excellent road surface, and road safety training courses ensure even more fun on the road.