The Grossglockner High Alpine Road
the Grossglockner World of Adventure
The Grossglockner High Alpine Road, the most famous alpine road, leads directly to the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park, to the highest mountain in Austria, the Grossglockner (3,798 m) and to the Pasterze Glacier. On 48 kilometers of panoramic road with 36 hairpin bends, ascending to 2,504 meters, motorists cross a unique alpine landscape brimming with flowering grasslands, fragrant forests, mighty rock and eternal ice to the foot of the Grossglockner.
In addition to the mountain landscape, the tradition, culture and history of the road are equally amazing: historic finds prove that people have crossed the Alps at this point for three thousand five hundred years. In 1856 Emperor Franz Josef wandered to a point subsequently known as "Kaiser Franz Josefs Höhe."
Having arrived at this point, you will be standing directly in front of the Grossglockner with a view of the longest glacier in the eastern Alps, the Pasterze. Marmots cavort in close proximity and with a little luck you will be able to observe the powerful ibex.
Numerous informative signboards give insight into the fascinating landscape and the fauna and flora along the Grossglockner High Alpine Road:
* Alpine Nature Show Museum (2,260 m) – to learn about the highly sensitive and many-faceted Hohen Tauern region.
* Fuscher Törl gate ((2,428 m) – a memorial designed by the internationally renowned architect, Clemens Holzmeister. Also one of the best photo vantage points.
* Hochtor (High Gate) (2,503 m) – highest point on the main road with the border between the states of Salzburg and Carinthia.
* "Celts, Muleskinners and Romans" nature trail.
* Kaiser Franz Josefs Höhe Visitor Center (2,369 m) – 4 floors with everything there is to know about glaciers and ice featuring the Glockner cinema, Glockner panorama room, "Power Room" and changing special exhibitions
* Gamsgruben trail - easy access panoramic trail from Kaiser Franz Josefs Höhe above the Pasterze Glacier to the Wasserfallwinkel Glacier. Wander through tunnels with installations on the theme of water, gold, crystal and the Pasterze legend.
Four themed playgrounds are available to young visitors along the Grossglockner High Alpine Road.
All things considered, the mountain air, the stunning view of the Grossglockner and numerous waterfalls lets visitors escape from their everyday routine and reenergize once again!
Open:
Beginning of May – June 15, 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
June 16 – September 15: 5:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
September 16 – beginning of November: 6:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Last entry: 45 minutes before closing at night
The Grossglockner
At 3,798m the Grossglockner is not only the highest mountain in Austria, it also counts among the highest peaks in the Alps.
The pyramid-shaped Grossglockner lies behind the slightly smaller Kleinglockner (3,770 m), separated by a saddle-like formation known as the Glocknerscharte. The first ascent was in 1800 but victory and defeat accompanied other expeditions. The Pallavicini Trough is named after Margrave Alfred Pallavicini, who met his death on the Glockner in 1886.
The Grossglockner and Pasterze Glacier have been owned by the Austrian Alpine Association since 1918.
In 1951, Oskar Kühlken, author of the "Glockner Book“ described the myth behind the mountain as follows:
"The Grossglockner is more than just the highest mountain in Austria. It is enveloped in the aura of an extraordinary personality, cast on all who fall under its spell.“
With the building of the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, the majestic peak acquired a new dimension. As a popular excursion destination it is the epitome of an impressive natural experience for many people: size and power can be felt here, one is subject to the fascination of the eternal ice and the elemental force of nature.