Grossglockner High Alpine Road
Kärnten
The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is a spectacular mountain pass road that connects the Austrian states of Salzburg and Carinthia. Spanning approximately 48 kilometers, it is the highest paved alpine road in Austria, crossing the main Alpine ridge through the Fuscher Törl and Hochtor passes. The road offers stunning panoramic views of the Grossglockner, Austria's highest mountain, and the Pasterze Glacier. It features notable landmarks such as the Edelweißspitze viewpoint and the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe, from where visitors can admire the glacier and surrounding peaks. Constructed in the early 20th century and opened in 1935, this route was designed to promote tourism and mountaineering in the region. The road is primarily a toll route for motor vehicles and is renowned as an experience road for tourists. Along the way, travelers encounter serpentine curves, tunnels, and alpine landscapes, making it a unique driving and sightseeing experience. The road also follows, in part, the route of a planned but never completed mountain railway, adding historical significance. The southern terminus is in Heiligenblut, a village known for its Gothic pilgrimage church and alpine culture. The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is a vital attraction for visitors seeking to experience Austria's high mountain environment and alpine heritage.
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Tip: The best time to visit the Grossglockner High Alpine Road is during the summer months when the road is fully open and weather conditions are favorable. It is recommended to purchase toll tickets in advance during peak season to avoid delays. Visitors should prepare for rapidly changing alpine weather and bring appropriate clothing. Early morning or late afternoon drives offer less traffic and stunning lighting for photography. Several viewpoints along the route, such as the Edelweißspitze and Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe, provide excellent stops for rest and sightseeing. Available discounts for groups, families, and regional passes may apply. Reservations for accommodations in nearby Heiligenblut and surrounding areas are advised during high season.
Interesting facts
- •The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is Austria's highest paved mountain pass road.
- •The route includes the Hochtor tunnel at an altitude of 2,504 meters, one of the highest road tunnels in Europe.
- •The road was opened in 1935 and follows part of a never-completed mountain railway route.
- •Along the pass, archaeological excavations revealed a large Roman-era sanctuary with numerous bronze statuettes and coins.
- •The Edelweißspitze viewpoint, accessible via a panoramic side road, stands at 2,571 meters and offers one of the highest road viewpoints in Austria.
History
The route of the Grossglockner High Alpine Road follows ancient paths used since the Hallstatt period, including a Roman road and mule track over the Hochtor Pass.
Archaeological finds such as bronze statuettes and coins attest to its long-standing importance as an alpine crossing.
In the 17th century, this pass was the third most important alpine crossing in Austria after the Brenner and Radstadt passes.
The modern road was constructed in the early 1930s and officially opened in 1935, designed to boost tourism and economic development in the region.
Its construction involved overcoming significant alpine engineering challenges and follows parts of a planned but never realized mountain railway.
Since its opening, the road has become a symbol of alpine travel and a gateway to Austria’s highest mountain, the Grossglockner.
Place Guide
Edelweißspitze Viewpoint
A panoramic viewpoint at 2,571 meters elevation accessible via a 1.6 km side road from the main route, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding alpine peaks and valleys.
Hochtor Pass and Tunnel1935
The highest point of the road at 2,576 meters with a tunnel at 2,504 meters altitude crossing the Alpine divide between Salzburg and Carinthia. It is a key engineering feature of the road.
Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe
A notable viewpoint and visitor area at 2,369 meters offering views of the Pasterze Glacier and the Grossglockner peak, featuring a visitor center and hiking trails.
Heiligenblut Village
The southern terminus of the road, a historic alpine village known for its Gothic pilgrimage church dedicated to Saint Vincent, housing a relic of the Holy Blood and a gateway to alpine tourism.
