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Grossglockner High Alpine Road
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The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is one of the world's most famous scenic roads, connecting the federal states of Salzburg and Carinthia. It passes over the Hochtor at a pass height of 2,504 meters and features spectacular views of the Grossglockner, Austria's highest peak, and the Pasterze, the country's largest glacier. The road was built between 1930 and 1935 to boost tourism in the region and create jobs during the Great Depression. Along its 48-kilometer length, the route features 36 hairpin bends and overcomes an elevation difference of 1,500 meters. A notable viewpoint is the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe, named after the Emperor's visit in 1856. The road traverses various vegetation zones, from mountain forests to alpine tundra. Today, the road is a protected historic monument and a significant landmark of engineering excellence.
- Location: Salzburg, Austria
- Top sights: Am Birgl · Blick zum Fuscher Törl · Pfalzkogel
- Nearby: Grossglockner High Alpine Road (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -8 | -7 | -3 | 2 | 7 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 8 | 4 | -1 | -6 |
| Rain mm | 59 | 55 | 71 | 82 | 127 | 151 | 167 | 175 | 126 | 106 | 96 | 70 |
📋 Practical info
Address
Ferleiten toll station, 5672 Fusch an der Großglocknerstraße
Hours
Mon-Sun 5:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Entry
€43 car day ticket, €30 motorcycle
Website
Transit
Postbus 650 from Zell am See (seasonal service)
Parking
Free parking at all information points and at Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe.
Accessibility
Most exhibitions and viewing platforms are barrier-free and accessible.
Photos
Private photography allowed, commercial drone flights require a permit.
Best time
Early in the morning before 9:00 AM to avoid the large crowds.
Audio guide
Free info app available in German and English.
Geography
Facts
- Length: 48 kilometers
- 36 hairpin bends
- Pass height Hochtor: 2,504 meters
- Construction period: 1930–1935
- Highest point Edelweißspitze: 2,571 meters
- Visitors: approx. 900,000 per year
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Grossglockner High Alpine Road (10)
Törlkopf
Törlkopf is a mountain in the Glockner Group in Salzburg.
Altes Straßentelefon und Notrufsäule
Old telephone and emergency call pillar from the early days of the Grossglockner Road.
Alter Steintransportwagen
An old cart used for stone transport during the construction of the Grossglockner Road.
Straßenwalze
Historic road roller used in building the Grossglockner High Alpine Road.
Straßenbaumuseum🏛 museum
Open-air museum on the history of road construction along the Grossglockner Road.
Tauern Window (Geology)
Viewpoint offering insight into the geological layers of the Tauern.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
When is the Grossglockner High Alpine Road open?
Usually from early May to early November. The road is closed in winter.
Is there a toll for the road?
Yes, a toll is required for cars, motorcycles, and buses at the Ferleiten or Heiligenblut toll booths.
What is the main destination for most visitors?
The Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe with views of the Grossglockner and the Pasterze glacier.
Are there animals along the road?
Yes, marmots are very commonly seen, and with some luck, ibex in the higher elevations.
How many hairpins (switchbacks) are on the road?
The 48-kilometer road has 36 hairpin bends and reaches an altitude of 2,504 meters.
Grossglockner High Alpine Road: where is it located?
Grossglockner High Alpine Road is located in Salzburg, Austria.
Grossglockner High Alpine Road: what is there to see?
Highlights include Am Birgl, Blick zum Fuscher Törl, Pfalzkogel.
Grossglockner High Alpine Road: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Grossglockner High Alpine Road: why is it worth visiting?
The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is one of the world's most famous scenic roads, connecting the federal states of Salzburg and Carinthia.
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