Grossglockner High Alpine Road
The most beautiful panoramic road in the Hohe Tauern National Park
On its 80th birthday, the Grossglockner High Alpine Road was listed as a historic monument in July 2015.
A worthy tribute to one of the most breathtaking structures in Austria. The panoramic road through the Hohe Tauern, which uniquely connects the towns of Fusch a.d. Glocknerstraße in the north and Heiligenblut in the south, is one of the main attractions of the Hohe Tauern.
Queen of the mountain passes
This is exactly what the Grossglockner High Alpine Road should be called, because it is the most beautiful and also the most famous panoramic road in Europe. Over 48 km long with 36 partly spectacular hairpin bends, this dream path leads to over 2,500 m above sea level and brings visitors right into the breathtaking world of the Hohe Tauern. Views and scenery is by far not all that the Grossglockner High Alpine Road has to offer.
Interesting facts & info
For a trip along the Grossglockner High Alpine Road you should take your time, because you will have to stop a few times. A photo stop here, a leisurely stop there, interesting facts in museums and exhibitions. Do you know who built the road and when, and what exciting flora and fauna you are cruising through? You see: pull over, turn off the engine and enjoy.
Short digression: how it all began...
The road is inextricably linked with two men: Franz Wallack, builder of the road, and Franz Rehrl, former governor of Salzburg. After the first blasting took place in Ferleiten on August 30, 1930, only 26 months of construction and 870,000 cubic meters of earth and rock separated the roughly 4,000 men working on the road from completion. Only 5 years later, on August 3, 1935, the road was opened.
Eat and sleep on the road
Whether you conquer the Grossglockner High Alpine Road by car, motorcycle, bicycle or camper van, it doesn't matter, and how many exhibitions you see, likewise; you will get hungry in any case. Between Fusch a.d. Glocknerstraße in Salzburg and Heiligenblut in Carinthia, a lot of rustic and historical huts and inns invite you to park, settle down & enjoy. Those who like to spend the night "on the mountain" can also book a nice room in the high mountains.
Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe visitor center with exhibitions and Großglockner cinema
Cool Facts
and some interesting facts
- At the Fuscher Törl at 2,428 m is the best photo spot on the road
- The border between Salzburg and Carinthia runs at the Hochtor at 2,504 m
- The road is one of the TOP-3 excursion destinations in Austria
- On 48 km length there are 36 hairpin bends and curves
- The highest point is at the Edelweißspitze at 2,500 m
- At the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe you look directly to the Grossglockner
- On August 3, 1935 was the ceremonial opening of the road
- The construction time was 26 months, during which up to 4,000 men worked
- Up to 900,000 visitors from all over the world come to the Großglockner every year
More panoramic roads in the Hohe Tauern National Park region
Discover other excursion routes in the Hohe Tauern National Park region, which meander through the picturesque Möll and Drau valleys and lead to numerous impressive excursion points. Immerse yourself in unspoiled nature and enjoy breathtaking views of majestic mountains, glistening lakes and picturesque valleys. These roads invite you to experience the beauty of our region and collect unforgettable moments in the midst of a fascinating landscape.
