Driving the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

One of the highlights of our trip to Austria was driving the Grossglockner High Alpine Road. The Grossglockner High Alpine Road takes its name from Austria's highest mountain - the Großglockner and leads you right into the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park. The road is stunning - nestled up against the hills and with zig-zag roads that take you to an altitude of  2,504 metres, it is one of Austria's top 3 visited destinations.

Driving the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

With a total of 48 kms. and 36 turns leading deep into the centre of Austria's largest national park, a drive on this road is not to be missed if you are visiting Austria. We had set aside the penultimate day of our trip to Austria for this drive - yes, we saved the best for the last - and what a fabulous experience it was. The perfect end to our amazing Austrian holiday.

We drove down from Flachau and reached the park entrance where you pay the admittance fee. The day ticket for cars (when we visited in late October) was EUR 25.00. With a day ticket entrance and exit on the same day is free and you can do as many rides as you want through the scenic route.

Driving the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Driving the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

The beauty of the Grossglockner roads started right after the ticket booth. The road began to wind up the mountain with stunning scenery at every bend. We knew it was a scenic road but even then we were astounded by the spectacular scenery. It has to be seen to be believed. Like I mentioned earlier, there are 36 hairpin bends along the route to the top and a number of stopping areas along the way. The information booklet that was given along with the entrance ticket proved to be very handy and helped us make the most of our day.

Along the way you will come across a number of exhibitions - 'Salzburg's Tallest' at Piffkar, an exhibition on Alpine ecology at the Alpine Nature Museum or the 'Pass Sanctuary' exhibition at the High Gate. There are themed playgrounds for children at certain stops and a number of restaurants as well.

Driving the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Driving the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Driving the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Driving the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Driving the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Driving the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

The road is so scenic that you may find yourself stopping at every single point to take in the incredible views. Some of our favourite points were the 'Edwelweiss-Spitze' (highest vantage point that offers a stunning panoramic view of more than 30 mountains) and the Fuscher Torl (has an observation platform and a memorial). All stopover points had information (historical or environmental) on the immediate local area.

One of the main stops on the route is the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Hohe stop. It has a visitor centre, a large car park, an observation tower, restaurants and a number of exhibitions. This stop offers beautiful views of the snow-covered Grossglockner, the 9 km glacial lobe Pasterze and the Johannisberg. The mountain was breathtaking and photographs really do it no justice. If you are visiting Austria, you must go the Grossglockner.

Driving the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Driving the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Driving the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Driving the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Driving the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Driving the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Driving the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Driving the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Driving the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Driving the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Driving the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Driving the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Driving the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Driving the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Driving the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Driving the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Driving the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Driving the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Driving the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Driving the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Driving the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Driving the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Driving the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Driving the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Driving the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Driving the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Driving the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Driving the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Driving the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Driving the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Driving the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Driving the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Driving the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Driving the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

Driving the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria


The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is one of the best places to visit in Austria. If you are a nature lover, love hiking or driving then the Grossglockner is for you.

Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse
Rainerstraße 2
5020 Salzburg
Telephone: +43 (0)662 / 873673-0

Opening Hours
Early May to May 31 - 6:00 to 20:00
June 1 to August 31 - 5:00 to 21:30
1st September until 26th October - 6 am to 7.30 pm
Last entrance 45 minutes before the night lock.

Day ticket
For private cars: EUR 35.50
For motorcycles: EUR 25.50
Day ticket for electric vehicles
For private cars: EUR 25.50
For motorcycles: EUR 19.00

For more information, visit www.grossglockner.at

Driving the scenic Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria

84 comments:

  1. Your photos are stunning Deeptha, yet you say "...photographs really do it no justice...". I am certainly inspired to go to Grossglockner.

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    1. Thank you, Jonathan. If you love nature, driving or hiking, you are sure to enjoy and appreciate the Grossglockner route.

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  2. OMG! This is beyond beautiful! I´ve never even heard of Grossglockner High Alpine Road... Goes to my travel bucket list!

    Happy Holidays!
    Anna/ http://atlifestylecrossroads.com

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    1. It is a breathtaking route, Anna. A must-do while visiting Austria.

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  3. I don't think it can get more "scenic" than Grossglockner Alpine Highway. Looks absolutely spectacular, but why would I be surprised? Together with Switzerland and Germany, Austria has some of the most jaw-dropping alpine roads in Europe. I'll have to go see Grossglockner myself someday. #TheWeeklyPostcard

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    1. Thanks for the comment, Anda. Yes, as you rightly mention, these three countries have some really spectacular roads. We are hoping to do the Great St. Bernard Pass sometime soon.

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  4. Oh that just looks amazing! Had never really considered Austria as a place to visit but that might need some reconsideration. The photos are brilliant x

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    1. Thank you, Natasha. I hope you get to visit Austria soon.

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  5. I went on a coach trip to the Grossglockner when I was on holiday in St Wolfgang 20 years ago! Walking on the glacier was the most amazing experience. I remember the blue of the ice in the fissures, beautiful!

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    1. Wow! I am sure that must have been an awesome experience. Grossglockner is definitely a muse see for anyone visiting Austria.

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  6. What a beautiful route - the photos are breathtaking! I would love to visit Austria one day - I would love to explore where The Sound of Music was set!

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    1. Thank you, Tracy. The Sound of Music remains the key reason for many travellers to Austria.

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  7. Wow amazing pictures, looks so peaceful there. Would be a little worried about travelling along the roads tho haha

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    1. The roads are well-maintained and safe. I am sure you will enjoy the drive.

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  8. This looks amazing...I have never been to Austria and what fantastic photos too!

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  9. Beautiful photography and great article. Austria is always somewhere i have wanted to visit and his makes me want to go even more!

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  10. Stunning photographs! What a spectacular trip!

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  11. Somewhere i would really love to experience, many thanks for the pics x

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  12. What a fantastic place, love the photos they look very breathtaking.

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  13. Wow I have to say this looks such an idilic place to visit and so picturesque with the snow on the mountains. ⛰

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  14. spectacular photos, place looks so clean and fresh

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  15. looks amazing and great views even though I'm not great with heights i would love to go there.

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  16. OMG..these are breathtakingly beautiful views! Austrian landscape is spectacular, will have to plan a holiday there, that's for sure!

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  17. Lovely post and the views are amazing they look so stunning

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  18. Oh wow this is a dream place
    Definately one for my bucket list

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  19. Looks amazing, it’s somewhere that has never interested me before. But the pictures have inspired me to go. Thanks (Ruth Wollerton)

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  20. It looks like a fantastic place. We're planning a week in Vienna in August and I would love to go and visit some of the countryside as well.

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  21. This looks lovely, it must be quite an experience to drive it

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  22. I love Austria and many many years ago visited the Glossgrockner. It was fabulous.

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  23. Looks absolutely stunning. Austria is definitely on my bucket list.

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  24. Looks very beautiful. : ) I have never been there, these photo's make you feel like visting!

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  25. Such a stunning photo log of your journey! The road looks really good fun to drive and those mountains are totally dreamy.

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  26. Such beautiful photos!I love the snowy mountains in the background - Looks fabulous!

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    1. The whole route is very scenic. It is one of the best places to visit in Austria, I feel.

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  27. I came across a 1930's guide book for this route last year and it absolutely inspired me to add the journey to my bucket list - it's brilliant fun.

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  28. Such a great scenery for driving, Deeptha! Those mountains seem breathtaking!

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    1. Absolutely, Agness. Fantastic scenery and a must do for both mountaineering enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

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  29. that sure is some beautiful scenery. would love to drive on that road

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  30. Austria looks such a spectacular country to explore.Amazing photos.

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  31. Wow. This looks absolutely beautiful. Definitely somewhere I would like to visit!

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  32. This looks simply incredible, the photos look amazing and I bet its better in real life?! Another place I now need to add to my bucket list....this list is ever expanding! I need to win the lottery!

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    1. Yes, you are right. It looks even nicer in real life.

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  33. Amazing photos, feels like im there!

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  34. Looks amazing, I have never visited Austria and would love to do so. Thanks for the inspiration.

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  35. This is one of those thing you didn't know existed but once you do, you have to add it to your bucket list! Your photos are really lovely.

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    1. Thank you, Emma. I hope you get to visit it soon.

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  36. Wow look at those views! I bet they are breathtaking! I'd love to wake up to those views every morning.

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  37. These photos looklabsolutely beautiful stunning

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  38. It looks really beautiful here and I would love to visit Austria!

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  39. Amazing view. I could see myself driving and enjoying the view and fresh air. Awesome photos.

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    1. Thank you, Leila. You will enjoy driving the route. It is stunning.

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  40. What amazing pictures! I would love to go, I can imagine you feel so calm and peaceful.

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  41. Wow, this is absolutely stunning!

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  42. I have never been to Austria, but what stunning scenery

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  43. the scenery looks amazing.I imagine it would be equally beautiful all year round---winter,spring or summer

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    1. It is stunning, Adrian. And every season has its beauty. However, the route is close November to May every year.

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  44. It looks great but I think I would be moaning about how high it was as I don't like heights.

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  45. Wow these pictures are stunning! I would love to visit! Such lovely views 😍😍

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  46. Wow stunning pictures, I would love to visit! Such lovely views ����

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  47. I'd love to have a drive on this road.

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  48. Such beautiful Scenery its definitely an add to the bucket list!. Would be wonderful to visit.

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  49. What stunning scenery I would love to visit!!

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  50. Great post about one of the best drives ever! I was thinking of writing one myself one day, but now I've seen yours I think I'll just link here when the Grossglockner comes up in a post.

    You said: 'The road is so scenic that you may find yourself stopping at every single point to take in the incredible views', which is so true! I did the same when I was there.

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  51. Thanks, Menno. Did you drive or hike?

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    1. I drove it. But hiking in the area must also be great! Something to look into next time I'm there.

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  52. These pictures are absolutely stunning. What beautiful scenery . Definatly one for the bucket list

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  53. Great write up and photographs. I've always wanted to visit Austria. My aunt and uncle went many years ago when I was a little girl and they bought me back an Austrian house musical box. I was hooked. Why I haven't been yet, I don't know and I need to do something about it.

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    1. Thank you, Debbie. I hope a visit to Austria materialises soon for you.

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  54. I would love to drive there!! Looks so beautiful! Thank you for sharing the photos!

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  55. These photos are absolutely amazing. It looks beautiful

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  56. Wow looks absolutely stunning. I would love to visit!

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  57. Thank you all for you love, comments and shares. Much appreciated.

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  58. It looks beautiful there I’d love to visit one day

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  59. I love driving and beautiful views...this looks like my perfect place :-)

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  60. I love to visit Austria one day soon

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  61. Absolutely stunning pictures !! I love there are playgrounds for kids that’s great ! The 36 turns sounds like a rollercoaster lol

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  62. Astounded by the breathtakingly beautiful scenery x x

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