Grossglockner High Alpine Road
Austria, europe
48 km
2,504 m
moderate
June to September
The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is Austria's most famous alpine highway, climbing to 2,504 meters at its highest point, the Edelweissspitze. Built between 1930 and 1935, this 48-kilometer toll road connects Bruck in Salzburg province to Heiligenblut in Carinthia, passing through the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park. The road features 36 hairpin bends and offers unparalleled views of the Grossglockner, Austria's highest peak at 3,798 meters, and the Pasterze Glacier.
The road is a masterpiece of engineering and one of Europe's most visited tourist attractions, drawing nearly a million visitors annually. A detour to the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Hohe viewpoint provides a dramatic panorama of the glacier and surrounding peaks. Along the route, several exhibition points explain the alpine ecology, geology, and history of the region. The road is well maintained with wide lanes, but the sheer number of switchbacks and the altitude demand respect from drivers.
Where is it?
Grossglockner High Alpine Road is located in Salzburg / Carinthia, Austria (europe). Coordinates: 47.0764, 12.8427
Driving Tips
A toll road open May to October. Arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy clearer views. The Edelweissspitze side road to the summit viewpoint is not to be missed.
Road Surface
Paved asphalt
Road Details
- Country
- Austria
- Continent
- europe
- Region
- Salzburg / Carinthia
- Length
- 48 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,504 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Surface
- Paved asphalt
- Best Season
- June to September
- Coordinates
- 47.0764, 12.8427
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