Grossglockner High Alpine Road
Austria
In short: Grossglockner High Alpine Road is a 96 km mountain road trip in Austria, typically driven over 1 day, best in May – October. Highlights: Bruck an der Großglocknerstraße, Fuschertörl, Edelweiss-Spitze.
There's a reason the Grossglockner Road is often cited as the finest drive in the Alps, a 48 km rollercoaster of sheer glacier-encrusted mountains, waterfalls, forested slopes, jewel-coloured lakes, and 4,000 m peaks on almost every distractingly lovely bend. The crown is Grossglockner itself at 3,798 m, Austria's highest peak, and the rapidly retreating Pasterze Glacier below the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe lookout.
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Frequently asked questions
How long is the Grossglockner High Alpine Road drive?
The Grossglockner High Alpine Road covers 96 km from start to finish.
How long does the Grossglockner High Alpine Road take to drive?
Most travellers spend 1 day on the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, depending on stops and pace.
When is the best time to drive the Grossglockner High Alpine Road?
The recommended season for the Grossglockner High Alpine Road is May – October.
Where does the Grossglockner High Alpine Road start and end?
The Grossglockner High Alpine Road runs from Bruck an der Großglocknerstraße to Heiligenblut.
What are the main stops on the Grossglockner High Alpine Road?
The Grossglockner High Alpine Road passes through Bruck an der Großglocknerstraße, Fuschertörl, Edelweiss-Spitze.
Can I drive the Grossglockner High Alpine Road in a regular car?
Yes — the Grossglockner High Alpine Road is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.
Do I need a permit or border paperwork for the Grossglockner High Alpine Road?
Yes — the Grossglockner High Alpine Road requires permits, fees, or border paperwork. Plan ahead: A toll fee is required to drive the Grossglockner High Alpine Road; purchase it at the entrance gates. The road is closed roughly November through May due to snow. Steep gradients and tight switchbacks demand attentive driving, especially in wet or foggy conditions.
Is the Grossglockner High Alpine Road EV friendly?
Yes — the Grossglockner High Alpine Road has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.
Is the Grossglockner High Alpine Road safe to drive?
A toll fee is required to drive the Grossglockner High Alpine Road; purchase it at the entrance gates. The road is closed roughly November through May due to snow. Steep gradients and tight switchbacks demand attentive driving, especially in wet or foggy conditions.
What scenic tier is the Grossglockner High Alpine Road?
The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is a legendary drive — The world's most extraordinary drives — once-in-a-lifetime road trips with cinematic scenery, legendary roads, and unmatched cultural depth.