Why this road
There is no road quite like it in Austria: built in the 1930s purely for the view, it climbs in long, well-made hairpins with a lookout around almost every corner. On the way down to Heiligenblut you can take the short spur to the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe and stand face to face with the Pasterze glacier and the Grossglockner.
The route
- ABruck an der Großglocknerstraße
Start in the Salzach valley. The road heads south into the Fusch valley.
- 1Fusch an der Großglocknerstraße
Last village before the toll station. From here the climb begins in earnest.
- 2Fuscher Törl
The first big viewpoint at about 2,400 m, with a memorial and a view over dozens of hairpins below you.
- 3Hochtor
The highest point of the through road, at the tunnel between Salzburg and Carinthia.
- 4Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe
A spur road to the glacier viewpoint. Plan at least 45 minutes: Pasterze glacier, Grossglockner and often marmots.
- BHeiligenblut am Großglockner
The church with its slender spire in front of the Grossglockner is one of the most photographed views in the Alps.
Stops worth it
Park, walk a few steps up and look back down at the hairpins you just drove.
The highlight: glacier, summit and visitor centre. In the morning the light is clearer and the car parks emptier.
Light and the best time
Drive it in the morning: the air is clearer before the afternoon clouds build up over the peaks, and the Grossglockner usually shows its summit. Heading south, the sun is in front of you from late morning, so sunglasses help on the descent.
The road is open from about early May to early November, depending on snow. June to September is the most reliable time; in May there are still metre-high snow walls at the top, which is spectacular in its own way. Thunderstorms are common on summer afternoons.
By vehicle
A dream on two wheels: well-kept tarmac, wide hairpins, lots of lookouts. Very popular on summer weekends, so start early.
Open-top it is unforgettable, but bring warm layers: at the top it is often 15 degrees cooler than in the valley.
No problem for any car. Use a low gear on the long descent to spare your brakes.
Good to know
The road is a toll road (day ticket per vehicle, current prices on the operator's website). It is closed in winter and can close at short notice in bad weather. Fuel up in the valley, there are no petrol stations at the top. Cyclists share the road, give them room on the climbs.
Route checked against OpenStreetMap on 2 November 2026. Roads, closures and rules change: always check before you go and follow local signs.
Questions
When is the Grossglockner High Alpine Road open?
Usually from early May to early November, depending on snow. Check the current status before you go, it can close at short notice in bad weather.
Does the Grossglockner road cost a toll?
Yes, there is a day ticket per car or motorbike. Current prices are on the official website of the road operator.
How long does it take?
About 1 h 45 driving time from Bruck to Heiligenblut including the spur to the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe. With stops, plan half a day.
Is the road difficult to drive?
No. It is wide and well built, but long and steep. Drive the descent in a low gear and take breaks at the lookouts.