The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is a mountain road in Austria, and it makes a visit in its own right. Its listed location is Heiligenblut in Tyrol, and it runs through the Alps between Salzburg and Carinthia, the two regions it connects.
The drive itself
The road is known for its winding route. It climbs through 36 hairpin bends and reaches elevations of up to 2,504 metres, so the drive is as much a part of the experience as any single stop. Along the way the landscape opens onto views of glaciers and peaks, which is why the road is often described as one of Austria's most striking alpine routes.
What to expect
- Sharp, frequent bends, so allow more time than the distance alone suggests.
- Wide views of glaciers and high mountain scenery at the higher elevations.
- A route that is best suited to a slow, unhurried drive, with room to pull over safely for photographs.
Because the road climbs high into the mountains, weather can change quickly. Visitors should check conditions before setting out and dress for cooler temperatures at altitude than in the valleys below.
Planning your visit
The road works well as a full day out, linking the valley towns at either end of the route. Heiligenblut, where the listed location lies, is a useful base for exploring the surrounding alpine area. If you are travelling between Salzburg and Carinthia, the road offers a scenic alternative to a faster journey through the valleys, and it rewards those who prefer the mountains to the motorway.