Großglockner High Alpine Road
Großglockner High Alpine Road was our third stop in our road trip in Austria after visiting Olperhutte. This road is famous under mountaineers and a dream to drive over for people that enjoy driving. In this blog, I am sharing some history of the place and our impression of the area.
History
With a height of 3,798 meters, the Großglockner is the highest mountain in Austria. Großglockner provides breathtaking nature and alpine landscapes. In 1924, a group of Austrians thought they wanted to build a road across the Hochtor. The idea soon landed deep in the closet, where it was then pulled out 5 years later to boost employment. 3,200 men worked 1.8 million shifts on the road, which was subsequently opened in 1935.
What is there to see?
Großglockner High Alpine Road leads from Fusch an der Glocknerstrasse to Heiligenblut – and vice versa. You buy your ticket at one of the two pay desks at the beginning of the road. You will not miss any points of interest during your Glockner ascent as the folder you will receive at the pay desks and additional blue information signs show you all sights and the adventure worlds along the road.
Tip: You can buy your ticket online before travelling and receive a 10% discount on souvenirs at all Glockner Shops.
1) Großglockner High Alpine Road
Großglockner High Alpine Road is among Europe’s most sensational panoramic roads. The mountain road leads into the heart of the High Tauern National Park with its 48 km of streets and 36 turns nestling against the mountain.
2) Shops and museums
Much has changed since the opening in 1935. The road became wider and more comfortable to drive and 12 stops in the form of museums, huts and mountain inns, visitor centres and information points were added along the road to inform visitors on the diverse fauna and flora of the mountain.
3) Pasterze Glacier
One of the main attractions along the High Alpine Road is the Pasterze Glacier. While the Pasterze saw its widest recorded spread in 1850, the glacier retreats every year nowadays, in the last 150 years it diminished by half. Climate change Scientists blame rising temperatures due to global warming for the increased melting of these rivers of frozen water that have helped to grind out the Alps’ dramatic landscape since the last ice age. Nevertheless it is a must see!
4) Hike
We did not hike in Großglockner, but there are many starting points for many walks and hikes along the Großglockner High Alpine Road. There are hiking trails for everyone. Activities range from tracking in the forest to arctic travels to visiting the valley of vultures.
When to go?
GroßglocknerHigh Alpine Road can be opened to traffic every year in late April/early May. Guests from all over the world experience the fascinating Alpine world on a road that is accessible to everyone until late October/early November.
Where to stay?
The area of Großglockner has a lot of accommodations close to the beginning of the Alpine Road. We stayed in Landgasthof Schwaiger a bit further from the beginning of the road but absolutely loved it. Landgasthof Schwaiger has that typical Austrian charm, an on-site restaurant that offers Austrian cuisine and you can enjoy a breakfast buffet every day.
