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Grossglockner High Alpine Road
AustriaSalzburg / CarinthiaMountain Pass

Grossglockner High Alpine Road

36 hairpins to a glacier viewpoint at 2,504 m — Austria's most famous toll road, every cent worth it for the views of the Pasterze glacier.

At a glance

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is a 48 km mountain pass in Salzburg / Carinthia, Austria. It runs from Bruck to Heiligenblut in about 2 hours of driving. Highlights include Edelweißspitze and Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe. Best driven May – October; rated advanced difficulty.

Road length
48 km
Duration
2 hrs
Vehicle
Motorcycle
Difficulty
Advanced
Best season
May – October

Road length is the scenic route itself — your actual door-to-door driving distance depends on where you start and which stops you take.

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When to go

Best time to drive

Recommended window

May – October

What to expect

Expect more visitors in July–August peak season; shoulder months (May–June, September) are usually quieter and often offer better light.

Seasonal closures

High mountain passes on this route can close in winter due to snow. Always check local road status and seasonal closures before setting off.

General guidance only — always confirm local road and weather conditions before departure.

Plan your days

How many days for Grossglockner High Alpine Road?

Driving pace per day
Suggested plan

This route fits comfortably in a single day.

With 4 recommended stops along the way, you can still take it leisurely and enjoy the scenery.

Estimate based on total driving time — actual pace depends on stops, traffic, and breaks.

Map preview

The route at a glance

Itinerary

Stops along the way

  1. ●
    Start
    Bruck
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  2. 01
    Bruck

    Toll booth start.

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  3. 02
    Edelweißspitze

    Highest point side trip.

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  4. 03
    Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe

    Glacier viewpoint.

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  5. 04
    Heiligenblut

    Postcard church finish.

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  6. ◆
    Finish
    Heiligenblut
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Field notes

Travel tips

  • ★Toll road — bring card or cash.
  • ★Open early May to mid-November.
  • ★Marmots beg at the top.
Soundtrack

Music for the road

AI-curated mood for this route — open in your favorite player.

Epic mountain ascent
Mountain Road Anthems
Cinematic post-rock · orchestral
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Common questions

Frequently asked

How long does it take to drive the Grossglockner High Alpine Road?

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road takes about 2 hours of driving non-stop to cover its 48 km. Actual trip length depends on how often you stop at viewpoints and towns along the way.

How long is the Grossglockner High Alpine Road?

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is 48 km long, running from Bruck to Heiligenblut.

When is the best time to drive the Grossglockner High Alpine Road?

Best driven May – October. Expect more visitors in July–August peak season; shoulder months (May–June, September) are usually quieter and often offer better light. High mountain passes on this route can close in winter due to snow. Always check local road status and seasonal closures before setting off.

Is the Grossglockner High Alpine Road hard to drive?

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is rated advanced difficulty. It is classified as a mountain pass.

What are the main stops on the Grossglockner High Alpine Road?

The route runs from Bruck to Heiligenblut, with key stops including Edelweißspitze, Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe.

Where is the Grossglockner High Alpine Road?

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is located in Salzburg / Carinthia, Austria. It runs between Bruck and Heiligenblut.