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Every spring since the road was completed, Wallack’s legendary blue snow-throwers are used by Salzburg’s and Carinthia’s maintenance teams, who set out to release the Grossglockner High-Alpine Road from its thick blanket of snow. Designed by Franz Wallack himself, the machines were made to withstand the harsh conditions of a high-alpine terrain. Each spring, the meeting of the two snow-thrower teams at the ‘Hochtor’ county border causes a media circus and a wave of celebratory joy.
Scenic drives & lookout points amidst Austria’s highest mountains
The beginning of May marks the start of the summer season on the Grossglockner High-Alpine Road. In due course, thousands of cars, camper-vans, motorbikes and cyclists make their way over the legendary mountain pass. The resulting views of the Hohe Tauern mountainscape are phenomenal, and are best enjoyed at some of the many designated lookout points. A stop-off at the Kaiser-Franz-Josef-Höhe is a particular highlight along this route – taking you so close to the Grossglockner you’ll almost feel like you could reach out and touch it. It also serves as a starting point for numerous hiking routes, such as the ‘Gamsgrubenweg’ trail and the Pasterze Glacier Trail.
A day ticket for the Grossglockner High Alpine Road costs € 37.50 per car or € 27.50 per motorcycle in summer 2021. In the Info & Booking Center Heiligenblut am Großglockner you can purchase day tickets at a reduced price: Car day ticket for € 33.50 and motorcycle day ticket for € 24.50. Your day ticket is valid for a calendar day. So you can also leave the street in Ferleiten or Heiligenblut after the toll stations, go on a day trip and then drive back through the toll stations without additional costs. Your trip over the Grossglockner can be anything from sporty to informative. A number of walking trails and hiking tours start off directly along the road, providing many opportunities to immerse yourself in the natural landscape of the Hohe Tauern mountains. The Pasterze Glacier Trail takes you right up close to the glacier’s eternal ice, while the ‘Gamsgrubenweg’ path leads you further towards the heart of the mountains. Long-distance hikers and those in favour of multi-day treks should check out the ‘Glocknerrunde’ circuit, as well as the highly acclaimed Alpe-Adria Trail. The Grossglockner High-Alpine Road is also lined with plenty of family-compatible activities, including numerous exhibitions and museums situated on either side of the road. Their topics range from insights into the historical construction and current operation of the road, to fascinating details about the natural environment of the Hohe Tauern mountains. If the kids need a little runaround, there are several playgrounds along the way (i.e. at the ‘Piffkar’, the ‘Fuscher Lacke’ or the ‘Schöneck’). One thing is certain: a drive over the Grossglockner mountain pass is a fascinating and memorable experience for all ages. Can you add an interesting fact or figure about the Grossglockner High-Alpine Road? If you have any questions, or would like to find out about discounted day-trip tickets for cars and motorbikes, please contact us or send us a no-obligation holiday enquiry. You can also call us on +43 4824 2700-20 – we will be delighted to assist you.
Important information about tickets & prices
If you drive the Grossglockner High Alpine Road again during your vacation or in the same year, you only pay € 13,- per vehicle when you show your first ticket (license plate bound!). Further information about prices and opening hours can be found here.
A road to discovery for the whole family
Facts and figures: the Grossglockner High-Alpine Road
Are you ready to cruise along this legendary high-alpine road? You can certainly look forward to a unique and memorable excursion.
