Austria's highest pass road, 36 hairpins to the foot of the Grossglockner glacier. That is what Grossglockner High Alpine Road promises, and it delivers. At about 30 miles (48 km), it is a drive best taken slowly, over 1 day, with time to pull over whenever the view demands it on the way from Bruck an der Glocknerstraße to Heiligenblut.
Open this route in XCRSNSetting out from Bruck an der Glocknerstraße
Start early, with a full tank and a loose plan. Bruck an der Glocknerstraße is where the road begins, and the first miles set the rhythm for everything that follows.
The first big moment is Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe. Give it the time it deserves; it is why many people make this trip at all.
Along the way
The road strings together Hochtor. It is the natural place to stop, eat well and stretch your legs.
Do not miss Pasterze Glacier.
Arriving in Heiligenblut
Save energy for the final stretch: Edelweissspitze is still ahead.
By the end you will have seen Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe, Pasterze Glacier and Edelweissspitze, and you will understand why Grossglockner High Alpine Road belongs on any list of great drives.
When to go and how to pace it
The best time to drive it is May–October. Plan on 1 day so the drive never feels rushed.
Toll road; closed November–April.
XCRSN prices fuel for every leg in the local currency, finds stops along the way and books overnights near each town.
