Grossglockner High Alpine Road

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road crosses the Hohe Tauern mountains between the provinces of Salzburg and Carinthia, climbing in a series of hairpin bends to high passes with views of the Grossglockner, Austria’s highest peak.

Along the way are viewpoints, short walks and exhibitions, and at Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe you look across to the Pasterze, Austria’s longest glacier. Marmots are often seen near the road in summer.

The road is open only from late spring to autumn, depending on snow, and is best done as a full-day excursion with a private driver from Salzburg or Zell am See. Bring warm layers, as it can be cold at the top even in July. Allow plenty of time, because the scenery changes at almost every bend and the viewpoints are part of the experience.