Key facts at a glance
The Großglockner Hochalpenstraße is one of the most spectacular panoramic roads in the Alps. The toll road is usually open from May to October and leads to viewpoints such as the Edelweißspitze and the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe, with views of the Großglockner and the Pasterze glacier.
The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is one of the most spectacular panoramic roads in the Alps – and it can be reached from Zell am See-Kaprun in around 25 minutes. Over 48 kilometres and through 36 hairpin bends, it winds its way up into the world of the three-thousanders, past glaciers, alpine pastures and viewpoints that take your breath away. A drive up here is not merely a transfer, but a destination in its own right.
The panoramic road in numbers
From Fusch on the Glockner Road to Heiligenblut in Carinthia, the toll road climbs countless metres in altitude over 48 kilometres. 36 hairpin bends lead up to around 2,500 metres – every curve reveals a new view. If you like, you can drive up by car, by motorbike, or take on the challenge by road bike.
The most beautiful viewpoints
At around 2,571 metres, the Edelweißspitze is the highest point on the road accessible by vehicle and rewards you with a 360-degree panorama of more than 30 three-thousand-metre peaks. At the end of the spur road, the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe awaits with arguably the most famous mountain panorama in Austria.
Grossglockner & Pasterze
From the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe you look directly onto the Großglockner, at 3,798 metres the highest mountain in Austria, and onto the Pasterze, the country’s largest glacier. The interplay of ice, rock and depth makes this one of the most impressive natural spectacles in the Alps.
Wildlife & nature
The road crosses four vegetation zones – from blooming alpine meadows to the barren high mountains. With a little luck you will spot marmots, ibex and chamois, while high in the sky golden eagles and bearded vultures circle. The Hohe Tauern National Park is ever-present here.
Experience stations & trails
Along the route, exhibitions, information points and themed trails invite you to linger. The Gamsgrubenweg with its tunnels leads close to the glacier world, and keen cyclists test themselves at the legendary “Glocknerkönig” mountain race.
Tips for your drive
- Open depending on snow conditions from May to early November – closed in winter.
- The road is subject to a toll; the ticket is valid for the whole day.
- Start early: visibility is usually clearest in the morning.
- Bring warm clothing – it is considerably cooler at the top than in the valley.
- Around 25 minutes from Zell am See-Kaprun to the start of the road.
You will find more excursion ideas for your stay in our summer travel guide for Zell am See.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Großglockner Hochalpenstraße open?
Weather permitting, the road is usually open from early May to late October and closed in winter.
Is there a toll for the Großglockner Hochalpenstraße?
Yes, a toll applies for the road. The ticket is valid on the day of travel and includes the viewpoints and exhibitions along the route.
How far is the road from Zell am See?
The northern starting point near Bruck/Fusch is reachable from Zell am See in around 20–30 minutes by car.
What are the highlights along the route?
The Edelweißspitze as the highest drivable point and the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe with views of the Großglockner (3,798 m) and the Pasterze glacier.