The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is one of Europe's greatest panoramic mountain drives, sweeping past Austria's highest peak, the 3,798 m Grossglockner. Its roughly 48 km route links Bruck in Salzburg with Heiligenblut in Carinthia via 36 hairpin bends, cresting at the Hochtor Pass (2,504 m) and a spur up to Edelweißspitze (2,571 m), the highest point you can reach by car. Opened in 1935 and running through Hohe Tauern National Park, it is a toll road that in 2026 reopens on 25 April and stays open until early November. Because it closes in winter and is highly weather-dependent, summer is the safest and most rewarding time to drive it.
Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe (2,369 m): the signature viewpoint, facing the Grossglockner summit and the Pasterze, the largest glacier in the Eastern Alps
Edelweißspitze (2,571 m): the highest drivable point, with a 360° panorama of more than 30 peaks above 3,000 m
Wildlife watching: whistling marmots on the alpine meadows and ibex on the rocky ridges
The drive itself: 36 numbered hairpins and the high passes of Fuscher Törl (2,428 m) and Hochtor (2,504 m)
Free extras along the way: the Haus Alpine Naturschau nature centre, themed walking trails, playgrounds and a Swarovski observation point
Good to know
SafetyThis is a high-altitude road (2,000–2,570 m) where fog, gusty wind and cold can hit even in midsummer, with many tight bends. Drive slowly and always pack a warm layer. Motorcyclists may face short closures from morning freezing meltwater.
SafetyIf you are not used to mountain switchbacks in a rental car, use a low gear (engine braking) on the descent to avoid overheating your brakes. The Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe car park gets very busy on peak-season weekends.
SeasonThe road is only open roughly late April to early November and can close early after snow. June–September is the most reliable window; always check current opening and road status on the official site before you go.
RulesA separate toll applies and the Austrian motorway vignette (sticker) does not cover it. Night driving is banned, and if you miss the last-entry time (about 45 minutes before closing) the gate will not let you in.
MannersYou are inside Hohe Tauern National Park, so do not feed marmots, ibex or other wildlife, stay on marked trails, and take all litter with you.
CautionBuy tickets through official channels — the official website or discounted advance tickets from ÖAMTC — which are cheaper. Avoid marked-up unofficial resellers, and note that electric cars and motorcycles pay different rates, so confirm your vehicle type.
Practical info
Public transport is limited, so most visitors come by rental car or coach tour, entering from Bruck (Pinzgau) in the north or Heiligenblut in the south. The 2026 season opens on 25 April with hours that vary by period (roughly 05:30–21:00 in summer); a car day ticket is about €46.50, but always confirm the latest prices and opening times on the official website.
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