Grossglockner - Highest mountain in Austria

The Grossglockner

One of the most famous mountains in the alps is in Austria: the Grossglockner. This alp has an altitude of almost 3,800 metres. The mountain belongs to the Hohe Tauern National Park. Austria's highest mountain is surrounded by more than 300 peaks of 3,000 metres and more. The so-called 'black mountain' towers over a 9-kilometre-long glacier, the Pasterze. This is the longest glacier in the Eastern Alps. Unfortunately, the glacier shrinks every year and it remains to be seen how long it will last.

Mountain pass driving - Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse

You can almost drive over the mountain peak via the Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse. From Heiligenblut and Zell am See via Bruck, you can ride an impressive pass by car or motorbike, or if you are very adventurous and sporty, by bike. The route contains a total of 36 curves, is almost 50 kilometres long and rises from its lowest point at 805 metres to 2,504 metres altitude. The best view is at the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe. From here you can see the Grossglockner and the Pasterze glacier at their best. You can also take several hikes from here. For instance, you can walk to the glacier itself, but do bring your mountain boots and take about 4 hours.

Alpine animal spotting

At one of the many viewpoints on the alpine road, you can spot various animals and birds such as murmurs (large mountain marmots), ibexes and vultures.