Grossglockner High Alpine Road

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road climbs from Bruck near Zell am See over the main ridge of the Alps to Heiligenblut, in the shadow of the Grossglockner, Austria's highest mountain. With 36 numbered hairpins, perfect asphalt and huge glacier views, it is one of the best-kept riding roads in Europe.

Because it is a private toll road built for touring, it has wide viewpoints, good surfaces and plenty of places to stop — and on a summer weekend you will share it with thousands of other riders.

Highlights

• The Edelweissspitze, a cobbled side road to the highest viewpoint
• The tunnel at the Hochtor, the high point of the pass road
• Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe overlooking the Pasterze glacier
• Heiligenblut and its church framed by the Grossglockner
• Fuschertörl viewpoint on the northern climb

Best time to ride

Typically open from early May to late October/early November, depending on snow. Mornings on weekdays are the quietest.

The road

Excellent asphalt and clearly numbered hairpins; cold, wet and foggy weather is possible at the top in any month.

Riding tips

• It is a toll road with a dedicated motorcycle ticket.
• The Edelweissspitze spur is steep and cobbled — take it slowly.
• Combine with the Felbertauern or the Nockalm Road for a full Alpine day.