Grossglockner Road Panoramic Road

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Austrian Alps with the Grossglockner Road Panoramic Road. This road trip starts in the city of Zell am See and ends in the city of Lienz, covering a distance of approximately 108 kilometers. Along the way, you will traverse the majestic Hochtor Grossglockner, Kaiser Franz-Josef-Höhe, and many more spectacular attractions. The best time of the year to drive this route is during the summer months, when you can take in the stunning mountain views and lush green valleys. The road conditions are excellent, so you can enjoy a safe ride with peace of mind. This road trip provides a very high level of experience and memories, and is suitable for every driver, no matter the skill level. You can also manage the trip with a moderate budget. So, get ready to take in the beauty of the Austrian Alps and enjoy an unforgettable journey.

Zell am See, located in the Austrian state of Salzburg, is an ideal starting point for the 'Grossglockner Road Panoramic Road' road trip. The town is nestled snugly in the Salzach valley, surrounded by the majestic Hohe Tauern mountain range. Zell am See is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with its picture-perfect lake, ski slopes and numerous walking trails. The lake is the perfect place for a refreshing dip, or you can take a boat trip to the nearby Schmittenhöhe mountain. For those travelling by air, the closest international airport is Salzburg Airport (SZG), from where car rental is available. From Salzburg Airport, Zell am See is a mere 70 km away and can be reached in under an hour. Once in Zell am See, you can take the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria's highest mountain pass road, or visit the Schmittenhöhe gondola station. From here, you can look out over the lake and the surrounding mountains. Other popular attractions in Zell am See include the Zell am See-Kaprun ski area, the Zeller See promenade, the Zeller See Adventure Park and the Zell am See-Kaprun Golf Course. The town also has many churches, including the 13th century St. Hippolyte's Church and the 16th century St. Hippolyte's Chapel. No matter how you choose to spend your time in Zell am See, you can be sure of an unforgettable experience. With its picturesque surroundings, activities and attractions, it is the perfect starting point for a road trip on the 'Grossglockner Road Panoramic Road'.

Are you ready to explore the breathtaking scenery of Austria? Start your journey in Zell am See and drive through the stunning landscape of Salzburg to reach Hochtor Grossglockner. This 39 km long journey will take you less than an hour to complete. This road trip offers an unforgettable experience with its picturesque views, lush green meadows and sparkling lakes. Enjoy the majestic views of the Hohe Tauern National Park, the highest mountain range in Austria. Stop at the picturesque villages of Piesendorf, Mittersill and Königsleiten to get a glimpse of the local culture and history. As you drive along the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, you will be mesmerized by the snow-capped peaks of the highest mountain in Austria, the Grossglockner. At the end of your journey, you will reach Hochtor Grossglockner, the highest mountain pass in Austria. Do not miss out on the attractions along the way, such as the Krimml Waterfalls, the Schmittenhöhe ski resort, the Kaprun reservoir and the Nationalparkzentrum Hohe Tauern. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants and campsites along the route, please check the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

Welcome to the amazing road trip stage from Hochtor Grossglockner to Kaiser Franz-Josef-Höhe! This is one of the most beautiful and exciting stages of a larger tour, with a total distance of 15km and a driving time of less than 1 hour. In Hochtor Grossglockner, you can visit the highest mountain in Austria, the Grossglockner, and its Pasterze Glacier. You can also enjoy the breathtaking views of the Hohe Tauern National Park and the surrounding mountains. Continuing on, you will reach Kaiser Franz-Josef-Höhe, where you can admire the magnificent views of the Grossglockner and the Pasterze Glacier. You can also visit the Kaiser-Franz-Josef-Höhe Visitor Center, which offers interesting information about the area and its history. We invite you to explore this amazing road trip stage and its attractions. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

Welcome to the road trip stage from Kaiser Franz-Josef-Höhe to Lienz! This route offers a great opportunity to explore the stunning Austrian landscape while visiting some of the most interesting places in the area. With a distance of 54 km and a driving time of less than an hour, you can take your time to admire the views and explore the area. The first stop is Kaiser Franz-Josef-Höhe, situated at the foot of the Grossglockner, the highest mountain in Austria. Here you can enjoy some of the most breathtaking mountain views in the country and visit the Franz-Josef-Höhe monument, dedicated to the emperor who opened the Grossglockner High Alpine Road. The next stop is Kals, a charming mountain village where you can find a number of attractions, such as the Kalser Burg and the Kalser Bach Waterfall. Here you can also take a cable car up to the summit of the Großglockner and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding area. The final stop is Lienz, a small city situated in the heart of the Austrian Alps. Here you can explore the old town and visit the Lienz Castle. In Lienz you can also find a variety of restaurants and cafes, as well as a number of outdoor activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, and skiing. So what are you waiting for? Get ready for an unforgettable road trip from Kaiser Franz-Josef-Höhe to Lienz and explore the best of the Austrian Alps! For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage.

Lienz is a picturesque town located in the East Tyrol region of Austria. It is situated at the end of the Grossglockner Road Panoramic Road, an incredible journey that takes travelers through some of the most spectacular alpine views in the country. The town itself has plenty to offer visitors, including the Schloss Bruck Castle, the old town hall, and the St. Jakob Church. Visitors can also take a stroll through the picture-perfect streets of the city, appreciating its unique blend of old and modern architecture. For those looking for outdoor activities, there are numerous hiking and biking trails in the area, as well as the nearby Zettersfeld ski area. Lienz is also home to a number of excellent restaurants, cafes and bars, making it a great place to enjoy a meal and a few drinks after a long day of exploring. For those traveling to Lienz by air, the closest international airport is Innsbruck Airport (INN), which is located approximately 90 kilometers away. From there, travelers can arrange to rent a car or take a shuttle to the town. For those looking for a memorable road trip through some of the most stunning alpine scenery, the Grossglockner Road Panoramic Road is the perfect choice, and Lienz is the perfect endpoint. The journey offers travelers a chance to explore the best that Austria has to offer, and Lienz is the perfect place to end the trip with its picturesque streets, great restaurants and outdoor activities.

Before you set off

Embark on the iconic Grossglockner High Alpine Road, which traverses the heart of the Austrian Alps from Zell am See to Lienz. This breathtaking journey stretches approximately 108 kilometers and invites you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Austria, including majestic views from the Hochtor Pass and the Kaiser Franz-Josef-Höhe vantage point.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

As you ascend the High Alpine Road, you'll encounter the formidable Grossglockner, which at 3,798 meters is Austria's highest peak. At the pinnacle of your climb is the Hochtor Pass, offering awe-inspiring vistas. A must-see highlight is the Kaiser Franz-Josef-Höhe, a panoramic viewpoint that boasts unparalleled views of the Grossglockner and the Pasterze Glacier, the longest glacier in the Eastern Alps. Other noteworthy stops include the Visitor Center, numerous hiking trails, and the opportunity to admire diverse alpine flora and fauna, such as the marmot and the majestic golden eagle.

Best Time to Go:

The Road is typically open from early May to early November, weather permitting, with the summer months providing optimal conditions for travelers. During this time, the alpine environment is particularly resplendent with blooming wildflowers and verdant landscapes, and the full array of attractions and activities are accessible.

Potential Risks:

Travelers should exercise caution, as mountainous terrain can present challenges including sudden weather shifts and limited visibility. The route features hairpin turns and steep inclines, requiring attentive driving. It's advisable to check Road conditions and possible closures before setting out, particularly outside the main summer season.

Facts for Roadtrippers:

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is a toll Road, meticulously maintained to ensure safety for visitors. It is navigable for drivers with varying levels of experience, although some may find the mountainous driving conditions demanding. The Road's infrastructure is designed to enhance the Trip, with informative displays, cozy mountain huts, and restaurants that cater to a wide range of preferences. A moderate budget can generally accommodate Trip expenses, including the toll, refreshments, and any souvenirs.

Interesting Facts:

• The Grossglockner High Alpine Road was completed in 1935 and is considered a feat of engineering, especially for its time.
• The Road reaches an altitude of 2,504 meters at its highest point, making it one of the highest surfaced mountain passes in Europe.
• The name `Grossglockner` is derived from the German words `gross,` meaning `big,` and `Glockner,` which is the name of the bell-shaped peak.
• The Road is not only a popular tourist attraction but also an important habitat for numerous plant and animal species that are adapted to the harsh alpine conditions.

A good choice for:

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is not just a route—it is a journey through Austria's alpine heritage, with each curve offering a new perspective on this extraordinary landscape. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie, a nature lover, or a history buff, this Road Trip is an enriching experience that is sure to leave you with lasting memories.