One of the highest and most beautiful alpine roads in Austria (and all of Europe) is Grossglockner. It connects Salzburg in the north to Carinthia in the south. The road made the Grossglockner, Austria’s highest mountain, and the Pasterze, Austria’s biggest glacier, easily accessible.
With 36 hairpin bends, the high alpine road weaves its way through the oldest national park in Austria, Hohe Tauern. The Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe lookout point offers breathtaking views over the Pasterze glacier.
The road remains closed through the winter. The best time to drive this beauty is during the spring, summer, or autumn when the sun shines bright. That’s when you can witness the fascinating Alpine wildlife!
Built upon ancient Celtic and Roman trails – this engineering masterpiece took five years and about 4,000 labourers to complete. Commissioned in 1935, Grossglockner found a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2016 for its cultural and historical significance.
The 48-km long alpine road displays the architectural and technical evolution of high mountain construction and the good governance of tourism attractions in the early 20th century.
21 Comments
Lena Eriksen
I often forget about Austria when I am planning for trips, but it is definitely a country to visit. I have been to Vienna hundreds of years ago so it is absolutely time to revisit this country again. These cities look beautiful!
The.Holidaymaker
It sounds like definitely a return visit is long overdue! Thanks for stopping by.
Gus Feliciano
Honestly never had Austria on my list but the while country just looks like a heritage site and I am loving it! Great post and Grossglockner looks like a must do drive!
The.Holidaymaker
The alpine rounds in Austria and Germany are so incredible.
Emma
Salzburg is way high on my list, it looks like such a magical place. So picturesque. I’ve heard great things about Austria but haven’t been yet. I really just want to set aside a month and just visit a bunch of places in Europe and this would be really high on the list. Vienna and Salzburg mostly
The.Holidaymaker
I hope you get that time to explore the country, it would be so fantastic.
Riana Ang-Canning
Aw this post is making me so nostalgic for Austria! I absolutely loved our time in Salzburg and Sconbrunn Palace is amazing! Have never been to Graz but it looks like a must-visit!
The.Holidaymaker
Thanks Riana, I agree with you about that!
Hannah
I so want to go to Austria someday, especially because I love Sound of Music. The closest I’ve ever been was a layover in Vienna going from Zurich to Florence.
The.Holidaymaker
Salzburg is such a romantic city. You definitely have to try and go one day…
Eric Gamble
We love Austria! In particular, Salzburg is probably our favorite city of all. But we did love our time in the Lakes area. I think the next time we return, we want to check out Salzkammergut and all of Halstatt! What a beautiful area. Plus Graz look especially nice and unique
The.Holidaymaker
I agree Eric, Salzburg is one of my favourites too.
Sandy Vyjay
Austria has been on our minds for quite some time. However, our East European itinerary remains on the backburner for now. It is amazing to see so many UNESCO World Heritage sites clustered in a relatively small area. Salzburg and Vienna are lovely cities that treasure within them a unique old world charm. But the other sites are fascinating too. The sound of music is irresistible and pulling us to Austria, hope to be there some day.
The.Holidaymaker
Yes, hopefully one day soon you will be able to experience this beautiful country.
Kerry Heaney
I loved visiting Vienna, such a beautiful city, especially the historic city centre. Great food too! The snow-capped peaks of Salzkammergut and the city of Salsburg are now on my list for when I return. However, I am particularly entranced by the notion of travelling the alpine road. What an experience!
The.Holidaymaker
I did the alpine road in Germany and one of the best trips I’ve taken.
Umiko
I’ve never been to Austria but this made me thinking that the whole country is an UNESCO World Heritage Sites. I really want to visit Salzburg and Vienna for the history and food.
The.Holidaymaker
Hopefully one day Umiko you are able to go, and this list gives you some inspiration.
Danik the Explorer
I love Austria but I have to admit, I didn’t know that I have already been to three of the listings. The historic centres of Salzburg, Graz and Vienna. When I was at those cities, I didn’t even know they were UNESCO listed, so I learnt something new today. They are all amazing cities, but for me personally, take me to the mountains. 🙂 I havent seen any pile drawings whilst in the region, so something to look out for next time I go hiking there.
The.Holidaymaker
You’re right, I’m not sure most people would realize that many of the city centres are designated as UNESCO sites. I agree, the area around the Alps is pretty spectacular.
Brooklyn Murtaugh
So Austria looks beautiful, but has never been on my list.
I’m more into natural sites, rather than cultural, but I’m sure I would love a visit to Austria some day!