The Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse is a high mountain pass that is regarded as one of the best driving routes in Europe and with good reason.
The road climbs to more than 2,500m above sea level and is named after the Grossglockner, Austria’s tallest mountain, and connects Fusch an der Glocknerstrasse to Heiligenblut on the other side of the pass.
Easily accessible from Salzburg a few hours away, the road is one of the top tourist attractions in Austria with plenty heading for the area during the summer simply to take on the challenge of a visit to the summit.
As with many of the high passes across Europe, the Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse features a series of sharp hairpin bends that allow the road to climb up the mountain side, with the network of switchbacks enabling you to fully embrace the views of the surroundings.
You’ll be able to look across ever-changing landscapes of rolling hills, pine forests and green meadows, as well as the Pasterze; the longest glacier to be found anywhere in Austria.
Once at the summit, there are various hiking trails if you want to get out and stretch your legs.
During the middle of summer, expect to encounter plenty of traffic as people flock to the area, and bear in mind that the Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse is only open during daylight hours.
Don’t bank on tackling the road during the winter months either, with snow meaning the Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse tends to be closed from November through to May.
Coming next, a trip back to Italy to explore one of the best coastal roads...
