Driving the Scenic Kalser Glocknerstrasse in Tyrol

Driving the Scenic Kalser Glocknerstrasse in Tyrol

Austria, europe

Length

7 km

Elevation

1,920 m

Difficulty

easy

Best Season

Year-round

# Kals Glockner Road: Austria's Alpine Masterpiece

Tucked away in Tyrol in southwestern Austria, the Kals Glockner Road is an absolute gem for anyone who loves winding mountain drives. Nestled within the stunning Hohe Tauern National Park, this 7km (4.34 miles) route is basically a highlight reel of Austrian Alpine scenery.

Starting from the charming hamlet of Burg at around 1,400 meters elevation, the well-paved road climbs steadily through dense forests and past gorgeous meadows, dotted with countless hairpin turns that'll keep you engaged the whole way. It's definitely a "sporty" drive, but don't worry—the road is in great condition and actually bus-friendly if you're not feeling too adventurous.

The journey culminates at the Lucknerhaus Lodge car park, perched at 1,920 meters, where you'll have conquered some seriously impressive altitude gain. Along the way, you're treated to jaw-dropping views of glacier-carved valleys and dramatic rocky peaks. But here's the real showstopper: the breathtaking views of the Großglockner, Austria's highest mountain at 3,798 meters, reveal themselves as you climb.

Fair warning though—if you're tackling this in winter, make sure your vehicle is properly equipped. The road stays open year-round, but alpine conditions demand respect and preparation. Summer and autumn are your best bets for an epic, hassle-free experience.

Where is it?

Driving the Scenic Kalser Glocknerstrasse in Tyrol is located in Austria (europe). Coordinates: 47.7530, 13.0951

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Austria
Continent
europe
Length
7 km
Max Elevation
1,920 m
Difficulty
easy
Coordinates
47.7530, 13.0951

Related Roads in europe

How long is the Transalpina road in Romania?hard

How long is the Transalpina road in Romania?

🇷🇴 Romania

Get ready for an epic Romanian road trip on the Transalpina! This beauty, also known as DN67C, winds for 148 km (92 miles) between Novaci and Sebeş, carving its way through the stunning Carpathian Mountains. Give yourself around 3 hours to soak it all in – and that’s without stopping (which you’ll definitely want to do!). Locals call it "The King's Road" thanks to King Carol II, who originally built it. It even has roots tracing back to Roman legions! After being rebuilt for military use during WWII, it was mostly inaccessible until recently. Now fully paved since 2009, it’s a modern marvel. Transalpina isn’t just a road, it’s an experience! Picture yourself surrounded by incredible natural beauty, far from the usual tourist spots. The views are seriously breathtaking! But fair warning: it's packed with twists and turns that'll keep you on your toes. Heads up though, this high-altitude road isn’t open year-round. At its peak, it reaches a whopping 2,145m (7,037ft)! Usually, snow shuts it down around November/December, reopening around mid-May, weather permitting, and only during the day (8 AM to 8 PM). Pack a jacket, even in summer – that mountain air can be crisp! For a truly unforgettable experience, plan your trip for mid-to-late autumn. The foliage is unreal, transforming the landscape into a vibrant explosion of colors. Trust me, you won't regret it!

D8 Coastal Road (Jadranska Magistrala)moderate

D8 Coastal Road (Jadranska Magistrala)

🇭🇷 Croatia

The D8—locals call it the Jadranska Magistrala or Adriatic Highway—is basically Croatia's poster child for coastal drives. This legendary 650-kilometer stretch connects Rijeka up north all the way down to Dubrovnik, and honestly, it's been turning heads since the 1960s when it was built. The entire route hugs the eastern Adriatic shore like it was designed by someone who really wanted you to see the water. We're talking rocky coves, pine-covered headlands, and those jaw-dropping ancient walled towns scattered throughout. On one side you've got the sparkling sea dotted with islands, and on the other, the dramatic Dinaric Alps just looming there. You'll drive through some seriously iconic spots: Zadar with its island-studded views, Split with its incredible Diocletian's Palace, the Makarska Riviera overshadowed by the massive Biokovo mountain, and eventually Dubrovnik's legendary walls. The road itself is in great condition, but here's the real talk—summer is absolute peak season and things get genuinely crowded, especially around Split and Dubrovnik. If you're flexible on timing, shoulder season is definitely your friend. Oh, and if you want to island-hop? No problem. Ferries connect the main road to Croatia's countless islands, so you've got options to mix things up along the way.

Driving the wild Monte Aquianamoderate

Driving the wild Monte Aquiana

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Monte Aquiana (or Guiana) in the León province of northwest Spain. This peak hits a whopping 1,819m (5,967ft) in elevation and sits pretty in the Montes de León range. The road to the top? Let's just say it's an off-road experience. It's unpaved, it's steep, and a 4x4 is your best friend. You can usually tackle it year-round, but be warned, winter weather might throw a temporary "road closed" sign your way. Up top, you'll find the remains of the Ermita Virgen de la Guiana, a seriously old chapel. The climb starts from Campo de las Danzas, right off the LE-158/4 road. It's a 5.7km stretch with an average gradient of 5.1%, but hold on tight because you'll hit some ramps with a 13% incline! But trust me, the views? Totally worth it.

How long is Carretera de las Presas?extreme

How long is Carretera de las Presas?

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, buckle up for the Carretera de las Presas (GC-605) on Gran Canaria! This mountain road in the southwest of the island is a real stunner, but definitely keeps you on your toes. Stretching for about 23 kilometers (14.5 miles), you'll climb from the little town of Pie de la Cuesta (325m above sea level) all the way up to Ayacata (1,304m), a cute village where you can grab a bite. That's almost a kilometer of vertical gain! The journey starts with an epic series of hairpin bends winding up the Mogan Valley, past ochre cliffs and massive boulders. Expect a challenging drive. The pavement can be a bit rough in spots, especially the last 8 kilometers, and some sections are so narrow that passing another car can be tricky. We're talking 30+ hairpin turns, with gradients hitting 10% in places. This route takes you straight to the mysterious Las Niñas reservoir, one of the island's largest. Legend has it that a nearby, ancient pine tree witnessed a woman being burned to death centuries ago. Is it worth the drive? Absolutely! The scenery is incredible. However, be aware that this route is prone to landslides, rockfalls, and fog. Keep an eye out for viewpoints with parking spots along the way, but remember it can get very cold and windy up there!