Why is it called Grossglockner High Alpine Road?

Why is it called Grossglockner High Alpine Road?

Austria, europe

Length

48 km

Elevation

3,798 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Get ready for a wild ride on the Großglockner-Hochalpenstraße! This Austrian beauty is a 48-kilometer alpine adventure linking Salzburg and Carinthia, named after Austria's highest peak, the majestic Großglockner. Picture this: 36 hairpin turns snaking through the heart of Hohe Tauern National Park.

You'll climb to a breathtaking 2,504 meters (8,215 feet) where the views are simply unreal. Want to go even higher? A side road will take you to the Edelweissspitze, the highest point you can drive to on this road, at 2,571m (8,435ft)! Give yourself at least 90 minutes for the drive, but honestly, you'll want to spend the whole day soaking it all in.

Keep in mind, this road is typically open from early May to late October, but weather at this altitude can be unpredictable, so check before you go. This historic route follows ancient trails used for millennia and was built in the 1930s. You'll find plenty of places to eat and explore along the way. Just imagine cruising through green pastures and rugged landscapes, surrounded by stunning mountain peaks - it's an unforgettable experience!

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Road Details

Country
Austria
Continent
europe
Length
48 km
Max Elevation
3,798 m
Difficulty
moderate

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