Grossglockner High Alpine Road
Austria's greatest driving road: 36 hairpins, 2,504 metres, and a glacier at the summit.
Grossglockner High Alpine Road
The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is Austria's crown jewel of driving — a 48-kilometre masterpiece of engineering that climbs from the Salzburg side through 36 hairpin bends to the Hochtor tunnel at 2,504 metres, then descends past the Pasterze Glacier and Austria's highest peak, the Grossglockner (3,798 m).
Built in the 1930s as a prestige project, the road was designed not just for transport but for the experience of driving. Every curve reveals a new vista — alpine meadows carpeted with wildflowers, marmots whistling from rocky outcrops, and the ever-present wall of glaciated peaks. A detour to the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe viewpoint brings you face-to-face with the Pasterze Glacier, Austria's largest.
This route extends beyond the pass itself, beginning in the baroque splendour of Salzburg and ending in the lakeside warmth of Zell am See. Between the alpine drama, there are Salzburg's coffee houses, Pinzgau's dairy farms, and some of the finest mountain hotels in the Alps.
""The Grossglockner road is the most beautiful toll road in the world." — Niki Lauda"
The Stable
Quick Facts
See the Road for Yourself.
A curated video that captures the spirit of this route — enjoyed and recommended by The Stable.
186 Miles, 5 Rally Points
A curated driving experience through some of the most beautiful roads in the region.
Discover the Grossglockner High Alpine Road Route
This route pack includes 5 expertly curated rally points across 186 miles of stunning driving roads. Become a member to unlock the full interactive route map and detailed driving notes.
See What's Inside
Explore a sample of the Grossglockner High Alpine Road route pack. The first 2 Rally Points are fully visible — become a member to unlock all 5 segments plus insider tips for every stop.
What You Get
Trip Planning Essentials
Route-specific logistics to help you plan ahead. Fuel stops, cell coverage, reservation requirements, and recommended apps for this drive.
Salzburg
Mozart's City & Baroque Jewel
Begin in Salzburg — the city of Mozart, The Sound of Music, and some of Europe's finest baroque architecture. Walk the Getreidegasse, visit the Hohensalzburg Fortress, and take coffee and Sachertorte at Café Tomaselli (since 1705). The drive south toward the mountains begins on smooth Austrian motorways.
City driving then motorway. Easy and well-signed.
Fusch an der Grossglocknerstrasse
Northern Gateway to the Pass
The small village of Fusch marks the northern entrance to the Grossglockner road. From here, the road begins its ascent through the Fuscher Valley — gentle at first, then increasingly dramatic as the treeline falls away and the peaks close in. Stop at the toll booth (€39.50 per car) and begin the climb.
Gradual ascent through valley. Road quality excellent.
Route Segment Locked
Detailed driving directions included
This segment includes curated driving notes, suggested timing, road character details, and pacing guidance for the best experience.
Route Segment Locked
Detailed driving directions included
This segment includes curated driving notes, suggested timing, road character details, and pacing guidance for the best experience.
Route Segment Locked
Detailed driving directions included
This segment includes curated driving notes, suggested timing, road character details, and pacing guidance for the best experience.
Unlock the Complete Grossglockner High Alpine Road
Get the full route pack with all 5 Rally Points, detailed driving notes, plus 7 curated stops with insider tips, parking notes, and reservation guidance.
Food, Wine & Experiences
Café Tomaselli
Salzburg
Austria's oldest coffee house (1705). Sachertorte, Melange coffee, and newspapers on wooden poles. A Salzburg institution.
Curated Stop
Location included in route pack
Insider tips, what to order, parking notes, and reservation guidance included in the full route pack.
Curated Stop
Location included in route pack
Insider tips, what to order, parking notes, and reservation guidance included in the full route pack.
Curated Stop
Location included in route pack
Insider tips, what to order, parking notes, and reservation guidance included in the full route pack.
Accommodation
Hotel Goldener Hirsch
Salzburg
A Luxury Collection hotel in the heart of the old town. Getreidegasse address, antique furnishings, and impeccable Austrian hospitality since 1407.
Handpicked Stay
Location included in route pack
Parking details, insider tips, and booking recommendations included in the full route pack.
Handpicked Stay
Location included in route pack
Parking details, insider tips, and booking recommendations included in the full route pack.
Unlock the full Grossglockner High Alpine Road
Reviews & Ratings
2 reviews
Alpine driving at its absolute best
36 hairpins, 2,504 metres altitude, and views that will stay with me forever. The Stable extended the route beyond the Grossglockner into the surrounding valleys and the result is a complete Alpine driving experience.
Austria's crown jewel
The Grossglockner is one of Europe's great mountain roads and The Stable's route makes the most of every hairpin. The detours to the glacier viewpoints and alpine meadows were spectacular. The mountain hut lunch stop was unforgettable.
Everything You Need
Downloadable Roadbook
Offline-ready PDF with route notes, maps, and curated stops for use without signal.
Link Hub Access
Mobile-first navigation with tap-to-drive Rally Points, designed for in-car use.
Restaurant Recommendations
Curated dining with parking notes, reservation tips, and what to order.
Hotel Suggestions
Car-forward accommodations with valet, secure parking, and character.
Winery & Experience Access
Tasting room details with appointment guidance and parking notes.
Ongoing Updates
Routes are continuously updated with new stops, seasonal tips, and community feedback.
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Pre-Drive Checklist
Get your car, gear, and documents ready with a checklist tailored to this route.
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Where to Eat and Stay: Grossglockner High Alpine Road
The best dining and accommodation for drivers tackling the Grossglockner High Alpine Road. From Europe restaurants to car-friendly stays, here's where The Stable recommends you stop along the way.
Panoramarestaurant Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe: A Meal with a View
Perched at 2,369 metres on the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, the Panoramarestaurant offers hearty Austrian cuisine with an unparalleled view of the Grossglockner and the Pasterze Glacier.
Döllerer, Golling: A Two-Star Michelin Jewel on the Grossglockner Route
Discover why Andreas Döllerer's two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Golling is an essential culinary pilgrimage for any driver tackling the Grossglockner High Alpine Road.
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""The Grossglockner road is the most beautiful toll road in the world." — Niki Lauda"
The Stable