The Grossglockner High Alpine Road, the most famous road crossing the East Alps, leads directly to the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park, to the highest mountain in Austria, the Grossglockner (3,798 m) and to the Pasterze Glacier. On 48 kilometers of panoramic road with 36 hairpin bends, ascending to 2,504 meters, motorists cross a unique alpine landscape brimming with flowering grasslands, fragrant forests, mighty rock and eternal ice to the foot of the Grossglockner.
In addition to the mountain landscape, the tradition, culture and history of the Grossglockner High Alpine Road are equally amazing: historic finds prove that people have crossed the Alps at this point for three thousand, five hundred years. In 1856 Emperor Franz Josef wandered to a point subsequently known as "Kaiser Franz Josefs Höhe."
Having arrived at this point, you will be standing directly in front of the Grossglockner with a view of the longest glacier in the East Alps, the Pasterze. Marmots cavort in close proximity and with a little luck you will be able to observe the powerful ibex.
Numerous informative signboards give insight into the fascinating landscape and the fauna and flora along the Grossglockner High Alpine Road:
- Alpine Nature Show Museum (2,260 m) - to learn about the highly sensitive and many-faceted Hohen Tauern region.
- Fuscher Törl gate (2,428 m) - a memorial designed by the internationally renowned architect, Clemens Holzmeister.
- Hochtor (High Gate) (2,503 m) - highest point on the main road with the border between the states of Salzburg and Carinthia.
- "Celts, Muleskinners and Romans" nature trail
- Kaiser Franz Josefs Höhe Visitor Center (2,369 m) - 4 floors with everything there is to know about glaciers and ice featuring the Glockner cinema, Glockner panorama room, "Power Room" and changing special exhibitions.
- Gamsgruben trail - easy access panoramic trail from Kaiser Franz Josefs Höhe above the Pasterze Glacier to the Wasserfallwinkel Glacier.
Four themed playgrounds are available to young visitors along the Grossglockner High Alpine Road.
All things considered, the mountain air, the stunning view of the Grossglockner and numerous waterfalls lets visitors escape from their everyday routine and reenergize once again!
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