The Grossglockner High Alpine Road (Großglockner Hochalpenstraße) isn’t just a cycling route—it’s an alpine experience. This 48km ribbon of perfect tarmac through Austria’s Hohe Tauern National Park features 36 hairpins, reaches 2,504 meters elevation, and offers views of Austria’s highest peak (Grossglockner, 3,798m) and its largest glacier (Pasterze).
What Makes It Special
Unlike most alpine passes that connect two valleys, Grossglockner is a purpose-built scenic road. Opened in 1935, it was designed for beauty as much as transportation. For cyclists, this means:
- Perfect Road Surface: Smooth, well-maintained tarmac throughout
- Wide Lanes: Generous width with good sight lines
- Engineering Marvel: Hairpins, tunnels, and elevated sections showcase 1930s road-building brilliance
- No Through Traffic: It’s a dead-end road to Heiligenblut, so most vehicles are tourists, not trucks
The Route Options
Full Traverse (Fusch to Heiligenblut via Hochtor):
- Distance: 48 km
- Elevation gain: 2,504m to highest point (Hochtor tunnel)
- Hairpins: 36
- Time: 3-5 hours depending on fitness and photo stops
South Side from Heiligenblut:
- Distance: 26 km one way
- Elevation gain: 1,300m
- More challenging gradient than north side
North Side from Fusch:
- Distance: 22 km one way
- Elevation gain: 1,204m
- Gentler approach
Most cyclists climb from Fusch (north) as it’s slightly easier and save the spectacular glacier views as a summit reward.
Kilometer by Kilometer from Fusch
Km 0-8: The Forest Section Gradient: 6-7% Gentle opening through pine forest. Good warm-up with occasional glimpses of peaks above.
Km 8-15: Entering Alpine Zone Gradient: 7-9% Trees thin out, views expand. You pass Fuscher Törl area with classic alpine meadows.
Km 15-21: The Kaiser Franz Josef Höhe Spur Road Optional 9km out-and-back detour to viewing platform:
- Additional 900m climbing
- Direct views of Grossglockner and Pasterze Glacier
- Worth every pedal stroke
This side trip adds significant time and effort but offers the best views. Most cyclists take it, rest, refuel, then return to continue to Hochtor.
Km 21-26: The Final Push to Hochtor Gradient: 7-8% After rejoining from Kaiser Franz Josef Höhe, the gradient stays steady. You pass through short tunnels and gallery sections before reaching Hochtor at 2,504m—the highest point.
Km 26-48: Descent to Heiligenblut (Optional) Spectacular 22km descent featuring:
- Stunning views of Grossglockner south face
- More hairpins
- Heiligenblut village with its photogenic church spire
Best Time to Ride
Season: The road typically opens in May and closes in October/November, depending on snow. Peak season is June-September.
Ideal Months: June and September offer:
- Fewer crowds than July-August
- Stable weather (though always unpredictable in mountains)
- Better cycling conditions—not too hot
Time of Day:
- Early Morning (7-9am): Least traffic, coolest temperatures, best light for photography
- Avoid Midday (11am-2pm): Peak traffic, warmest temperatures, afternoon storm risk
- Note: The road opens at 6am and closes at different times depending on season (typically 8-10pm in peak summer)
Special Events: Cyclists-only days occasionally happen—check the official website (www.grossglockner.at) for dates.
Essential Practical Information
Toll: The road has a toll (currently around €40 per motorcycle/bicycle). Some consider it expensive, but the road maintenance and facilities justify it. Pay at Ferleiten (north) or Heiligenblut (south) toll stations.
Gearing: The gradients are manageable (mostly 6-8%), but the length and altitude demand easy gears. 50/34 x 11-32 minimum; 34x34 is better for recreational riders.
Fueling: Facilities at:
- Fuscher Törl (km 8)
- Hochmais-Haus (km 12)
- Kaiser Franz Josef Höhe (side road km 15 + 9km spur)
- Hochtor summit area (limited)
Carry extra food. The effort at altitude burns calories faster than expected.
Water: Multiple rest stops have water. Carry two bottles but refilling is possible.
Clothing: Weather at 2,500m is unpredictable:
- Morning: Can be near freezing even in summer
- Afternoon: Thunderstorms develop regularly
- Pack: Waterproof jacket, arm warmers, leg warmers, vest
Temperature can drop 15-20°C from valley to summit.
Accommodation: Book ahead in peak season:
- Fusch/Bruck: Budget-friendly bases on north side
- Heiligenblut: More atmospheric village on south
- Zell am See: Larger town 30km from Fusch with more options
Difficulty Rating
Intermediate to Advanced: The gradients are manageable, but the length, altitude, and potential for bad weather require fitness and mountain cycling experience.
- Easier than: Stelvio, Galibier, Mortirolo
- Harder than: Most moderate alpine passes
- Similar to: Alpe d’Huez (length and gradient comparable)
The Kaiser Franz Josef Höhe Decision
The 9km spur road to the glacier viewing platform adds 900m vertical—essentially another major climb. It makes your day significantly harder but rewards with world-class views.
Skip it if:
- Weather is poor (clouds hide everything)
- You’re fatigued
- Time is limited
Do it if:
- Weather is clear (check webcams before deciding)
- Fitness allows
- You’re here for the complete experience
Most regret not going if weather is good.
Descending
The descent is glorious:
- Smooth tarmac: Confidence-inspiring surface
- Wide roads: Good sight lines through hairpins
- Stunning views: Distraction hazard—watch the road!
Safety Tips:
- Gallery tunnels can be dark and damp—speed carefully
- Tourist vehicles may stop suddenly for photos
- Temperature drops rapidly—stop to add layers before getting cold
Beyond Grossglockner
Strong riders combine this with:
- GroĂźglockner + Iselsberg + Hochtor: Epic loop
- Multi-pass tour: Combine with nearby Felbertauern or Gerlos Pass over multiple days
Why Ride It
Grossglockner offers something rare: world-class scenery without extreme difficulty. The road is magnificent, the views are incredible, the engineering is impressive, and the experience is thoroughly alpine without the raw suffering of Stelvio or Galibier.
It’s perfect for:
- First alpine experience: Manageable difficulty with big-mountain atmosphere
- Photographers: Endless photo opportunities
- Bucket-list riders: One of Europe’s most scenic roads
- Cycling tourists: Facilities and access make logistics easy
Planning Your Trip
- Check opening dates: www.grossglockner.at
- Book accommodation: At least 2-3 weeks ahead in peak season
- Watch weather: Check forecast and webcams morning of your ride
- Start early: Beat traffic and weather
- Bring camera: You’ll want it
When you reach Hochtor at 2,504 meters with views spanning dozens of 3,000m+ peaks, you’ll understand why this is considered one of the world’s great mountain roads. The toll, the early wake-up, the effort—all worth it.
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