The Grossglockner High Alpine Road connects the Austrian provinces of Salzburg and Carinthia. The pass road’s highest point is the Hochtor, which sits at an elevation of 2,504 meters. It makes it the highest pass road in Austria.
The side road to the Edelweissspitze near Fuscher Törl leads to an elevation of 2,572 meters, but it is only accessible by car.
Shortly before Fuscher Törl, visitors can explore the “Alpine Naturschau” museum, which features a collection of rare crystals and a marmot exhibition. Additionally, visitors learn about the Alps’ ecology.
After passing the Fuscher Törl and the Fuscher Lacke, we reach the two pass tunnels: the Mittertörl Tunnel and the Hochtor Tunnel. The border to Carinthia runs along the Hochtor tunnel. At the roadside, you can visit the Wallackhaus mountain inn. The Römer Hütte – Roman hut – reminds us that the Romans used these passes as well.
Another turnoff leads past the Glocknerhaus to the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe. From there, you can see the Großglockner and the Pasterze glacier best. Due to climate change, the glacier will likely melt by 2050.
At the turnoff, the high alpine road continues south to Heiligenblut
The road is also repeatedly used by automobile manufacturers as a test track, as many prototypes have shown impressively.
It is also a significant training and racing track for cyclists. Above all, however, the Großglockner High Alpine Road is important for tourism.
The toll road is closed from the beginning of November to the end of April.
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