Scenic Places to see on Grossglockner High Alpine Road Trip

Disclaimer: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you book through them, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. See our Privacy Policy for details.

Looking for the best scenic drive in Austria? The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is surely the one to take.

This legendary route climbs to 2,504 metres, twists through 36 hairpin bends, and stretches over 48 kilometres, connecting the charming village of Fusch in Salzburg province to the glacier viewpoint near the Grossglockner peak.

I took this drive during my two-week Austria trip to celebrate my mum’s birthday, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I made.

From flower-covered mountains and waterfalls to charming lake towns and valleys, every stop felt unforgettable.

There are many places to visit on Grossglockner High Alpine Road, and each one has its own charm in summer.

If you’re planning a trip, this post covers all the pretty stops on the drive from Salzburg, plus tips on the best route, toll fees, season info, and whether to drive or hire a local taxi tour.

Collage of road scenes from Grossglockner trip with text on it that says Grossglockner High alpine road One day road trip — Pin it for Later!

Places to see on the way from Salzburg to Grossglockner High Alpine Road

This route is about 145km and starts from Salzburg, crosses border with Germany and re-enters Austria at Lofer across Zell, Fusch on Grossglocknerstrasse and the last view point at the Grossglockner High alpine road.

Click here for Google map link

Grossglockner High Alpine Road with winding roads and cars driving through green and rocky alpine landscape — The most scenic road in Austria is to Grossglockner

Berger Chocolate Confectionery at Lofer

The road trip from Salzburg to Grossglockner isn’t just scenic—it can get delicious too, especially if you stop at Lofer, a charming little town tucked between the Alps.

It’s home to Berger Chocolate, a local brand that completely changed my mind about Austrian chocolates.

Berger chocolate factory building in Lofer with mountains in the background on a cloudy day — Quick highway snap of Berger Confiserie sitting under moody mountain skies

Display of assorted pralines at Berger Confiserie including Amarena yoghurt and nougat chocolates — Yoghurt flavours and Coffee ones ar emy favourite

Two women standing near a black rental van parked outside Café Anna in Austria with mountains in the background — Me and mom -Shopping done, smiles out—chocolate and Alps make a good mix

Until then, I’d only tried Mozart balls (too sweet) and a few random picks from Spar, and I’d pretty much written off Austria as a chocolate country.

But Berger had everything—from dark to milk, some with alcohol, raisins, yoghurt or coffee.

You can taste and pick what you like or just go for one of their ready-made combos.

Whether you’re after some Austrian souvenirs or road snacks, you’ll probably walk out with both a mouthful and a bagful of chocolate.

The views—cornfields at the base of the Alps, quiet streets, and postcard-style chalets- Lofer felt peaceful and untouched, the perfect start to the mountain road ahead.

Zell Am See

One of the most famous lakes in Austria isn’t in Salzkammergut (the lake district east of Salzburg known for towns like Hallstatt and St. Wolfgang), but right here in Salzburg province.

White lakeside hotel with balconies and colourful boats, backed by green hills and low-lying clouds in Zell Am See — Pretty views of Zell Am See and some plastic!

Zell am See is a wide, glittering lake surrounded by hills and resort buildings. It looks magical when you pass it by train—but being there is a different story.

On the drive to Grossglockner, you’ll reach Zell about 30 minutes after stuffing yourself with Berger chocolates in Lofer.

And while it’s a common stop, I’ll say this—go see it not just for the view, but to understand how commercialised a lake town can get.

I’d already been to Hallstatt on the same summer trip and found the crowd unbearable. But Zell am See? Somehow louder.

The swans were real, yes—but they were outnumbered by swan-themed plastic paddle boats, screaming tourists, and loudspeakers. It felt like a theme park.

A few steps away was the town centre. The famous casino hotel was swamped with tourists.

Like what they call a “cloud burst,” it was a “crowd burst.” We got out, looked around, and hurried back to the car.

Fusch an der Grossglocknerstrasse

About 15 minutes after leaving Zell am See, the Grossglocknerstrasse winds into Fusch, a quiet alpine village that feels worlds apart from the crowd-heavy lakeside towns.

Fusch reminded me of Tirol villages like Kirchberg—wooden chalets framed by bright flower boxes, perfectly kept gardens, and every corner surrounded by green.

Traditional Austrian village street with flower-decked houses and forested hills behind — Cutest little curve in Fusch—just look at those balconies

It’s easily one of the most charming places to stop on the Grossglockner drive from Salzburg, especially if you’re the kind who enjoys soaking in slow beauty before climbing into the Alps.

Fusch is the kind of place where gardening feels like an art form.

Flower boxes overflow from every window, and small parks burst with colour.

We were already impressed, but then we saw something that stopped us mid-walk.

Behind a small garden and café lane sits the Parish Church of St. Martin and Ägydius.

Small white chapel with red flowers flowing out of a pipe like a waterfall on a grassy lawn — Fush on Grossglcoknerstrasse tiny chapel with the most dramatic flower fall ever

Bloom-covered pole and colourful flowers in front of traditional alpine houses and green hills — Fusch doesn’t hold back with flowers—this corner felt like spring exploded in summer

And from one of its upper wall pipes flows a cascading wave of bright red flowers, almost like a waterfall made of blossoms.

It’s not something you’ll notice from the main road—you have to walk around the back.

But once you do, it’s unforgettable.

That wasn’t even the only surprise. Near Hotel Post, we also found a wooden post absolutely bursting with flowers, so full it looked sculpted.

We grabbed a cappuccino from Hotel post restaurant and sat for a while, just watching the breeze sway the petals.

Curious how Grossglockner fits into a Salzburg visit? Here’s the full summer Salzburg travel plan you can follow for 3 days—mountains, lakes, and more.

Schleierfall Viewpoint at Ferleiten

Just after Fusch, the scenery starts to change.

More bikers show up on the road, glaciers peek through drifting clouds, and lush green pastures stretch out like a playground—for both nature lovers and grazing cows.

Then comes the sound—a faint whoosh of falling water.

A few curves later, you reach the Schleierfall viewpoint at Ferleiten, where a powerful stream drops from a rocky cliff into the valley below.

Distant view of waterfalls Schleierfall running through dense green forest on the mountain slopes near Ferleiten — Tucked-away Schleierfall pouring down quietly near Ferleiten

Wide open meadow views—fresh, quiet, and properly alpine

Brown llama and black pony grazing on a fenced farm surrounded by trees and wooden huts — Spotted these tiny cuties chilling near Ferleiten

Fed by snow and framed by snow-capped peaks, Schleierfall is surrounded by gentle hiking trails.

If you’re looking for peaceful nature spots on the way to Grossglockner, this one is worth the pause—even if just to let the sound settle in.

We stayed for a few minutes, quietly watching. Then, from a pasture nearby, a llama and a pony wandered out.

Naturally we started talking absolute gibberish to the fuzzy duo.

Edelweisshütte – Serpentine road view

The climb after Ferleiten gets serious—steep roads, tight bends, and a sudden change in scenery.

Within minutes, green meadows give way to alpine flowers, bare rocks, and snow-dusted peaks.

Wooden Edelweisshütte hut perched on a rocky ledge with glaciers and snow-capped peaks in the background — That’s Edelweisshütte—high up, wild views, fresh air and proper Alps drama

Curvy GROSSGLOCKNER mountain road cutting through green slopes with glaciers and high peaks in the distance — Hairpin heaven! This part of the Grossglockner drive felt straight out of a car ad

Winding alpine road with a tunnel seen from high above, surrounded by grassy rocky hills — That endless zigzag road moment—pure Grossglockner vibes of tunnels

About five minutes after crossing a small geology museum—classic Austria, where they love making museums out of everything, even rocks—we reached Edelweisshütte.

Then the road opened up.

At 2,571 metres, Edelweisshütte is the most iconic stop on the Grossglockner High Alpine Road.

This is the image you see when you google the route—a viewpoint with 30 peaks and 10 perfect hairpin bends all unfolding in front of you.

Some people were sitting by the edge, quietly reading.

A few had checked into the cliffside cabins and were enjoying dumplings and beer. I grabbed an ice candy and just stood there, not saying a word.

When the clouds parted, I spotted distant lakes and even Pongau village far below.

It’s not just a stop—it’s a moment that makes the whole drive worth it.

Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe – The final, unforgettable stop

The journey ends at Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe, a viewpoint named after Austria’s emperor.

This is where the Pasterze Glacier, Austria’s largest glacier, stands right in front of you, close enough to feel like you could reach out and touch it.

Glacier stretching between two mountain ranges with meltwater forming a pale green lake at the base — This glacier and lake combo hit different in real life at Franz Joseph view Point

Close-up view of a melting glacier with visible ice layers and muddy grey slopes around — Nature’s own frozen swirl—up close with the glacier at Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe

The moment you arrive, everything goes quiet. Bikers lean on their bikes, content. Hikers arrive grinning.

And those of us who came by car? We just stand there, taking it in—knowing the climb was worth it.

The Grossglockner reminded me of the pyramids in Egypt. Not in shape, but in presence.

The snow had a strange cyan hue, and right beneath the peak, I spotted a heart-shaped crater.

The glacial water looked muddy, shifting slowly in the sun.

This was one of those places that puts everything in perspective. You feel tiny. Humbled. Grateful.

Tips for Driving from Salzburg to Grossglockner High Alpine Road

If you’re planning a day trip to Grossglockner High Alpine Road from Salzburg, here’s everything you should know before you go—based on my personal experience driving this incredible route with a local guide.

Timings and season

Black car driving along a flower-filled alpine road with steep rocky hills around — Driving past wildflowers and cliffs in summer—this is what road trip dreams look like

Grossglockner High Alpine Road is open only when sun is up -from early May to early November, depending on snow and weather.
In summer (June to August), the road stays open until 9:00 PM, with last entry allowed at 8:15 PM.
In spring and autumn months, it usually closes between 7:30 and 8:00 PM, with last entry about 45 minutes earlier.
Always check the official Grossglockner website before planning your drive.

Route and road details

Gravel path with wildflowers on both sides, leading uphill towards snowy mountain peaks — Follow this trail and you get flowers, peaks and maybe a few cowbells too

Best route: Salzburg- Lofer- Zell am See – Fusch – Ferleiten toll gate – Edelweisshütte- Grossglockner view point.
One of the fastest routes from Salzburg goes via Walserberg (through Germany), then re-enters Austria—perfectly legal and scenic.
The Grossglockner High Alpine road starts after Fusch and is 48 km long and climbs to 2,500 metres, with 36 sharp hairpin bends.

Is Grossglockner a loop or one-way?

Grossglockner High Alpine Road is a two-way mountain route, not a circular loop.
Most people return using the same road they came in on, especially for day trips from Salzburg like we did.
If you’re heading further south (like to Carinthia), you can continue downhill and exit at Heiligenblut.

Toll fees

Toll station at Grossglockner High Alpine Road with bikers and cars queued up under wooden roofed booths

The Grossglockner toll for private cars is €40.50 (2024 price) for a day pass.
Motorcycles pay €30.50. You can also buy a 30-day multi-entry pass.
Tickets can be bought online or at the Ferleiten toll gate.

Distance and driving time from Salzburg

Cars driving along an Austrian highway surrounded by green hills and rugged grey mountains — Cruising into the Alps with these giant peaks calling the shots – Going back to Salzburg

The drive from Salzburg to Grossglockner is about 110 to 120 km, depending on your route.
Without stops, the journey takes just under 4 hours by car.
With scenic stops (which you absolutely should do), plan at least 8 to 9 hours for a full day trip.

Self-driving tips

Man standing beside a silver car with its bonnet open, parked by a grassy mountain slope at grossglockner high alpine road — When your car needs a break before you do—Grossglocknerstrasse can be tough

Car rentals are easy to find in Salzburg—especially near the train station and airport.
Book on Discover cars for better deals, easy booking without hassle
Choose a well-equipped car with strong brakes and a solid engine—not a basic compact vehicle.
If you’re used to left-lane driving (like in India), take time to adjust—Austria drives on the right.
Watch for fog, steep inclines, and sudden temperature drops as you climb.
Drive slow and steady—many people stop mid-way to cool their engines, especially on sunny days.

Private tour with driver (what I did)

Tourists standing at a viewpoint near Edelweisshütte, looking out at the mountains and glaciers — That is our guide and driver Shiva explaining mom the effects of Global warming on Grossglockner

If you’re not confident with alpine roads, booking a car with driver saves a lot of stress.
It’s pricier than self-driving ( Approx 880 Euros for 2 people private trip with car and driver) , but we could fully relax, take photos, and stop as often as we wanted.
I booked a private tour with Edelweiss Tours Salzburg, and I’m glad I didn’t drive myself – I am not a pro driver on curvy roads
Our driver, Mr Shiva, knew exactly where to stop, handled the roads calmly, and gave us complete flexibility.

Practical info for your time at Grossglockner

What to wear on Grossglockner summer road trip

Wear layers like a t-shirt with a fleece or light jumper. – Mom carried a sweater and was handy at many times. Thank god i wore a full sleeve thick shirt.
Choose jeans, cargo trousers, or trekking pants – I chose denims and I am glad I did! It was cold at many times.
Avoid skirts or shorts if you plan to walk around viewpoints.
Wear closed shoes or hiking boots for rocky paths.
Carry sunglasses to deal with glare at high altitudes.
Skip sandals or flats unless you’ll stay in the car.
Use sunscreen even if the day is cloudy.
A light scarf or neck buff helps with sudden cold winds.

Where are the toilets?

You’ll find clean public toilets at several key points—right after the Ferleiten toll gate, at Edelweisshütte, and at Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe.
Most viewpoints have basic facilities, and they’re well maintained. Some smaller scenic stops in between may not have anything, so plan your breaks accordingly.

Food options

Wooden table with pasta, salad, hot chocolate and a camera, overlooking snow-covered mountains and a glacier at Grossglockner in Austria. — Lunch with a glacier view and a camera on standby—this is how all road trip meals should be.

There are cafés and restaurants at bigger stops like Edelweisshütte and Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe, where you’ll find dumplings, sausages, soups, and drinks.
We had lunch at Panorama Restaurant of Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe ( the end point) with a kickass view of the glacier. They have good variety of varieties iof Austiran food including my favourite Kasespatzle.
A few smaller huts also sell snacks or drinks depending on the season. Still, it’s smart to carry some road snacks, especially if you plan longer hikes or want to avoid queueing in peak hours.

Parking

grossglockner visitor plaza with flags, people walking, and snow covered mountains in the background under partly cloudy sky — This was the main square at Frans Joseph Hohe after parking area

motorbikes parked at Grossglockner alpine curve with text on it that says scenic ride stop along high alpine road — Edelweiss Hutte Parking area

Only official viewpoints have dedicated parking areas and they’re free to use.
At popular stops like Edelweisshütte and the final glacier viewpoint, the car parks are well organised with clear signage.
Spaces fill up quickly in summer afternoons, so arriving earlier gives you more flexibility with stops.
If you want to stop elsewhere during the journey like we did, make sure you pick a cleaver spot where the roads are wider and don’t stop for too long

Can I do Grossglockner road trip with a toddler or older parent?

Yes, absolutely. This is one of Austria’s most family-friendly scenic routes.

Outdoor dining terrace at Grossglockner glacier with wooden benches, tourists, a flying bird, and a child walking near the railing. — Lunch with glacier views at Grossglockner – spot the fearless bird and happy kids all around.

The main viewpoints are all drive-accessible with flat paths and benches nearby.

If you’re travelling with a child or an older adult, bring a jacket (even in summer), some water, and sun protection—the weather changes quickly at high altitudes.

Hiking around Grossglockner

Two women with hiking poles and a dog standing on rocky trail near a riverbed on Grossglockner Alpine Road — Dogs can hike too at Grossglcokner

The full Grossglockner mountain hike is for experienced climbers—the route starts in Tirol and takes at least two full days round trip.
The full Grossglockner summit climb is only possible in summer (usually June–September) and requires professional gear or a guided tour.
For easier and scenic walks, consider staying overnight near the Grossglockner region such as Hotel Post in Fusch on Grossglcoknerstrasse.
Trails like the Geotrail Tauernfenster offer stunning views and are accessible from points near the summit.

Sharing the road

Two people ride scooters past a rocky mountain wall on Grossglockner High Alpine Road in summer — Scooter ride past alpine stone walls on Grossglockner road

The road is also popular with cyclists, bikers, and scooters, so be cautious on curves.
You’ll find motorbike groups, e-bikes, and even families in Vespas—this is a favourite for all kinds of travellers.
Expect the occasional cow or sheep crossing—we had a sheep jam that paused traffic for a few minutes!

Back in Salzburg after Grossglockner road trip? Here’s what to do.

Pick one of these easy ways to wind down your day:

Head to the riverbank for a quiet dinner

Sit by the Salzach, dip your feet in the cool water, and grab dinner nearby at Café Bazar or a riverside spot that feels right in the moment.

Relax in Augustiner Beer Garden

Evening beer garden in Austria with locals enjoying fries, chips, salad and drinks under the trees — Open air seating at Augustiner brastrubl in Salzburg

This monastery-turned-beer-hall Augustiner is one of my favourite places in Austria. Grab a cold beer, find a shaded bench, and soak in the cheerful local buzz like I did

Pick a café in Salzburg’s old town

Wander through Getreidegasse and stop at Café Tomaselli for cake and coffee. It’s a calm, classic way to rest your feet and people-watch in Old town squares.

Summary -Why Grossglockner road trip is a must in Austria?

The beauty of Grossglockner never lets you sleep

Ever since I began travelling with my mum (from the age of six), she’s had one constant habit—she always sleeps during the journey. Be it the winding roads to Kedarnath or a bumpy tuk-tuk ride in Bangkok, she naps through it all.

Mother-daughter moment with Grossglockner peaks

But on this road trip, she didn’t shut her eyes for even a minute.

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road managed what no other journey has—she stayed wide awake the entire time, pointing at peaks, clouds, and cows. This route is now a running legend in our family: “The only road where Gayathri didn’t fall asleep because it was beyond scenic.”

It’s not just the 40 kilometres of high-altitude curves that make it special. It’s the constant change—the shifting colours of meadows, the way one village melts into the next, and the landscapes that go from green pastures to icy ridges in minutes. We couldn’t take our eyes off it.

You see everything from valleys to glaciers

As we climbed higher, two tunnels appeared ahead—stacked at different levels across the valley. Naturally, we wanted to see where they led.

The scenery changed again. Mountains gave way to deep valleys, and tiny alpine lakes began to appear like glass puddles in the rocks. It was one of those rare sunny days in the Alps, and the snowploughs were parked, off-duty.

We felt like we were gliding through a postcard.

Even the cows made us stop and stare

Brown and white cows rest and graze on a grassy hill with layered mountains in the background — Cows chilling with a mountain view

Then came the cows. We suddenly heard the loud clang of cowbells echoing through the hills. A herd of massive cows was grazing by the roadside, majestic and mildly unimpressed.

Mum and I are both obsessed with cows, so of course, we squealed. Our driver, Siva, pulled over for us. We stepped out to say hello—maybe even offer a little back rub.

One of them turned and gave us a look that clearly said, “Try it, and I’ll charge.” We laughed, backed off, and let them be.

You’ll meet sheep, marmots and maybe chaos

Sheep on the road causing an alpine traffic pause

Not long after, we hit a traffic jam—but not the usual kind.

A group of sheep had decided to cross the road in their own time, holding up cars, bikers, and tourists with cameras.

We also spotted marmots darting through the grass, disappearing into little holes before we could even react.

This road is wild in the best way.

Villages that make you want to move there

Soon after, the road dropped into a green valley, and I found myself silently scanning the rooftops.

Traditional wooden hotel building with pink and white flowers on the balcony in an alpine town near Grossglockner

Alpine houses, sloping wooden roofs, flowered balconies—the kind of place you dream of living in when you’ve had enough of the world.

My mum said she’d buy a home there someday, until she googled the real estate prices.

Austria’s mountain infrastructure is next level

But it wasn’t just the charm. What really stood out was how smoothly everything worked.

From clean public water spouts to emergency shelters carved into the mountain walls, Austria’s infrastructure is quiet but impressive.

Just before the final stretch, we passed a 500-metre-long gallery built to protect drivers in case of snow or rockfalls. Practical, thoughtful, and somehow still beautiful.

It was built after war, but feels timeless

And just when we thought we had seen it all, we were reminded of how this place came to be.

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road was built in 1935, after World War I, to combat unemployment and bring tourism into a struggling country.

A path once meant only for mountaineers became a road for everyone—from families like ours to bikers, hikers, and solo wanderers.

It’s surreal to think that something so brutal—war—led to something so beautiful.

It’s the kind of place that stays with you

Two women stand facing a deep green valley and alpine cliffs with clouds drifting across the mountains — Scenic stop with dramatic valley views

That contrast stays with you. The views feel untouched, raw, and deeply alive.

The colours shift from muted pastels to bursts of wildflowers, depending on the bend. Grossglockner is a bundle of beauty and quiet strength, and you feel it with every kilometre.

You don’t need to hike up mountains to enjoy it—but if you want to, you can.

Whether you drive, bike, or just walk a bit from the viewpoints, there’s no one right way to experience this road.

My mum says this is the most beautiful place in Austria.

I still love Schafberg’s hilltop views, but I get it. There’s something about Grossglockner that stays with you longer.

And maybe it starts with the simple fact that—for once—she didn’t fall asleep.