"Started early, brilliant blue sky at the top and the glacier within reach. Our chauffeur drove the hairpins with ease – we just had to look."
Day tour · 8–10 hours
36 hairpins, 2,504 metres, a 3,798-metre peak: the Grossglockner High Alpine Road is Austria's most magnificent mountain road.
A private full-day tour from Salzburg onto the most famous panoramic road in the Alps. From the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe viewpoint you look across to the Grossglockner – Austria's highest mountain – and the Pasterze glacier below it.
- 3,798 m peak
- Pasterze glacier
- 8–10 hours
- Up to 7 guests
Why the Grossglockner
A road as an experience: 48 kilometres of high mountains, built in the 1930s as a masterpiece of engineering.
The Grossglockner High Alpine Road links the Salzburg region with Carinthia and has been one of Austria's greatest attractions since it opened in 1935. From Salzburg we reach the northern start at Fusch in about 1 hour 45 minutes – usually via Zell am See, which is itself worth a short photo stop.
From the toll gate the real experience begins: 36 numbered hairpins twist the road upward. The first major stop is the Edelweissspitze at 2,571 metres – with a 360-degree panorama over more than 30 three-thousanders. In clear weather this is one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the entire Alps.
Over the Hochtor, the highest point of the through road at 2,504 metres, the route leads to the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe. This viewing balcony sits directly opposite the Grossglockner and the Pasterze glacier, the largest glacier in the Eastern Alps. There is also a visitor centre with an exhibition – and with a little luck you'll see marmots and ibex.
The road is weather-dependent, open only from about early May to early November and closed at night. We therefore start early to catch the best light and the lightest traffic. As it is much cooler at the top than in the valley, we recommend warm clothing – even in high summer.
This tour is a full day and the scenic highlight of our offering. It suits anyone who wants to experience the high mountains without having to drive the demanding mountain road themselves – you enjoy the views, your chauffeur knows every hairpin.
Day plan
From Salzburg to 2,571 metres and back
- 01
Zell am See (photo stop)
20 min
A short stop at Lake Zell with a view of the Kitzsteinhorn before heading into the high mountains.
- 02
Fusch toll gate
—
Start of the High Alpine Road. From here 36 hairpins climb upward – the toll is included in the tour price.
- 03
Edelweissspitze
30 min
2,571 m, the highest drivable point. A 360-degree panorama over more than 30 three-thousanders.
- 04
Hochtor
15 min
The highest point of the through road (2,504 m) and the historic pass between Salzburg and Carinthia.
- 05
Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe
90 min
A viewing balcony facing the Grossglockner and the Pasterze glacier. Visitor centre, marmots, ibex.
- 06
Return to Salzburg
2 hrs
A leisurely return through the Pinzgau, optionally with a stop for refreshments.
Private Grossglockner tour · individually planned
Your personal Grossglockner offer within 60 minutes
Tell us your pickup time and party size — we send a transparent flat-rate offer including the High Alpine Road toll. Private, flexible, a multilingual chauffeur who knows every hairpin.
What most guidebooks skip
"Start early. By afternoon clouds shroud the peak – and that's exactly when the coaches arrive."
M
Markus T.
Chauffeur-guide · Hohe Tauern
The Grossglockner sets its mood in the morning. Until about 11 a.m. the peak is usually clear, the light sharp and the road pleasantly empty. In the afternoon cumulus clouds often build up, and at the same time the big coaches arrive. That's why we start early in Salzburg – the difference between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Franz-Josefs-Höhe is enormous.
Something many underestimate: it's cold up top. At 2,500 metres it can be under 10 degrees even in July, with wind. Bring a jacket, even if it's summery in the valley. We carry blankets on board, but sturdy shoes pay off if you want to walk the short path to the glacier viewpoint.
And for animal lovers: the marmots at the Franz-Josefs-Höhe are used to people and especially active in the morning. With a little patience you'll see them up close – a highlight especially for families.
Included in the private tour
What we bring
Mercedes vehicle all day
Standby time, fuel and parking included.
Chauffeur as guide
Trained speaker in DE, EN, IT.
High Alpine Road toll
The Grossglockner road toll is included.
Blankets & weather kit
For the cool mountain air, on board.
Water & snacks
Refreshments for the long day.
Wi-Fi & USB-C
Mobile Wi-Fi and charging cables on board.
Grossglockner guests
What our guests experienced
"The marmots were the highlight for the kids. A long day, but worth every minute."
"One of the most beautiful mountain roads I've ever seen. Very pleasant to be driven rather than drive yourself."
Grossglockner FAQ
What to know before the tour
Can't find your answer? Message us on WhatsApp – we typically reply within minutes.
WhatsAppWhen is the Grossglockner road open?+
Weather-dependent, roughly from early May to early November. It is closed at night. We plan the tour within opening hours and start early.
How long does the tour take?+
It is a full day of about 8 to 10 hours, including the drive, stops at the Edelweissspitze and the Franz-Josefs-Höhe, and the return.
Is the toll included in the price?+
Yes, the High Alpine Road toll is included in our flat-rate offer. Admission to the visitor centre is optional.
What clothing should I bring?+
Warm clothing and a jacket, even in summer – at 2,500 metres it is much cooler and windier than in the valley. Sturdy shoes for short walks are sensible.
Is the tour suitable for children and older guests?+
Yes. The viewpoints are easily reached by vehicle. If you are sensitive to altitude or switchbacks, let us know in advance – we adjust the pace and breaks.
What does the tour cost?+
We price every tour individually by vehicle, duration and chosen stops. Send us an inquiry – you receive a transparent flat-rate offer within 60 minutes.
Grossglockner day tour