Alpine Road, Salzburg: Drive Scenic Alpine Road Salzburg
Description: The Alpine Road in Salzburg, commonly known as the Grossglockner High Alpine Road (Grossglockner-Hochalpenstrasse), is a scenic mountain road that traverses the Austrian Alps. It is one of the most famous and breathtaking alpine roads in Europe, offering stunning views, picturesque landscapes, and access to the Hohe Tauern National Park. The road takes travelers through high mountain passes and provides a gateway to the majestic Grossglockner, the highest peak in Austria.
Visitor Fee: As of my last update in September 2021, there is an admission fee to drive on the Grossglockner High Alpine Road. The fee varies depending on the type of vehicle and the time of year you visit. It’s best to check the official website for the most current pricing and any discounts available.
Transportation: The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is accessible by car, and it’s a popular route for scenic drives. You can start your journey in the town of Zell am See or Bruck, both of which are easily reachable from Salzburg. The road is well-marked, and there are several entrances and exit points along the route.
Things to Do:
- Scenic Drive: Enjoy the breathtaking scenery as you drive through the high mountain passes, with numerous viewpoints and photo opportunities along the way.
- Visitor Centers: Stop at the visitor centers and information points to learn about the natural and cultural history of the region.
- Hiking: There are various hiking trails accessible from the road, offering opportunities to explore the surrounding alpine landscapes.
- Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including marmots and ibexes, as the road passes through a national park.
- Photography: Capture the stunning landscapes, glaciers, and mountain vistas.
Why People Enjoy Coming Here: People visit the Grossglockner High Alpine Road for several reasons:
- Scenic Beauty: The road offers some of the most breathtaking alpine views in Europe, with snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and lush meadows.
- Nature and Wildlife: It provides access to the pristine Hohe Tauern National Park, where visitors can experience the natural beauty of the Austrian Alps.
- Outdoor Activities: Hiking, photography, and wildlife viewing opportunities abound, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Cultural Experience: The road has several visitor centers that offer insights into the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
Age of the Place: The Grossglockner High Alpine Road was officially opened in 1935, making it nearly a century old as of 2023. It was initially built to promote tourism and provide access to the majestic landscapes of the Austrian Alps.
List of Activities:
- Scenic drive along the Alpine road.
- Stop at viewpoints and visitor centers for information and photos.
- Explore hiking trails and enjoy the pristine alpine nature.
- Spot wildlife, including marmots and ibexes.
- Take photographs of the stunning landscapes and glaciers.
Additional Nearby Attractions: The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is surrounded by stunning natural beauty and offers access to other attractions in the region, including:
- Grossglockner: Austria’s highest peak is accessible via the road, and visitors can hike or take a guided tour to explore the area.
- Hohe Tauern National Park: Discover the diverse flora and fauna of this national park, which is the largest in the Alps.
- Heiligenblut: A picturesque alpine village with a Gothic church, located near the Grossglockner.
- Zell am See: A charming town with a beautiful lake, offering water sports and outdoor activities.