Großglockner

Hardly any other road combines driving pleasure and natural scenery as impressively as the Grossglockner High Alpine Road. From the 4-star superior Hotel Rauriserhof, you can easily reach this famous panoramic road in the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park as a day trip – returning in the evening to your comfortable home away from home after a day spent between alpine meadows and glacial ice.

If you are looking for true contrasts during your summer holiday in the Salzburg region, you have come to the right place: the journey takes you from lush green alpine pastures right up to the eternal ice. Via the northern access point at Ferleiten, the road is just a convenient drive from the Rauris Valley, winding its way from there in sweeping bends up into the mountain world of the Hohe Tauern.

The Most Beautiful Stops Along the Route

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is not just a transit route; it is a journey of discovery. Plan plenty of time to experience the viewing platforms, exhibitions, and panoramic points at your own pace:

• Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe: The absolute highlight of the route. From here, your gaze falls directly onto the Grossglockner, Austria's highest mountain at 3,798 metres, and the neighboring Johannisberg.
• The Pasterze: The longest glacier snout in the Eastern Alps. On a guided Ranger tour through the glacier forefield, you will learn how ingeniously animals and plants adapt to the harsh high-mountain environment.
• Marmots & Ibexes: Trusting marmots frequently show themselves at close range around the viewing terraces. On the steep rock faces, it is well worth keeping an eye out for alpine ibexes with their distinctive horns.
• Wilhelm-Swarovski Observatory: A glass observation tower equipped with modern optical devices that opens up views all the way to mountaineers near the summit and deep into the world of ice.

As a partner establishment of the Hohe Tauern National Park, we know the region inside out – here are a few practical tips for your panoramic drive:

• An early start pays off: The light is at its clearest in the morning – perfect for photos – and the road is still pleasantly quiet.
• Secure your ticket in advance: Booking your toll in advance online via the official Grossglockner High Alpine Road portal saves valuable time at the Ferleiten (north) and Heiligenblut (south) toll stations.
• Use the eco-tariff: Vehicles powered purely by electricity or hydrogen usually benefit from discounted rates at the ticket offices – simply have your vehicle registration document ready.
• It gets quiet in the evening: The road empties out noticeably in the late afternoon. With the discounted evening toll, you can experience the sunset over the peaks almost entirely to yourself.

Back at the Rauriserhof: Arrive and Enjoy

After a day in the high altitudes, the perfect first-class relaxation awaits you back at the Rauriserhof:

• Warmth and relaxation for tired muscles can be found in our Berg-Spa, the indoor pool, or the heated outdoor pool.
• Regional indulgence: As part of your gourmet half-board arrangement, our kitchen team cooks with fresh ingredients from the Salzburg region – perfectly tailored to an active day in the mountains.