The Grossglockner High Alpine Road Celebrates Its 90th Birthday

A Glimpse into the Grossglockner High Alpine Road

From the Adler Resort in Saalbach Hinterglemm, it's roughly 1 hour and 10 minutes by car to the Ferleiten toll station (the road’s northwestern entry point) — making it a perfect complement to a stay in a spacious apartment with all-inclusive service.

1. An Alpine Masterpiece

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is Austria’s highest paved mountain road, stretching approximately 47.8 km and connecting Bruck (Salzburg) to Heiligenblut (Carinthia). It gains about 2,000 meters in elevation, winds through 36 dramatic hairpin bends, and offers breathtaking views — including of the Grossglockner (3,798 m) and the Pasterze Glacier.

2. Design and Construction

The visionary planner was Franz Wallack, who began work in 1924 and also designed mountain hotels like the famed Wallackhaus. Between 1930 and 1935, up to 3,200 workers endured extreme weather conditions during construction. On August 3, 1935, the road was officially inaugurated by Federal President Wilhelm Miklas.

3. A 90-Year Legacy

In 2025, the High Alpine Road marks its 90th anniversary! The road’s seasonal reopening on April 19 launched a special anniversary year. On June 25, 2025, the operating company GROHAG celebrated this milestone in Salzburg with events focusing on history, engineering, and modern mobility.

4. Technology, Nature & Cultural Heritage

• Snow fighters: For 70 years, the legendary Wallack rotary snowplows (“System Wallack”) have cleared the road each spring.
• Monument status: The road has been protected as a historic monument since 2015, and since 2020, a UNESCO nomination has been in preparation.
• Nature-Technology Balance: Winding through the Hohe Tauern National Park, the road navigates the delicate balance of conservation, tourism, and engineering.

5. Why This Birthday Is a Celebration

• Job creation project: originally built as a means to create jobs during a severe economic crisis, it provided livelihoods to hundreds of workers.
• Tourism wonderland: as a top alpine destination, it attracts up to 900,000 vehicles per year — including cars, motorcycles, road bikes, and e-bikes — making it Austria’s most popular alpine excursion road.
• Cultural monument: it's a monument embodying alpine freedom and engineering excellence, celebrated with concerts and special commemorative events during the anniversary season.

6. Tips for a Memorable Anniversary Visit

• Timing is key: The road is open from May to early November. Early morning entry is recommended. Hours vary throughout the season - until May 31: 06:00–20:00 (last entry 19:15), June 1–August 31: 05:30–21:00 (last entry 20:15), from September 1: 06:00–19:30 (last entry 18:45)
• A day or multi-day adventure: plan stops at the Edelweißspitze, Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe, and Fuscher Lacke — ideal for photos and refreshments.
• Anniversary programs: Expect guided tours, technical displays, and ORF documentaries.

7. Looking Ahead: 90 Years and Beyond

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road stands as a living monument — blending environmental preservation, infrastructure, and sustainable tourism. The 2025 anniversary year presents a perfect opportunity to rediscover this alpine gem from every perspective: as a feat of engineering, a natural marvel, and a road that has connected generations.

Warm congratulations to the Grossglockner High Alpine Road on its 90th birthday!

This is more than a road — it's a national monument filled with history, craftsmanship, and panoramic wonders. If you're looking for a relaxing short getaway, a stay at the Adler Resort in Saalbach Hinterglemm pairs perfectly with this excursion — featuring wellness, a kids' club, and bike rentals.

If you have any questions about excursions or booking your stay, the Adler Resort team will be happy to assist you at any time!

Book your holiday now!