How long is the Austria: Salzburg to Innsbruck via the Grossglockner route?

This route takes 10 days taking in 7 stops.

Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Salzburg, Austria to Salzburg, Austria in Austrian Alps, Austria.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is May to October.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Active. Moderately active — expect some walking and light physical activity.

What transport do I need for this route?

A car is the primary way to get around on this route.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Hotels accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Nature, Culture, Adventure, Classic road trip.

Austria: Salzburg to Innsbruck via the Grossglockner

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The route · 7 stops

1
Salzburg
2 nights
Mozart's baroque city on the Salzach, set against the Hohensalzburg fortress and alpine backdrop. Two nights gives you the hilltop castle, Mirabell Gardens, Getreidegasse and the Old Town. The day trip potential into Salzkammergut or Berchtesgaden is excellent.
Mozart's baroque city on the Salzach, set against the Hohensalzburg fortress and alpine backdrop. Two nights gives you the hilltop castle, Mirabell Gardens, Getreidegasse and the Old Town. The day trip potential into Salzkammergut or Berchtesgaden is excellent.
Park in Old Town garages and explore on foot. The Salzburg Card covers fortress entry, gondola, museums and public transport. Most sights are within 20 minutes' walk.
2
Zell am See
2 nights1h 3m · 75 km from previous
A lakeside resort town at the foot of the Schmittenhöhe, perfectly placed for the Grossglockner approach. Ride the gondola to 1,965 m for a panoramic ridge walk, or make a day trip to the Kitzsteinhorn glacier at Kaprun. Two relaxed nights before the high-alpine drama ahead.
A lakeside resort town at the foot of the Schmittenhöhe, perfectly placed for the Grossglockner approach. Ride the gondola to 1,965 m for a panoramic ridge walk, or make a day trip to the Kitzsteinhorn glacier at Kaprun. Two relaxed nights before the high-alpine drama ahead.
The Grossglockner toll road starts at Bruck, 12 km south. Fill up on petrol in Zell am See; there are no stations on the high alpine road.
3
Heiligenblut am Grossglockner
1 night34m · 41 km from previous
The journey's centrepiece: 48 km of hairpin bends climbing to 2,504 m through the Hohe Tauern National Park. Edelweissspitze (2,571 m) delivers a 360-degree panorama, and Franz-Josefs-Höhe gives close-up views of the Pasterze glacier. The village below frames the Grossglockner summit with an iconic Gothic church spire.
The journey's centrepiece: 48 km of hairpin bends climbing to 2,504 m through the Hohe Tauern National Park. Edelweissspitze (2,571 m) delivers a 360-degree panorama, and Franz-Josefs-Höhe gives close-up views of the Pasterze glacier. The village below frames the Grossglockner summit with an iconic Gothic church spire.
Toll is 46.50 EUR per car (2026). Drive north to south, arriving at Franz-Josefs-Höhe before noon to beat the tour coaches. Allow 3 hours minimum for the road.
4
Lienz
2 nights27m · 32 km from previous
East Tyrol's sunny capital at the confluence of the Drau and Isel rivers, ringed by the Lienz Dolomites. Visit Schloss Bruck castle museum, cycle the Drau Valley trail, and see the Roman settlement of Aguntum. Two nights uncovers a side of Austria few visitors reach.
East Tyrol's sunny capital at the confluence of the Drau and Isel rivers, ringed by the Lienz Dolomites. Visit Schloss Bruck castle museum, cycle the Drau Valley trail, and see the Roman settlement of Aguntum. Two nights uncovers a side of Austria few visitors reach.
The Hochstein gondola gives access to Lienz Dolomite hiking trails in summer. The Drau cycle path (Drau-Radweg) is flat and well-marked heading east from town.
5
Innsbruck
2 nights2h 4m · 149 km from previous
Tyrol's alpine capital, where the Inn River reflects the 2,334 m Nordkette ridge from the Old Town. Cable car access to the high ridge takes 20 minutes from the centre. Two nights covers the Golden Roof, Hofburg Palace, Tyrolean Museum and the ridge walk above the clouds.
Tyrol's alpine capital, where the Inn River reflects the 2,334 m Nordkette ridge from the Old Town. Cable car access to the high ridge takes 20 minutes from the centre. Two nights covers the Golden Roof, Hofburg Palace, Tyrolean Museum and the ridge walk above the clouds.
The Innsbruck Card (24/48/72-hour) covers the Nordkette cable car, all museums and city transport. Buy at the tourist office on Burggraben.
6
Kufstein
1 night1h 13m · 87 km from previous
A handsome Inn Valley border town dominated by the medieval Kufstein Fortress on its rocky spur. The daily Heroes' Organ recital at noon echoes across the valley from inside the fortress walls. Half a day explores the old town before the final drive back to Salzburg.
A handsome Inn Valley border town dominated by the medieval Kufstein Fortress on its rocky spur. The daily Heroes' Organ recital at noon echoes across the valley from inside the fortress walls. Half a day explores the old town before the final drive back to Salzburg.
Fortress entry includes the noon Heroes' Organ concert. Park at the main square and walk up through the fortified tunnel. Avoid weekends in July and August for quieter visits.
7
Salzburg
1h 17m · 92 km from previous
The 95 km return from Kufstein follows the Inn Valley through Rosenheim, briefly crossing into Bavaria before cutting south through Freilassing into Salzburg. Allow 90 minutes. Convenient for airport departures or a final evening in the Old Town.
The 95 km return from Kufstein follows the Inn Valley through Rosenheim, briefly crossing into Bavaria before cutting south through Freilassing into Salzburg. Allow 90 minutes. Convenient for airport departures or a final evening in the Old Town.
Salzburg Airport is 20 minutes from the city centre. Car hire drop-off is available at the terminal.

Austria: Salzburg to Innsbruck via the Grossglockner

The route · 7 stops

Salzburg

Zell am See

Heiligenblut am Grossglockner

Lienz

Innsbruck

Kufstein

Salzburg

Route highlights

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Austria: Salzburg to Innsbruck via the Grossglockner

The route · 7 stops

Salzburg

Zell am See

Heiligenblut am Grossglockner

Lienz

Innsbruck

Kufstein

Salzburg

Route highlights

Photos & videos · 0

No photos yet

Frequently asked questions

Ratings & reviews

Comments · 0

No comments yet

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