One of the highlights of our trip to Europe last month was our time exploring the Grossglockner area of Austria.  The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is a legendary drive over the highest peaks in Austria.  We approached from the south where we spent the afternoon and overnight in the lovely town of Heiligenblut at the base of the Grossglockner. I did not expect much from this town as we were really using it as a pit stop to break up a long drive. However, the town really blew me away and in hind sight we could have spent more time there and it would be a great place to base out of for a couple days if you wanted to do some serious hiking in the region.  It is a picture perfect low key town with plenty of great lodging and dining options.

After a good sleep at the Beghotel Hois, we were up and en route by 9am to drive the Grossglockner.  This was great, as we were ahead of much of the traffic and virtually had the road to ourselves (the road got much more crowded with tour buses and motorcycles later in the day).  We made a couple stops along the way up for short walks to alpine lakes and waterfalls.   We were all amazed by the scenery – a beautiful blue sky day, snow capped mountains, abundant wildflowers, pristine lakes and waterfalls.

We stopped for about an hour at the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Hohe, the highest point of the drive.  There is a lovely gift shop where the kids each found a souvenir (purchase fantastic deli sandwiches at the back for a picnic lunch).  We spent most of our time marveling at the scenery and searching for marmots!

Back on the road and headed toward Salzburg, we found a perfect picnic spot just off the main road.  While still breathtakingly beautiful, the ride down the northern side was not quite as stunning as the views on the southern side.  Something to keep in mind if you are driving the pass as an out and back.  There are many opportunities for hiking for all ages and abilities all along the Grossglockner route.  Even if your group is not up for strenuous hikes or any hiking at all, the drive itself is worth it!