The Grossglockner, or “The Great Bell,” is the highest mountain in Austria. It soars to a height of 3,798 meters above sea level and is part of the Hohe Tauern mountain range.
The Hohe Tauern National Park, where the Grossglockner peak is located, is one of the most beautiful regions in Austria. It covers a total area of 1,800 square kilometers and spans three different Austrian states: Salzburg, Carinthia, and Tyrol. Within the national park, there are 300 other mountains exceeding 3,000 meters in height, as well as 342 glaciers and no fewer than 551 lakes nestled in the heart of the mountains!
The peak of the Grossglockner is located on the border between Tyrol and the state of Carinthia.
On the eastern side of the mountain lies a giant glacier called the Pasterze. The glacier is about 9 kilometers long and is the largest in Austria. It is situated among the Glockner Group of mountains within the Hohe Tauern National Park. The glacier’s length shortens by at least 10 meters each year, and its total volume has decreased by half since it was first measured in 1851.
The mountain’s summit is characterized by two pyramid-shaped peaks. One peak is called Grossglockner, and the other is Kleinglockner (it is slightly lower, at 3,770 meters above sea level). The mountain’s rocks are black, which is why it is also known as the “Black Mountain.” Legend has it that a powerful black crystal is hidden inside the mountain, giving it its awe-inspiring power.
The forests, slopes, and vast expanses of vegetation make the Grossglockner a wonderful place for wildlife. It’s not surprising to see marmots and mountain cows roaming freely in the open areas. Predators like golden eagles also live in this region and can be seen flying at high altitudes, searching for worthy prey. The steep slopes are not suitable for agriculture, but the rich hay produced from them helps feed the animals in the surrounding valleys.
The Grossglockner and its surrounding high mountains are snow-covered for most of the year. When the snow begins to melt with the arrival of summer, a massive flow of water rushes down the mountainsides. The clear water flows rapidly into the mountain lakes, creating spectacular waterfalls along the way (like the Krimml Waterfalls, for example). The mountain water is clear and drinkable, but it is also used to power turbines and generate electricity for the local residents!
This is what the view looks like in the Grossglockner area:
The Village of Kals am Grossglockner
The most well-known settlement in the Grossglockner area is the small village of Kals. This is the village from which the first climbing expedition to the mountain’s summit set out, and to this day, many climbers begin their arduous journey to the peak from here. The village is located at the foot of the Grossglockner, close to the border with Salzburg and Carinthia, within the Iseltal and Kalser valleys. The Kalserbach river flows near the village.
Recommended Hiking Trail in the Grossglockner Area
Hike from Kals am Grossglockner – Lucknerhaus:
This trail requires good physical fitness but is not particularly challenging in terms of terrain. Even children from the age of 10 can do it. The trail initially passes through a forest and then along the large grassy expanses of the Greiwiesen area. From the open spaces, you can see the Kalser valley and the impressive Figerhorn peak. The final part of the trail is a descent towards Lucknerhaus, offering views of the Grossglockner peak.
- Starting Point: The car park at Lucknerhaus
- Ending Point: The car park at Lucknerhaus
- Trail Length: Approximately 10 kilometers
- Hiking Time: 4.5 hours
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
Trail Description:
From the Lucknerhaus guesthouse, walk along the gravel road towards the Glorerhütte mountain hut. After the hut, continue along the trail and turn left at the first fork. From there, cross the grassy fields with a slight ascent. At the next fork, turn right and continue down towards the Leitertal valley (there will be some sections with ropes, but they are not too difficult).
A short climb from there will lead to the Salmhütte hut. From the hut, continue down the path through the valley and its streams. Here, the path begins to climb again towards the Pfortscharte Notch. The path becomes winding, and at the first fork, stay on the right-hand trail. The trail continues up the valley, and at the end, at another fork, choose the lower path and walk until you reach the next fork, where you should continue straight and not descend.
The trail continues to a place called Viehböden, and from there, you descend on the winding path. From there, a walk through fields and along the stream leads to the Lucknerhütte hut. From this point, walk along the gravel road through the valley until you return to the Lucknerhaus guesthouse.
Climbing to the Grossglockner Summit
From the side of the village of Kals am Grossglockner, it is possible to climb the mountain. The route begins with a 2.5-hour ascent from the Lucknerhaus guesthouse towards the Lucknerhütte mountain hut. From there, you continue climbing towards Stüdlhütte and then towards the Erzherzog Johann Hütte (another two and a half hours). This hut is where climbers usually stay overnight.
From the hut, it is another 1.5-hour climb to the summit of the Grossglockner. The way back down to the Lucknerhaus takes about 3.5 hours.
- Starting Point: The car park at Lucknerhaus
- Ending Point: The car park at Lucknerhaus
- Hiking Time: Approximately 9 hours (it is advisable to plan for an overnight stay before the final ascent to the summit)
- Difficulty Level: Difficult – Very Difficult
Think you’re ready for a climb to 3,798 meters? This is what a summit climb looks like:
If you don’t want to hike in nature but still want to enjoy the views of the Grossglockner, you can drive on the Kals Glocknerstraße road, which connects the village of Kals am Grossglockner to the Ködnitztal area. The road passes by the Lucknerhaus guesthouse and offers fantastic views and a viewpoint of the impressive Grossglockner peak.
Do not confuse this with the Grossglockner High Alpine Road – that is a different route located in the state of Salzburg. If you would like to read more about the High Alpine Road, which is considered one of the most popular attractions in Austria, you can do so in our extended article on that region.
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