With incredible views of mountains and lakes, taking steep inclines and twisty turns, Austria provides some fantastic scenic drives. We uncover some of the finest alpine drives below, to accompany three other recommended road trips we’ve covered in the past.
Photo by: JFL Photography/Adobe Stock
Grossglockner High Alpine Road
This 48km stretch connects Bruck in Salzberg to Heiligenblut in Carinthia. Peaking at 3000m above sea level, hitting altitudes over 2,500m, the Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse is the highest surfaced mountain pass road in Austria. This definitely cannot be missed for its spectacular views! 900,000 people per year visit the road and tackle Austria’s highest mountain. Visit the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe for its information point, 1000m square exhibition space and visitors centre. Find out more about the Tauern National Park and hike to the summit. Alternatively take the glacier railway which cuts the ascent in half. This is a busy tourist route, and also a toll road, so to make the most of your drive, visit as early as possible to avoid peak traffic. Take a guided tour with a national park ranger or meander yourself obtaining great views of the Pasterze Glacier.
Gerlos Alpine Road
This route is in the far west of the Pinzgau, between Mittersill in Salzburg and Zell am Ziller in Tyrol. It takes around an hour but you’ll want to allow more time to ensure plenty of stops for those breath-taking scenes. The 12km pass itself between Krimml and Gerlos incorporates 9 turns at a maximum gradient of 9% at a height of 1628m. Opened since 1962, the route was designed by the same architect behind the Grossglockner High Alpine Pass; Franz Wallace.
A visit to the WasserWelten Krimml is a necessity- with a drop height of 380m, these stand as Europe’s tallest waterfalls. The Krimml falls can be seen from each car park along the main route but there is a convenient car park located nearby.
Best visited between May to late October for clear views, you’ll also be able to take advantage of the 400km of marked hiking trails with something available for all abilities and ages. In winter, the Zillertal Arena draws skiers from all over the globe.
There’s a waterfall centre, exhibition space and Aquapark to visit.
Krimml Waterfalls. Photo by: mRGB/Adobe Stock
Villach Alpine Road
Taking in views of Villach, the Karawanks, the Julian Alps plus more, the altitude here changes 1202m over 16.5km. Start in Villach-Möltschach, paying the toll charge before heading on to face 7 bends and 116 turns. Park in the Rosstratte car park and proceed on foot to the summit of the Dobratsch, roughly a 90-minute hike. Take the Vom Meer zum Berg (From Sea to Mountain) trail from the car park. Benefit from relax loungers, themed children’s playgrounds, and the Rosstrattenstüberl for traditional cuisine along the way.
Goldeck Panoramic Road
Open mid-May to mid-October, this route of 10 turns covers 14.5km and an altitude of 1895m. From here you’ll see unforgettable views on Lake Millstatt and the Millstätter Alpe. Park in the highest car park to take the hiking trail to the summit, taking around 45 minutes to complete. You’ll find mountain inns and pleasant picnic spots along the way. Guided hikes are also available or you can take a ride on the Goldeck Mountain Railways.
Photo by: mRGB/Adobe Stock
Nockalm Road
This alpine road through the largest larch and stone pine forests in the Eastern Alps is open from early May through to late October. Tackle the 32km through 52 turns and a pass altitude of 2042m, connecting Ebene Reichenau to Innerkrems. The area has been named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, aiming to work on preservation issues and protect alpine habitats. Locate the exhibition area, the alpine farming museum, animal displays and 3D cinema as well as 8 adventure playgrounds for children.
Book your hire car for these scenic drives in Austria
Have you experienced any of these routes before, or are you planning on tackling them soon? Let us know in the comments below.
If you have any photos you’d like to share of your trips to Austria, we’d love to see them on Instagram and Twitter; just use the hashtag #ZestForTravel!
Written by Jessica Juby.
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