Bad Ischl to Bolzano: Scenic Drive via Grossglockner

The 320-kilometer drive from Bad Ischl to Bolzano crosses two countries and one of Europe’s most dramatic alpine passes. The Grossglockner High Alpine Road (B107), opened in 1935, remains a toll road that snakes to 2,504 meters elevation at its highest point, the Hochtor. This route was originally a Roman-era mule track, later used for salt transport from the Salzkammergut to Italy. Today, it’s a bucket-list drive for its 36 hairpin turns and panoramas of Austria’s highest peak, the Grossglockner (3,798 m). Driving time without stops is about 4.5 hours, but plan for a full day to absorb the scenery. For tips on uncovering hidden gems along the way, read how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The first section from Bad Ischl to Zell am See follows the B145 through the Traun River valley, flanked by the Dachstein massif. Lake Wolfgangsee and Lake Fuschlsee offer short detours for swimming or a coffee with a view. Zell am See sits on the shores of Lake Zell, with the Kitzsteinhorn glacier visible above.

• UNESCO site: Hallstatt-Dachstein Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape (near Bad Ischl) – a 15-minute drive from the route.
• Hidden gem: Kitzloch Gorge near Taxenbach (off B311) – a wooden walkway through a narrow canyon.

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road itself is a natural attraction. The Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe viewpoint offers a direct view of the Pasterze Glacier, Austria’s largest. Alpine marmots often sunbathe on rocks near the road. At the south end, Heiligenblut is a picturesque village with a 15th-century church housing a vial of Christ’s blood (the legend says a saint brought it). Then the descent through the Möll Valley leads to Lienz, where the climate becomes milder. Past Lienz, the A13 Brenner Motorway climbs through the Eisack Valley to Bolzano, crossing into Italy with a sudden shift from German to Italian signage.

The Grossglockner toll road (B107) costs €42 for a standard car (2025 price). Payment is by cash or card at the entrance booths near Ferleiten or Heiligenblut. Seasonal opening typically runs from early May to late October, with exact dates varying based on snowfall. Check the official website before departure.

• Toll booth at Ferleiten (north entrance) or Heiligenblut (south entrance).
• Fuel stations: frequent in Bad Ischl and Zell am See, sparse on the pass itself. Fill up before ascending.
• Estimated fuel cost: €45–60 for the whole route (petrol, 8 L/100 km).
• Road quality: excellent on major highways; B107 is well-maintained but narrow with tight hairpins.

Alternative route without toll: take the A1 motorway from Bad Ischl via Salzburg to Innsbruck (A12), then south to Bolzano. This adds about 30 minutes (5 hours total) but avoids the alpine road and its dramatic scenery. The Grossglockner route is the more scenic choice.

The Grossglockner pass has a maximum gradient of 12% and many hairpin bends. Use low gears to avoid brake fade. Summer temperatures vary from 30°C in valleys to near freezing at the summit – pack layers. Rainfall is common; fog can reduce visibility near Hochtor.

• Rest zones: every 10 km on the pass (like Fuscher Törl or Edelweißspitze) with picnic tables and restrooms.
• Fatigue management: stop every 2 hours. Good pause points: Zell am See, Heiligenblut (coffee at Café Glocknerblick).

Family suitability: the pass excites older kids, but younger ones might get carsick. The Panorama Restaurant at Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe has a playground. Pet-friendly: dogs allowed on leash, but not inside the restaurant. There are grass areas for a quick walk. Best stops for families include the interactive exhibition at the Grossglockner Visitors’ Center (free with toll). For hidden spots, the Mooserboden reservoir (an extra 5 km detour) offers a cable car to a viewpoint over the glacier.