Zell am See to Merano: Alpine Road Trip Guide

The journey from Zell am See to Merano covers approximately 200 kilometers, traversing two countries and one of Europe's most scenic alpine passes. The Grossglockner High Alpine Road (B107) is the centerpiece, with its hairpin bends and panoramic views of Austria's highest peak. A little-known fact: the road was built in the 1930s as a scenic route and remains toll-based, costing about 40 EUR for cars. This drive is worth it for the experience of crossing the Alps via a route that combines engineering marvels with pristine wilderness.

Typical driving time without stops is about 3.5 hours, but with photography stops, hikes, and meals, plan for a full day. The road is open from early May to late October, weather permitting.

Grossglockner has 36 hairpin turns; drive slowly and use engine braking on descents. The route is safe for families: children enjoy the wildlife park at Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe (marmots, ibex). Pet-friendly: dogs allowed on leash in most areas. Designated rest stops every 10 km; the Fuscher Törl has a playground and toilets. For fatigue, stop at Lucknerhaus (altitude 1,920 m) for a coffee with glacier views.

Hidden off-route gems: the Krimml Waterfalls (a 30-min detour from Bruck) and the Rafting Center at Kaprun. To plan your stops better, read how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

• Rest areas: Bruck (start), Fuscher Törl (mid-pass), Heiligenblut (after pass)
• Family tip: Stop at the Edelweißspitke viewing platform (free)
• Pet tip: Many outdoor cafés along the route allow dogs

Start in Zell am See on B311, then merge onto B107 Grossglockner High Alpine Road at Bruck. Continue to Heiligenblut, then follow B106 to Lienz, and finally A22/E66 to Merano. Tolls: Grossglockner one-way car toll is 41.50 EUR (2024). For fuel, fill up in Zell am See (prices ~1.50 EUR/L) and again before the pass; Merano fuel is slightly cheaper (~1.45 EUR/L).

• Distance: ~200 km (124 miles)
• Driving time: 3.5–4 hours (without stops)
• Highest point: Hochtor (2,504 m / 8,215 ft)
• Recommended fuel stops: Taxenbach (before pass), Dölsach (after Lienz)

The route offers diverse landscapes: the glacial lakes of Zell am See, the rugged peaks of the Hohe Tauern, and the Mediterranean greenery of South Tyrol. At the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe viewpoint, you can see the Pasterze Glacier, Austria's largest. Local commerce thrives in small villages like Heiligenblut and Lienz, where you can buy regional cheeses and silvercraft.

Grossglockner is part of the Hohe Tauern National Park, designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (not a World Heritage Site, but ecologically rich). For UNESCO sites, detour to Hallstatt or the Historic Centre of Salzburg (near Zell am See).

• Key viewpoints: Edelweißspitze (free), Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe (free)
• Local specialties: Pinzgauer cheese (Zell am See), Lienzer Dolomiten wine
• Souvenirs: Hand-carved wooden figures in Heiligenblut