GROSSGLOCKNER

The Großglockner rises up to 3.798 metres into the sky, and is not only the highest mountain and the largest glacier of Austria, but is also among the highest mountain tops of the Alps.

	Even the view from the toll gate is impressive.

High alpine road:
Since 1935, the high alpine road has been an unforgettable adventure to over 50 million guests. The famous alpine road ends in front of the sparkler of the national park Hohe Tauern – the Großglockner.
Since they have built the high alpine road, the top of the Großglockner got a new dimension. It’s a popular place of excursion – here, you’re consumed by the fascination of the eternal ice and the force of the elements.
However, due to the recent tragedies, it should be pointed out that a lot totally overrate themselves and underestimate the hidden dangers of the mountains, which dramatically leads into death!

Our experience:
We left in the early morning, to avoid the big rush. What we found annoying were the motor bikes, which overtook us not only in the most invisible curves, but also passed when a car was close to us on the opposite lane. The road contains many curves, which require a certain knowledge of driving. As the high alpine road is frequently used by cyclists as well, it is advised to pay attention and to drive considerately. At the end of the road, you’ll find, beside other things, also parking garages. From this point, you’ll have an amazing panorama view on the “Pasterze” and the glaciers, including of course the Großglockner. You even can climb down to the “Pasterze”, a little lift for which you pay exaggerated prices is also available as an alternative.

Among other things, to drive up this glacier is one of the most breathtaking adventures you’ll encounter in the Alps!

The high-alpine road up to the Großglockner

An impressive panorama view of the 3.798 metres high Großglockner (the mountain in the middle) and the "Pasterze" (called "Gletscherzunge" - the tongue of the glacier).

Panorama terrace; the sign says "Top of Austria"	Melting snow	View up on the other side

	This picture is meant to shock - it shows the height of the glacier in 1975. Only one of the dramatic consequences of the greenhouse effect...

Additional information:
Price:
day ticket: car – 26 EUR, motor bike – 17 EUR
round trip ticket: car – 30 EUR, motor bike – 23 EUR

Open:
from mid May to the end of October 2005
15. June – 15. September: 5am to 10 pm
early / post season: 6.30am to 10.30 pm
Last entrance: 45min prior closing

NORDKETTENBAHN

Description:
The “Nordkettenbahn” is a cable railway in two sections - it starts from Innsbruck’s district “Hungerburg” (863m, to be reached with the “Hungerburgbahn” from the base terminal at 575m), going over the “Seegrube” (1.905m) up to the “Haferle Kar” (2.330m) – a mountain top of the Nordkette.
The panorama from the Haferle Kar is breathtaking – you can let your gaze wander from the city Innsbruck and it’s surrounding to the far over 3.000 metres high glaciers of the central alps.

Additional information:
A return ticket from Innsbruck to the Haferle Kar, including the transfer with the Hungerburgbahn, is about 23 EUR (youth and senior citizens: 18 EUR, children fare available for 12 EUR). Although it’s not cheap, it’s absolutely worth the ticket!
Every Friday night, the Restaurant Seegrube becomes a well-known gourmet address, where you can not only enjoy a delicious dinner, but also the amazing view on Innsbruck at night.
Despite announcing the last transfer from the Haferle Kar to Innsbruck through loudspeakers, when you are at the top and the wind blows in the wrong direction, you won’t be able to hear it. Keep the scheduled transfers remembered, otherwise you’ll be left up there.