A full day from Salzburg into the heart of the Alps — Großglockner, Pasterze and 36 hairpin turns

SALZBURG CITY TOUR FIELD GUIDE

A full day from Salzburg into the heart of the Alps — Großglockner, Pasterze and 36 hairpin turns

A private, 8–9 hour road tour from Salzburg that delivers panoramic views of Austria’s highest peak, the Pasterze Glacier and the Edelweißspitze; this guide helps you prepare for the route, stops and what to bring.

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A full day from Salzburg into the heart of the Alps — Großglockner, Pasterze and 36 hairpin turns.

Duration
8-9 hours
Location
Salzburg
Operator
Bob's Special Tours
Category
City Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Embark from Salzburg for a full-day sweep south into the Austrian Alps, threading through charming alpine villages before ascending the Großglockner High Alpine Road to vantage points on the Pasterze Glacier and Austria’s highest mountain. Expect dramatic hairpin turns, high‑alpine panoramas and a mountainside lunch that frames the glacier and summit in unforgettable ways.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE SUMMIT VIEW

Edelweißspitze — the highest car‑accessible point

From Ferleiten the drive climbs to Edelweißspitze (2,572 m), the highest point accessible by car in Austria, where you can take in panoramic views of dozens of 3,000‑m peaks and the winding alpine road below.

THE GLACIER

Franz‑Josefs‑Höhe and the Pasterze Glacier

The crown jewel stop is Franz‑Josefs‑Höhe: a panoramic viewpoint over the Pasterze Glacier with a visitor centre and exhibition and nearby panorama restaurant for a hearty mountainside lunch.

THE ROUTE

High Alpine Road, hairpins and alpine villages

The route itself is a highlight — a scenic drive through Salzburger Land and the Hohe Tauern with 36 numbered hairpin curves and stops in alpine villages that punctuate the ascent and descent.

What the day feels like

What the day feels like

This is a road‑based alpine immersion: depart Salzburg with your private guide, climb the Großglockner High Alpine Road past Ferleiten to high ridge viewpoints, pause for scenic photos and a short optional walk at Edelweißspitze, then arrive at Kaiser‑Franz‑Josefs‑Höhe for glacier views, the visitor exhibition and a mountainside lunch before returning via the same high alpine corridor to Salzburg.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this private full‑day tour suits — and what wasn’t specified by the operator.

1
Road‑trip seekersIdeal for travelers who want a guided, full‑day scenic drive into the high Alps with multiple viewpoints rather than a technical climb; the operator did not list specific participant limits or age restrictions.
2
FamiliesSuitable for families comfortable with an 8–9 hour day in a vehicle with short on‑foot stops; no explicit age or participant restrictions were provided by the operator.
3
Active hikersThis is primarily a driving and viewpoint tour with optional short walks; it is not presented as a full hiking or mountaineering experience and no participant health restrictions were specified.
4
Travelers with limited mobilityThe itinerary includes high‑alpine viewpoints and short walks; the operator’s provided materials do not state accessibility provisions or limitations, so confirm specific needs in advance.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to bring

Bring closed, sturdy shoes, warm clothes and a rain jacket/coat; carry water or a drink. On sunny days bring sun protection because the sun is extremely intense at this altitude.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the tour?

The private full‑day tour runs approximately 8–9 hours from start to return to Salzburg.

Where do we meet the guide?

The meeting location is Rudolfskai 38, 5020 Salzburg.

Will we see the Pasterze Glacier?

Yes — the itinerary includes a stop at Franz‑Josefs‑Höhe with panoramic views over the Pasterze Glacier and access to the visitor centre and exhibition.

Is lunch provided?

The tour includes time for a hearty lunch at a panorama/mountainside restaurant at Franz‑Josefs‑Höhe.

Can I drive to the highest point by car?

Edelweißspitze is described as the highest point accessible by car on the route (2,572 m), with an optional short walk to a summit viewpoint depending on weather.

What should I wear for the day?

Wear closed, sturdy shoes and bring warm layers and a rain jacket/coat; also bring water and sun protection for high‑altitude exposure.