Climbing the Großglockner is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular adventures and a dream for all mountaineers. With its 3798 meters, it offers a considerable size and plenty of space for individual experiences.
True to the motto "All roads lead to Rome", we have compiled 6 fantastic routes for your mountain tour. Starting from the normal route via the old Kalser route to the northwest ridge with Teufelshorn – each route has its own charm.
We also show you what you should pay attention to on your Großglockner mountain tour and what to expect on the tours.
Is the Großglockner difficult to climb?
Climbing the Großglockner is considered an absolute must-have among true peak collectors. However, the mountain tour is not easy. The challenging and partly adventurous paths present a real challenge. Besides
- glaciers,
- ridges
- and intense climbing passages, all Großglockner routes have special requirements and should not be tackled by beginners alone.
Do you need a mountain guide for the Großglockner?
Climbing the Großglockner without a mountain guide is not recommended. Even experienced mountaineers should book a guided tour to minimize the risk.
Not only the partly adventurous passages but also the rapid weather changes require the knowledge of a local mountain guide.
How long does a Großglockner climb take?
For the tour, you should plan at least 1.5 days. Each route includes an overnight stay in the Großglockner huts. Here you are perfectly equipped with an ultralight hut sleeping bag. Thanks to sustainable materials and high-quality workmanship, you enjoy the best comfort on the go.
How do you climb the Großglockner?
The Großglockner ascent is possible in many ways. Depending on your condition and experience, several routes are available to you:
1. The Normal Route
The Großglockner Normal Route is the original among the ascent options. Over 200 years ago, the summit was first climbed via this route. It is suitable for the Großglockner climb for beginners and advanced climbers alike.
| Info | Details |
| Difficulty | medium |
| Elevation gain | 1880 |
| Stages | Salmhütte, Hohenwartscharte, Hohenwartkopf, Erzog Johann Hütte |
| Duration | 2 days |
| Highlights | Ködnitztal, Leitertal |
| Best season | July to September |
| Requirements and equipment | Mountain experience, climbing skills, and good fitness are prerequisites. You also need comprehensive climbing and glacier equipment |
2. Old Kalser Path
The Old Kalser Path is also part of the Großglockner normal route. It makes a good counterpart to the first ascent route and is also suitable for beginners with a mountain guide.
| Info | Details |
| Difficulty | medium |
| Elevation gain | 1900 |
| Stages | Köditzkees, Erzog Johann Hütte |
| Duration | 1.5 days |
| Highlights | Ködnitztal, Adlersruhe |
| Best season | June to early October |
| Requirements and equipment | Surefootedness and good fitness are prerequisites. You also need comprehensive climbing and glacier equipment |
3. Meletzkigrat
The Meletzkigrat is one of the classic Großglockner routes on the north side. Due to the high difficulty level, it is only recommended for experienced mountaineers. Even with a mountain guide, beginners should opt for another tour.
| Info | Details |
| Difficulty | demanding |
| Elevation gain | 1700 |
| Stages | Pasterze, block terrain, ridge |
| Duration | 1.5 days |
| Highlights | very varied passages |
| Best season | July/early September |
| Requirements and equipment | Climbing experience, acclimatization ability, optimal fitness, surefootedness, high-quality mountaineering equipment |
4. Stüdlgrat
On this route, you reach the summit cross of the Großglockner via the south side. The Stüdlgrat is considered an absolute classic in the Eastern Alps and makes mountaineers' hearts beat faster. With its varied routes over
- glaciers,
- boulder terrain
- and impressive climbing passages, it requires some experience to climb the Großglockner via this route.
| Info | Details |
| Difficulty | demanding |
| Elevation gain | 1900 |
| Stages | boulder terrain, Stüdlgrat |
| Duration | 1.5 days |
| Highlights | numerous viewpoints on the ridge |
| Best season | July/September |
| Requirements and equipment | climbing experience, good acclimatization, excellent fitness, surefootedness, high-quality mountaineering equipment |
5. Northwest Ridge
The Northwest Ridge offers a successful combination of flanks and ridge. Here, experienced mountaineers get their money's worth on the Großglockner ascent, who have already mastered the Stüdlgrat.
Your efforts are rewarded with the breathtaking panorama of the Grögerschneid.
| Info | Details |
| Difficulty | demanding |
| Elevation gain | 1900 |
| Stages | Teischnitzkees, Grögerrinne, Northwest Ridge |
| Duration | 1.5 days |
| Highlights | Grögerschneid |
| Best season | July/September |
| Requirements and equipment | perfect climbing skills, good acclimatization, excellent fitness, surefootedness, high-quality mountaineering equipment |
6. Northwest Ridge with Teufelshorn
The Northwest Ridge with Teufelshorn is one of the most demanding Großglockner routes. The ascent offers you a unique combination of flank and ridge and requires perfect climbing skills.
An absolute highlight of this Großglockner ascent is undoubtedly the Teufelshorn, – an absolute landmark of the mountain.
| Info | Details |
| Difficulty | demanding |
| Elevation gain | 1950 |
| Stages | Lower Glockner Notch, Teufelshorn, West Wall, Glocknerhorn, Northwest Ridge |
| Duration | 1.5 days |
| Highlights | Teufelshorn, Glocknerhorn |
| Best season | July/August |
| Requirements and Equipment | excellent climbing skills and fitness, impeccable acclimatization, surefootedness, high-quality mountaineering equipment |
Conclusion
The Großglockner ascent is one of the most spectacular events in the life of every mountaineer for a reason. Thanks to the breathtaking panorama and the diverse passages, the tour definitely becomes an absolute highlight. However, even for experienced mountain enthusiasts, climbing the Großglockner without a mountain guide is definitely not recommended.
Due to climatic conditions, the weather can change unexpectedly at any time and put you in serious danger. Therefore, you should also inform yourself in advance about how to use an emergency blanket correctly. In case of emergency, you save lives this way!
FAQ
How many fatalities are there on the Großglockner?
The Großglockner ascent has claimed 446 fatalities so far.
Can you drive to the Großglockner by car?
You can drive to the Großglockner on the Großglockner High Alpine Road. The route is 48 kilometers long.
What does it cost to climb the Großglockner with a mountain guide?
Depending on the route, climbing the Großglockner with a mountain guide costs between 300 and 700 € per person.
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