The Grossglockner ascent is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular adventures and a dream come true for all mountaineers. 3798 metres high, it is a considerable mountain and offers plenty of scope for individual experiences.
True to the motto "Many roads lead to Rome", we have put together 6 fantastic routes for your mountain tour, from the normal route via the old Kalser Weg to the north-west ridge with Teufelshorn- each route has its own charm.
We also show you what you should look out for on your Grossglockner mountain tourand what you can expect on the tours.
Is the Großglockner difficult to climb?
Climbing the Großglockner is an absolute must for real summit enthusiasts, but the mountain tour is not easy. The racy and sometimes adventurous paths are a real challenge.
- Glaciers,
- Burrs
- and intensive climbing passages, all Großglockner routes have special requirements and should not be mastered 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 minimise the risk.
Not only the sometimes adventurous passages, but also the rapid weather changes require the knowledge of a local mountain guide.
How long does it take to climb the Grossglockner?
You should plan at least 1.5 days for the tour. Each route includes an overnight stay in the Großglockner huts. Here you are perfectly equipped with an ultralight hut sleeping bag. Thanks to the sustainable materials and high-quality workmanship, you will also enjoy the best comfort on the way.
How do you climb the Großglockner?
The Grossglockner ascent is possible in many different ways, with several routes available depending on your fitness and experience:
1. the normal route
The Großglockner Normalweg is the most ancient of the ascent routes. This route was used to climb the summit for the first time over 200 years ago. It is suitable for beginners and advanced climbers alike.
| Info | Details |
| Level of difficulty | medium |
| Altitude metres | 1880 |
| Stages | Salmhütte, Hohenwartscharte, Hohenwartkopf, Erzog Johann Hütte |
| Duration | 2 days |
| Highlights | Ködnitz valley, Leitertal |
| Best time of year | July to September |
| Requirements and equipment | Mountain experience, climbing skills and good physical condition are a prerequisite. You will also need comprehensive climbing and glacier equipment |
2nd Alter Kalser Weg
The Alte Kalser Weg is also part of the Grossglockner Normalweg, which is a good counterpart to the route of the first ascent and is also suitable for beginners with a mountain guide.
| Info | Details |
| Level of difficulty | medium |
| Altitude metres | 1900 |
| Stages | Köditzkees, Erzog Johann hut |
| Duration | 1.5 days |
| Highlights | Ködnitz valley, Adlersruhe |
| Best time of year | June until the beginning of October |
| Requirements and equipment | Sure-footedness and a good level of fitness are a prerequisite, and you will also need comprehensive climbing and glacier equipment |
3rd Meletzkigrat
The Meletzkigrat is one of the classic Grossglocker routes on the north side. Due to the high level of difficulty, it is only recommended for experienced mountaineers. Even with a mountain guide, beginners should rather choose another tour.
| Info | Details |
| Level of difficulty | demanding |
| Altitude metres | 1700 |
| Stages | Pasterze, boulder terrain, ridge |
| Duration | 1.5 days |
| Highlights | Very varied passages |
| Best time of year | July/beginning of September |
| Requirements and equipment | Climbing experience, ability to acclimatise, optimum fitness, sure-footedness, high-quality mountaineering equipment |
4th Stüdlgrat
This route takes you to the summit cross of the Großglockner via the south side. The Stüdlgrat ridge is an absolute classic in the Eastern Alps and makes mountaineers' hearts beat faster.
- Glacier,
- Block area
- and impressive climbing passages, it takes some experience to climb the Grossglockner on this route.
| Info | Details |
| Level of difficulty | demanding |
| Altitude metres | 1900 |
| Stages | Block terrain, Stüdlgrat |
| Duration | 1.5 days |
| Highlights | Numerous viewpoints along the ridge |
| Best time of year | July/September |
| Requirements and equipment | Climbing experience, good acclimatisation, excellent physical condition, sure-footedness, high-quality mountaineering equipment |
5. north-west ridge
The north-west ridge offers a successful combination of flanks and ridge. Experienced mountaineers who have already mastered the Stüdlgrat ridge will get their money's worth here on the Großglockner ascent.
Your efforts will be rewarded by the breathtaking panorama of the Grögerschneid.
| Info | Details |
| Level of difficulty | demanding |
| Altitude metres | 1900 |
| Stages | Teischnitzkees, Grögerrinne, north-west ridge |
| Duration | 1.5 days |
| Highlights | Grögerschneid |
| Best time of year | July/September |
| Requirements and equipment | Perfect climbing skills, good acclimatisation, excellent physical condition, sure-footedness, high-quality mountaineering equipment |
6. north-west ridge with Teufelshorn
The north-west ridge with Teufelshorn is one of the most challenging 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 without doubt the Teufelshorn - an absolute landmark of the mountain.
| Info | Details |
| Level of difficulty | demanding |
| Altitude metres | 1950 |
| Stages | Untere Glocknerscharte, Teufelshorn, west face, Glocknerhorn, north-west ridge |
| Duration | 1.5 days |
| Highlights | Teufelshorn, Glocknerhorn |
| Best time of year | July/August |
| Requirements and equipment | Excellent climbing skills and fitness, perfect acclimatisation, sure-footedness, high-quality mountaineering equipment |
Conclusion
The Grossglockner ascent is not one of the most spectacular events in the life of any mountaineer for nothing. Thanks to the breathtaking panorama and the diverse passages, the tour is definitely an absolute highlight. But even for experienced mountain enthusiasts, the Grossglockner ascent is definitely not recommended without a mountain guide.
Thanks to the climatic conditions, the weather can change unexpectedly at any time and put you in serious danger. That's why you should also find out in advance how to use a rescue blanket correctly. In an emergency, you can save lives this way!
FAQ
How many fatalities are there on the Großglockner?
The Grossglockner ascent has claimed 446 lives so far.
Is it possible to climb the Großglockner by car?
You can drive to the Großglockner by car on the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, which is 48 kilometres long.
How much does a Großglockner ascent with a mountain guide cost?
Depending on the route, the Grossglockner ascent with a mountain guide costs between €300 and €700 per person.
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