Grossglockner Pass / Edelweissspitze

Difficulty points	1777
Length	13.2 mi
Average gradient	8.3%
Steepest segment	12.4%
Total ascent	5755 ft

3 Mo 5.0 via the Climbfinder app

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Italian. Show original

Breathtaking scenery, climb not to be missed. Rated DIESHI

5 Mo 5.0 via the Climbfinder app

Done in September 2025. Favourite climb ever. Great pavement quality, amazing scenery and constant grade. A lot of cars and motorbikes, but the roads are very wide.

zzynoah

8 Mo 5.0 via the Climbfinder app

Epic. Did it in a sunny day in late September with new snow. Although high on the mountain score, the even gradient made the climb easier than it is on paper. The road is slim smooth, but pay attention to the sport cars speeding up before the road closing time.

awdewolf ^premium

8 Mo 5.0 via the Climbfinder app

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Tough climb but also doable as you can reasonably get into your rhythm. After the toll gates (bike free) it really starts. We rode from Zell am See and cycled around t lake first. Nice addition. Only downside is amount of traffic.

Zwareklimmer

9 Mo 3.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

We also did this one once up to the Hochtor in early July. There was still quite a bit of snow along the road and the temperature was 4 degrees. You notice this especially on the descent.

Kromak ^premium

9 Mo 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Polish. Show original

I rode in! A very difficult climb, I climbed the last metres by sheer force of will. A beautiful view, it was worth it. Unfortunately, there are also downsides: the roar of motorbike engines and the stench of exhaust fumes from cars going at maximum speed. The condition of the road surface is not ideal; in places there are pronounced humps and faults that are dangerous when going downhill.

cv93 ^premium

9 Mo 4.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Italian. Show original

After the first few kilometres of smooth valley floor, from the toll station the climb picks up and remains constant at around 10％. It is not impossible, also because the hairpin bends offer the possibility of changing pace and relaunching. I tackled it on a day of low clouds and rain: riding through the fog, with visibility reduced to 20-30 metres, was exhausting, and the descent with 2/3° even harder than the climb.
Little tip: assess the weather well before setting off, because it can radically change the experience.

buekers ^premium

9 Mo 5.0 via the Climbfinder app

An amazing ride, just high traffic, but road is wide enough. amazing views, memories of the Galibier came back.

devision2002 ^premium

10 Mo 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: French. Show original

The Grossglockner had been on my bucket list for a long time and I did it on Tuesday 22 July. Frankly, it was the hardest climb I've done since I took up the challenge of climbing passes a few years ago after I turned 45. The first 6 or 7 km up to the dam are on the whole fairly easy, but as soon as you cross the barrier, the big gradients start to appear and hardly ever go down to the summit. And as many people have said, the last 1,500 metres on the cobbles to the Edelweiss Spitz are really, really hard. Apart from this part, the road is in excellent condition, fairly wide and the scenery magnificent.

JaapJJ

10 Mo 5.0 02:30:00 (5.3 mph)

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

My first really big climb, specifically this one had been at the top of the bucket list for a few years since I went here once by car. Nervous beforehand about the steepness, but with 85kg weight + 10kg pack, I managed to stay under the limit and crawl up just fine (2.5-3 W/kg, heart rate 160, 7 km/h). The plan was actually to cycle on to the Kaiser-Frans-Jozef-Höhe but at the top of the first climb decided that this experience was already overwhelming enough. Also my first big mountain descent, for that I was a bit in suspense. Stopped a few times to let the brake discs cool down.

I left fairly early on a Sunday in July. It would get very hot in the valley but at the bottom it is perfectly sheltered. A bit cooler at the top and more wind, which added a bit of extra tension on the descent. Fairly heavy traffic along the way up but everyone drives nicely wide around you, I felt like a respected and accepted road user. I was early enough that there was not much traffic back down yet when I did the descent. Lots of motorbikes and sports cars's on the road, clearly a lovers' ride. 10/10 next time I'll go faster. The cobbles to the Edelweisspitze only really turned on, I didn't seem to have much of a problem with the altitude (2500m). First time cycling that high.

RobertKasia

11 Mo 3.0 01:15:00 (10.5 mph)

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Polish. Show original

A climb for intermediate riders.Garmin shows an average gradient of about 10％.Beautiful scenery.It is worth starting early to avoid the large number of cars and motorbikes. On the difficulty scale from 1 to 5 ::3,9.

ObywatelKC

11 Mo 5.0 via the Climbfinder app

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Polish. Show original

Perfect asphalt and fabulous views. This climb is a must! Please note that the route is usually only opened in May.

fakirsessel ^premium

12 Mo 4.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: German. Show original

Unfortunately hopelessly overcrowded. Especially when Vespa Days are on. Stench included.

dominiqueb85

1 y 5.0 via the Climbfinder app

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: French. Show original

Done in 1980 with 15kgs of luggage. A very difficult pass.

jlneverdie

1 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Polish. Show original

Everything has probably already been said about this climb. An absolute "Must Ride" I rode it in early autumn when the weather was uncertain. The day before, the weather was dreamlike, sunshine, minimal wind, no precipitation. Unfortunately, as it is in the mountains, the weather changes quickly and on the day of my trip heavy rains fell, it was still raining in the morning until 9 a.m. Fortunately it cleared up later and the gate staff decided to open the route to cyclists. A very demanding ascent, with a 9-10％ gradient after crossing the gates practically the whole time. The incredible views reward the effort. There is no shortage of watering holes or places to stop and rest for a while. The descent towards Heiligenblut is fast and just as steep as the north face. Beware of strong gusts of wind.

Offshore_Guy ^premium

1 y 5.0

Stunning climb. Bucketlist worthy!!
Go early and enjoy the scenery and suffering..
For a traffic free day check "glocknerkoenig.com"

KoenJanssens ^premium

1 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Mighty fantastic climb with great views. Tip : best climbed in open weather.
But also a very tough climb.
Many cars's and motorbikes's.
The last 2 km on the cobblestones are very tough.
However, they would do better to make this part traffic-free, the cars's and moto's are in traffic jams.

krawiec

1 y 5.0

Absulutely bucket list climb. Really steady gradients and spectacular views. The road is so wide, that passing cars are not an issue,.

Jannink88

1 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Yesterday, I cycled a 100km tour culminating (literally) in the Edelweisspitze. Personally, my qualities don't lie at percentages above 10％, but you should tick this one off your bucket list. I arrived from Bruck; you can cycle on the motorway, but there is also an excellent cycle path next to the road. You notice right away that it's already slightly uphill, but that can't be compared to what's to come. I myself am reasonably well trained, but the last 14km the gradient was hardly to not below 10％ with the toughest part being the last 2km towards the Edelweisspitze. This 2km is covered in cobblestones and some parts contain a 15％ steepness, very tough after the long ride up. It was (despite the holiday period being over) very busy on the mountain with cars's, buses and motorcyclists. During the climb, this did not bother me much, but on the last 2km there was a traffic jam up to the top and that road was very narrow, because of this I had to wait once on a 12％ steep section. Even then, make sure you get back into the pedals! In summary, a very challenging climb, super nice views and very good tarmac for climbing and descending. Downside was the crowds, lots of cars's and motorbikes.

Frankhenze88

1 y 5.0

This is a phantastic climb, wow. It is very hard and steep but regular and very impressive mountains. The cobbles at the end are in some way the hardest part as the road is quite steep, the tiredness and altitude sets in. I left from Bruck at 6:30am and the traffic was very light, more cyclists than cars. But on the way down it got busy. This is a high speed descent due to the long ramps between bends so take care. Overall, a must do climb.

Singels ^premium

1 y 5.0

Ok. More than enough great reviews to give you all the tips you need. Let me add my voice just to say:
1) It's stunning. Absolutely worth it.
2) GO EARLY.
3) It's a monster. Be prepared.

Enjoy! I certainly did!

Simmel

1 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: German. Show original

Beautiful but exhausting. If you set off early, the traffic will still be limited. At some point the coaches will arrive

PetePuck

2 y 5.0 02:03:00 (6.4 mph)

So I figure I’d post my review as most of the reviews are always subjective to cyclists ability, age, fitness level and equipment. I feel this is often overlooked for one to be able to properly compare and identify if that is even possible but here goes.
I am a 56 year old male in better than average physical condition. My bike is a high end carbon endurance type bike. I had no bags other than what I needed for the climb stored in my jersey pockets. Two water bottles. Energy gels and a few granola bars. My gears which I spent most of the ride on were 33 front and 33 back.
The climb took me 2 hours and 03minutes to the top of Edelweissspitze.
The descent took 30 minutes. I am no Tom Pidcock so I was on the brakes most of the way down. The disks were hot and screaming for their lives.
I would advise that you make certain your brakes, discs or pads are in good shape, they could melt away if not.
I am from Canada on vacation and absolutely love Austria.
We rented a condo in Zell Am See so it only made sense that I leave from the house on my bike. A warm up run if you will.
The biggest shock was when I got to Fusch. A steady climb from Fusch to the gates of the Großglockner reaching 13％ for 5 km.
The legs were very warm and ready for the adventure.
The entire ride was 74 km
Right from the gate it’s a hearty climb for 3 km as someone had already mentioned again reaching up to 13％.
I have to mention I am not certain if my Garmin readings were off but it felt like 80％ of the ride was in double digits.
Now the gps readings that I read to be for this climb saying 6-10％ felt off. Was my Garmin off, was I just tired but I was waiting for 6-8％ and did not see any.
I am not saying that my readings are true as all this data can play tricks on your mind but it’s what I observed.
The pavement is absolutely perfect and I have to say that vehicles were very respectful. The only people who were sometimes not making an effort to move over were motorcyclists. Not saying it was a general thing but I felt the people that could have moved easily were some bikers. Anyways not dissing motorcyclists as I was once one of them, perhaps a few that were jealous or envious. lol
In general sharing the road was very very pleasant and safe.
The weather was 22 at the gate and 6 degrees at the top.
Many many twists and turns with flatter sections in the turns. 8 ％ felt like it was flat.
The last part to Edleweissspitze was a kick in the pants but well worth it. I don’t feel the cobbles were horrible at all. I was expecting worse. I guess it depends what you are used to riding on. In Quebec the roads are so bad that it made the cobbles look fairly smooth. So I’ll repeat it all depends what your reality is and where you ride.
I would highly recommend this climb. If you are lucky enough to catch a clear day the views are breathtaking.
I hope my review helps you out and you are fortunate enough to be able to experiment this. It’s a great accomplishment.
Lastly our travel dates were early June 2024 and there was still a lot of snow at the top. Make certain to have some warm clothing for the way down. Not a down jacket but at least an extra layer and warm gloves because there isn’t much happening on the way down other than hanging on. It warms up as you go down but still very chilly with wet clothing.
Some people were coming down with winter jackets but there was no need or space for that in my case.
And there are some shops along the way if you need to buy food or drinks. A few cyclotourists were enjoying some beers. I would hate to use those legs afterwards. I met them coming back down and they were walking the bikes.
Bravo to everyone climbing this with full bags, you are much better than I.
To each his own. 😂

mpedziwiatr ^premium

2 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Polish. Show original

A beautiful and uniformly steep climb. The only thing you need to take care of is the weather :)
The last section is cobbled, but both the ascent and descent are safe

markvandelaer

2 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Done this climb in 1988 on my way to Istanbul. In Kufstein, I still had the choice of riding the easy Brenner or conquering this high pass. But the challenge was too good to ignore. I started the climb from the guesthouse in Fusch an der Großglocknerstraße after taking a rest day at a nice guesthouse. The weather was fine (early July) but the higher up the cooler it got. At 2000 m, the first snow appeared along the road and it got really cold. The wind also got tighter and tighter, and if a bus passed by, I had to be very careful because of the difference in air displacement. After about three hours, I was in front of the Hochtor Tunnel, ready for a delightful descent to ... another pass.

GreenAvocado ^premium

2 y 5.0 02:20:43 (5.6 mph)

I couldn't have picked a better first famous climb than this. Closer you are to the top, the harder and harder it gets, and last cobbled sector is pure hell, but still :) Scenery was spectacular, we did it in mid July and had lucky on weather. Descent is one big reward after all. Only struggle was groups of guys on Vespa's with annoying "engine" sounds. Next time we need to do it till Hochtor. See ya there!

Paul1969

2 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Left Brück at 9am on a sunny weekday in September. As climb progresses it gets busier and busier with smelly and noisy engines. Also the Porche club passes in column with big tering branching noise. At Edelweissspitze it was very busy with cars and motorbikes. Still necessary to arrange there? Still, I enjoyed this monster immensely. With 34×27 it just went (54 years old + good cycling condition).

Jozef-Kempen ^premium

2 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Tough climb if you don't do any training preparation throughout the year. Also not easy if you do. Training is the message. If you are already cycling up the climb along both sides, you should definitely be in good shape. The long distance and average gradient make it a difficult climb.

jboesman ^premium

2 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

For what it's worth, my five tips for climbing the Grosslockner:
1) Leave (very) early: Warned by previous reviewers, I got up at 5.30am, hoping to be at the foot an hour and a half later - I still had some way to go up there. Due to circumstances (see 2), however, I could only start the climb around 9am, and I knew it, as I think I inhaled more exhaust fumes than mountain air. That last cobbled stretch to the Edelweisspitze was a dangerous slalom between the cars that all wanted to get to that tiny car park too.
2) Bring gloves: Leaving early also means dressing warm(er). Where I left, the temperature exceptionally hovered around freezing (late July), and I wasn't all that prepared for that. I did bring a long-sleeved jumper, but no, if I leave at 30° in Belgium I don't immediately think of bringing warm gloves. As I still had some descending to do, I wisely waited to leave until my cold fingers started moving again. Those warm clothes come in handy at the summit anyway, and when descending the Grossglockner itself.
3) Fit a light gear: When travelling, I am in the habit of taking an older road bike with me, which I can leave at the campsite without any worries, with 34x25 as the lightest gear. Long story short: I got to the top, but it must not have been a sight, and my knee knew it for the next few days
4) Drink as soon as you can: Perhaps it was partly due to my too-large resistance, but there are very few places that allow you to comfortably take your drink can from the holder without zigzagging (and zigzagging is not a good idea with all that traffic). As soon as you feel you can, purely practically, you should drink. Otherwise, like me, you risk arriving at the top with more filled than empty water bottles. Which is a waste of weight.
5) Don't forget to enjoy yourself: There have been times when I was mostly paying attention to the traffic, or to the tarmac under my wheels, but of course that's a shame, because you're riding through a wonderfully beautiful landscape, about which you can already find superlatives elsewhere here. Rightly so, with the downside being that the road is also very popular with other road users.

Voor wat het waard is, mijn vijf tips voor het beklimmen van de Grosslockner:
1) Vertrek (heel) vroeg: Gewaarschuwd door voorgaande reviewers, was ik om half 6 uit te veren, in de hoop anderhalf uur later – ik moest nog wel even tot daar – aan de voet te staan. Door omstandigeden (zie 2) kon ik echter pas circa 9u de klim aanvatten, en dat heb ik geweten, want ik heb geloof ik meer uitlaatgassen ingeademd dan berglucht. Dat laatste bekasseide stukje naar de Edelweisspitze was het gevaarlijk slalommen tussen de auto’s die ook allemaal naar die petieterige parking wilden.
2) Neem handschoenen mee: Vroeg vertrekken betekent ook warm(er) aankleden. Waar ik vertrok schommelde de temperatuur uitzonderlijk rond het vriespunt (eind juli), en daar was ik niet zo op berekend. Een truitje met lange mouwen had ik nog wel mee, maar nee, als ik bij 30° vertrek in België denk ik er niet meteen aan om ook warme handschoenen mee te nemen. Aangezien ik nog wel even moest afdalen tot de voet, heb ik wijselijk gewacht om te vertrekken tot er weer wat beweging kwam in mijn verkleumde vingers. Die warme kledij komt sowieso ook van pas op de top, en bij het afdalen van de Grossglockner zelf.
3) Monteer een licht verzet: Op reis heb ik de gewoonte een wat oudere racefiets mee te nemen, die ik zorgeloos op de camping kan achterlaten, met als lichtste versnelling 34x25. Lang verhaal kort: Ik ben boven geraakt, maar een zicht zal het niet geweest zijn, en m’n knie heeft het de daaropvolgende dagen geweten
4) Drink zodra het kan: Allicht lag het deels aan mijn te groot verzet, maar er zijn maar weinig plekken die je toelaten om comfortabel je drinkbus uit de houder te nemen zonder dat je gaat zigzaggen (en zigzaggen is geen goed idee met al dat verkeer). Zodra je het gevoel hebt dat het kan, puur praktisch, moet je drinken. Anders riskeer je zoals mij met meer gevulde dan lege bidons boven te komen. Wat zonde is van het gewicht.
5) Vergeet niet te genieten: Er zijn momenten geweest waarop ik vooral aandacht had voor het verkeer, of voor het asfalt onder mijn wielen, maar dat is natuurlijk zonde, want je rijdt door een wondermooi landschap, waarover u hier elders al de nodige superlatieven kan terugvinden. Terecht allemaal, met als nadeel dus dat de weg ook bij andere weggebruikers erg in trek is.

MaartenH

2 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Unfortunately cycled in rainy weather, but still well worth it. Left Bruck before 7:00, the whole road was quiet with cars and motorbikes.
Cycled up to the top of the Edelweisspitze, which is highly recommended. Then descended slowly due to wet road surface.

Odonten ^premium

2 y 5.0 01:40:49 (7.8 mph)

After missing two GF's this spring due to illness, I took the bike on holiday to Austria without much expectation of my own effort.
My recon offered me 2 to-do climbs that I wanted to tick off: Kitzbuheler Horn and Großglockner (Edelweißspitze).
We lived about 70 minutes from Fusch, so I got up early and at approximately 7.40 the start went from Fusch. The weather was beautiful after heavy rain the day before, i.e. 13 degrees, no wind and sun.
Even BEFORE the toll boom, there are long stretches of 9-11％, so you are warned and warmed up.
The toll system leads cyclists to the right of the car lanes, where you open a barrier yourself and then you are on your way to the long and steep challenge.
It is NO exaggeration that this trip is extremely beautiful and breathtaking as well as tough and challenging.
However, the asphalt is absolutely fantastic and you can only admire the construction work that has been done. Nice bridges and wide expanses, so you always feel safe. All hairpin bends (kehre) are marked and at the same time made flat, so that you can eat, drink or rest your legs a bit.
The last 2 kilometers to Edelweissspitze are difficult, as the ground is covered with cobblestones. But it's worth all the effort, because the view is unique and you receive applause from all the people who have come up by car or motorbike.
Find a pace that you can hold over the 14 kilometers so that the trip becomes "easier", as the road is very consistent in its design.
Drank a double espresso and ate an "Apple Strudel mit Vanillesauce" and then I was ready for the decent. Had the road to myself up AND down. Beautiful beautiful trip. Must-do if you are in the area.
PS: my time is from the toll gate (14,53 km)

Pascal01

2 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Wonderful climb. It's gruelling, especially the last bit, but the views make this climb well worth it.

Saliteinbici ^premium

2 y 5.0

I left at 6.30 AM mid-June from Bruck, thanks to the tips found on here. I was barely alone until 9 when traffic started to increase. Sun is still low so you don't cook yourself too much. Incredible panorama, you feel on top of the world. Hard climb, after the toll gate pedaling out of saddle is of no help, as climb is a neverending 10％ (or so). Patience is the key. The last 1,8 km to Edelweisspitze with cobble stones, +12％ and sometimes cold head winds are not to be underestimated. Descent is ... perfect tarmac, views ... you name it. I won't forget this magic climb.

Gruby

3 y 5.0 03:58:25 (3.3 mph)

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Polish. Show original

This climb is one of the continuing tales ...
Done on an HT bike.
The fatigue is compensated by the beautiful views😍.

BonnyDresen

3 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Absolute must do!
A tough climb that demands a lot from your character, but once at the top you soon forget about it.
Be sure to take Edelweiss spitze if you still have enough air and energy. Beautiful views from this point.

mtbogt

3 y 5.0 01:38:56 (8 mph)

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

On 25 August, we climbed this giant. What an incredibly cool climb, if the weather is kind to you. I left Bruck early, with a temperature of 13 degrees. From the valley, you then cycle a large part in the shade, which is very pleasant with this effort. The asphalt is excellent and at the beginning (if you go early) the road is nice and quiet, but even later the motor traffic hardly bothered me. The hairpins are nice and flat, but on the straights you hardly climb less than 10％. I rode with 34/30 as the smallest gear, which is certainly not superfluous if you want to maintain some cadence. The exit to the Edelweisssspitze is definitely worthwhile, but in my opinion also the toughest part of the climb due to the steepness and the cobblestones (which cause a lot of cyclists to just cycle straight through).

After this, I continued cycling in the direction of the Kaiser Franz Josefs Hohe, which is definitely recommended. You then stay between 1900-2500 metres and go up and down a few times (if you also want to return via the same road).

MartijnMartijn

3 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Very heavy, but very beautiful!
Leaving early is not a luxury. Now in early September, it is still very busy. I was at the foot around 8:00am, but by 9:30am it was really busy.

Hayo

3 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

A fabulous ride. On the first Friday in September. Yes, everything they say about crowds is true. Lots of cars and motorbikes. Especially in the summer months. Compared to the Sella Ronda, it was quiet.
It is a beautiful climb that is extremely steep. But one that runs well. 32 behind is not a luxury. If you ride through the Edelweissspitze, you will realise that it gets really steep there on a lousy road. Cobblestones with crumbling asphalt and people in cars who are too lazy to walk and look on in amazement that people are cycling uphill. The view at the top is phenomenal.

Gijsinho

3 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

What a great climb this is! It is very steep, but constantly steep, so that you can get a good rhythm. Furthermore, you are indeed cycling in a very impressive environment. The tips that were given to leave early are indeed correct. I left at around 7.00am and only saw a few cars on the way. The way back on the other hand (around 9.30am after a snack and a drink at the top) was very busy with traffic, but because of the wide road still doable. I cycled this one with a 39x31. This was on the edge for me.

vhs

3 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

It is wise to leave early because the climb is also very popular with groups of motorcyclists and motorists who enjoy soot from the exhaust. Therefore, we cycled through Fusch at 07:00. We were not the only cyclists, but we were able to climb in peace. Because after Fusch, the real climb begins.
The road is perfectly constructed with wide hairpin bends and a very constant gradient of almost 10％. From the tollbooths (free entrance for cyclists, but you have to press a button), the view becomes really impressive. In particular, the view of the glaciers in the Hohe Tauern is magnificent and only gets better the higher you go. If you want to explain to children what a glacier is, you can show them here.
At the top, without a doubt, turn left onto the Edeweissspitze. The cobbles are glued together with asphalt and so it is a piece of cake. The view at the top is worth it. Are you a fan of descending? Be careful and go for it.

Berend_Veneklaas

3 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

What a beautiful climb it remains. This year for the first time with the ATB. From Camping Woferlgut in Bruck an der Großglocknerstraße we set off with a route created in Komoot. First enjoy the peace in the Kafertal along streams then the first ascent to the Trauner Alm where you are rewarded with a rustic hut. Then down through the meadows to continue the route towards Wildpark Ferleiten. From here the route continues on the Großglockner Hochalpenstrasse to the Piffalm and on to "Blick auf das Fuschertörl" where you have a great panorama of the various three thousand metre peaks. To reward myself with some extra altitude metres, I also took the cobbled climb to the Edelweisspitze. Here you come out at an altitude of 2571 metres.

Kevinja

3 y 5.0 02:00:41 (6.6 mph)

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Wow! What a great climb that was!
This climb is not to be missed!
Beautiful but tough climb! The satisfaction of reaching the top is great!
Panorama's are great - take your time to enjoy this experience and views.
As advised here, we left at 6am in Zell-am-Zee except for a few cars's, it was very quiet during the climb.
Minus point it was very foggy so I could not enjoy all the landscapes during the climb.
Time ascent : 2h - time descent : 30min :-) - ridden on 22.07.2022

TIP: be sure to visit the observation platform Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe afterwards (attention: that's 45km extra of which 19km climbing and 1440hm)

Rob-Driessen

3 y 5.0 02:36:00 (5.1 mph)

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

We are doing the 10 highest cols in Europe and this year the programme included Grossglockner with Edelweiszspitze from Fusch, the Gavia from Bormio, the Stilfserjoch from Prad and the Timmelsjoch from Sankt Leonhard. I have done 8 of the 10 now and the Grossglockner is mi the toughest. What a beast, the Iseran from Val d' Isère was the easiest to do. Remains next year the Fauniera and the Bonette.

Teppen108

3 y 5.0 01:50:08 (7.2 mph)

The hardest climb i've done so far, with Telegraphe-Galibier, Croix de fer and col de la Madeleine already on the list so its a brutal climb. The start is already quite steep, than a kilometer or so better and after the toll-ports where you can pass for free with bike it starts and will never stop. My garmin showed constant gradients of 10-12％ apart from the hairpins, wich is nice so you can recover a bit. So dont actually believe the gradient the graph shows there are no kilometers where it feels 8％, average probably but it doesnt feel like it because of the corners. Most of them are not steep the avg gradient drops but most of the time it will still be steep apart from the corners . Than the edelweisspitze, my garmin said 15-17％ a couple of times but it probably wasnt long enough to be the steepest 100m's of the climb. My strava file said there were peaks of 16-18 and one of 22％ but i wouldnt say it is 22, its more like my garmin said. Than the decent back, it was an awsome decent. Great roads, some parts a bit meh mostly when you have passed the toll. Hit speeds of 88 kph, on the part before passing the toll its a nice straight there. The corners are mostly wide and not sharp, you can see the end of the corners for all of them apart from a few light bends but you can mostly see if there is traffic coming or not. Got stuck behind a car for most of the decent, i hope you can ride a decent without any traffic in front.

HarroHofman

4 y 5.0 01:52:12 (7 mph)

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Done this climb several times now from Fusch. Tip: start well before 9.00 am. It is still very quiet so you can enjoy the nature and landscapes around you. I myself was already on the bike at 7.00 am and have almost the entire climb without traffic. But what a wonderful gradual climb it is. Great road surface and a constant gradient of 9-10％. It allows you to pick up your rhythm well. And despite the fact that it is numerically a climb of the outer category, it is emotionally not so bad. And don't forget to enjoy the surroundings! It is really fantastic.

bastiaanverrips

4 y 5.0 01:48:13 (7.3 mph)

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Just to tie in with everyone else: In the summer you should leave early! Just a little after 7 am you can still get on the train from Fusch, but if you plan to take it easy I would go even earlier.

Anyway, this is by far the most impressive climb I've ever done. In the beginning, the road is still sheltered between the trees and waterfalls splashing down, but it is already firmly climbing ... Especially for this climb I had put a 28 on the back, but also on 34x28 it was stumbling on a low cadence on most of the climb. Just go that last piece to the Edelweisspitze, because although the cobblestones are bad, it is a unique experience! The views and satisfaction at the top then make up for everything. :)

VincentA97

4 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

I did this climb on the last Friday in September and the traffic was not too bad. It was nice and quiet cycling. The tarmac is perfect, the cobblestone is obviously different but more than worth it!

Buxert

4 y 5.0

Really great climb. Amazing views. We did this during the third week of September with luggage. It was really quiet and relaxing. Almost no cars and only a few road cyclists. It was freezing (-3) on the Edelweißspitze, so bring some warm clothes.

Fietsmaatje

4 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

The profile leaves little to guess. Instinctively the toughest climb I have ever done. But on a beautiful day, you get a lot in return. You cycle in a fairytale setting. Be prepared if you start this climb. From what I've seen, it could be a long battle with yourself. The first sight of the cobbled road to the Edelweißspitze makes you fear the worst. There you may go up for more than one and a half kilometers on character. At the top waits a 'mighty feeling' :-)

RoyL ^premium

4 y 5.0 01:40:28 (7.9 mph)

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Tough climb with beautiful views but make sure you leave early. At 6:15 got up in Fusch and on a few fellow cyclists and cars after an empty road drove up. Also in the descent so an empty road with crowds on the other side. Take certainly the piece on the cobblestones along, which makes the experience complete and the view above all the more deserved!

JamieM

4 y 5.0

A very long climb that you should tick off the bucket list, but not the most enjoyable climb. It's a long drag up a pretty descent road surface, but I was expected amazing views on one of the highest passes around, and just didn't deliver.

When you get to the top, it does become a bit more interesting, and you can see the Edelweissspitze ahead of you - a short, steep and cobbled little section that does make the climb worthwhile.

GJK

4 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Biljartlaken of Europe, what a beautiful tarmac and gradual rise. Heavy, but doable, especially because you can recover every bit in the hairpin bends.
Last part of Edelweissspitze was hard, but so worth it: brilliant views.

Timo ^premium

4 y 5.0 02:23:00 (5.5 mph)

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

One of the toughest but also one of the most beautiful climbs I have done. It is busy, I left at 7.30 and much later is not recommended. You can park your car at the toll booth, there is a free parking lot. But if you start from there you skip a small part of the climb (the first 3 km). Leave early or leave after 15.00 and enjoy! Btw those last two kilometers on the cobblestones are really exhausting. They are not in a good shape and it's pretty steep.

Marijn ^premium

4 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Tough and grueling climb, the headwind and cold can break you down the last 6km. But if you leave that out it's a fantastic experience. Cobblestones however are very bad and terribly heavy at the end of such a climb.

Zwareklimmer

5 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

I did this one to the Hochtor. There it is nice and quiet. Would like to do it again up to Franz-Josefshöhe.

BianchiPeter

5 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Probably the toughest climb I have ever done (= tougher than Mt Ventoux and Stelvio, for example). Last 15 km at almost 10％ average. It is very even, so once you are in rhythm, you can just keep going and enjoy the landscape.

RobertS ^premium

5 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

What a view! I had to suppress the urge not to take a picture every kilometer. I counted at least 8 glaciers along the way. This is a great climb to look around the whole time. And then you come to the cobblestones of the last 1.5 km to the Edelweissspitze. This part is even steeper, and they are not Swiss cobblestones (not as neat as the Gotthard/Tremola). Without a doubt the toughest part, but a nice challenge.
Thanks to the golden tip of Martino below, I left around 06:00 and it was deserted, even on a day in the middle of the summer holidays (6 August); two cyclists and maybe twenty cars, nothing more. When I took the road down around 09:00, it was extremely busy on the other side of the road. Dozens of cyclists, cars and motorcycles in a traffic jam uphill. You have at that time your half of the road for yourself for the descent. Another tip: I had the car parked for free before the toll gates at Ferleiten. That saves 4 kilometers and 400 altimeters through a rather boring forest on a not very interesting road. You pass the toll booths for free by walking your bike to the right of the toll building through a sort of 'bicycle lock'.
If you ever want to do a climb in Austria, do this one!

Kevin ^premium

5 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Heavy and seemingly endless climb on a wide road with perfect asphalt. The climb only starts to show steep percentages from the toll gates. Hereafter follow about 13 kilometers where you very often see double percentages appear. At the top you choose the road straight ahead towards Hochtor or left towards Edelweissspitze. Especially the latter is fantastic. A very steep kilometer on narrow cobblestones and full of hairpin bends paves its way to the top, where you will be treated to a phenomenal view. This one you should not miss!

KarelOverbeeke ^premium

5 y 4.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Nice climb, just a shame about the traffic, it looks like a combination of the TT of Assen and a DTM race.

Martino

5 y 4.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

The climb indeed goes through beautiful scenery and is extremely busy. The Glocknerstraße is Austria's second busiest attraction. Here not the smell of alpine meadows, but burnt brake disks. Last part to the Edelweißspitze is beautifully paved. Where do you still have that? Departure before 8h00 or after 17h00, then it is relatively quiet.

Martijn85 ^premium

5 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Beautiful climb. Take a jacket, because it can be cold on top. After the Edelweissspitze you can continue to Hochtor. The road is very good, only busy with cars's motorcycles and other cyclists.

5 mph	02:39:01
7 mph	01:52:35
9 mph	01:27:44
12 mph	01:05:55

Grossglockner Pass / Edelweissspitze

Statistics

Short recap

Photos (157)

Reviews (61)

Climbing times

Road surface condition

Traffic

Frequently Asked Questions

Grossglockner Pass / Edelweissspitze

Statistics

Short recap

Photos (157)

Reviews (61)

Climbing times

Road surface condition

Traffic

Frequently Asked Questions

Which sides of the Grossglockner Pass / Edelweissspitze can be cycled up?

What gearing is needed for Grossglockner Pass / Edelweissspitze?

How difficult is the Grossglockner Pass / Edelweissspitze?

How long is the climb up Grossglockner Pass / Edelweissspitze?

What is the gradient of Grossglockner Pass / Edelweissspitze?

What is the steepest part of Grossglockner Pass / Edelweissspitze?

How high is Grossglockner Pass / Edelweissspitze?

How long does it take to cycle up Grossglockner Pass / Edelweissspitze?

Where is Grossglockner Pass / Edelweissspitze located?