Grossglockner Pass / Edelweissspitze from Heiligenblut via Hochtor

Difficulty points	1815
Length	16.1 mi
Average gradient	6.8%
Steepest segment	12.2%
Total ascent	5801 ft

Reviews (8)

5.0

4.0

3.0

2.0

1.0

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PetervH

9 Mo 4.0 via the Climbfinder app

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

Perfect weatherconditions for an amazing climb. From Franz Joseph Hochstrasse to Eidelweiss spitze

cv93 ^premium

9 Mo 5.0

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

a tough, long climb with challenging gradients that test you right from the start. Fortunately, there are some counter-slope sections along the way that allow you to take a break and manage the effort better. The track is wide and the asphalt perfect, qualities that make the climb more enjoyable despite the hardness. When I tackled it, there was surprisingly little traffic, but I think this was an exception due to the bad weather: in normal conditions the road is quite busy. Wonderful views but if you are looking for those, perhaps the variant towards Franz-Josefs-Höhe is better.

Grossglockner Pass / Edelweissspitze from Heiligenblut via Hochtor

ThomassR

10 Mo 5.0 via the Climbfinder app

My best bad idea. No gloves, no warm clothes, no caps .... Completed 26.7.After a week in the Dolomites, I wanted to conquer Edelweisspitze on the way back. Arrived on Saturday afternoon in Rangersdorf. The weather wasn't good and it looked like rain. I at least tried to go to Heiligenblut, but the sun peeked out, it was 5 in the afternoon. I tried it and went up. The weather changed incredibly after passing through the first tunnel. From sunshine to fog, cold, and wet. I conquered this ascent, but I will have to return in better weather. Although this weather had its advantage, zero traffic, and the road and descent back to Heiligenblut just for myself.

wernervansteen2

1 y 5.0 via the Climbfinder app

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

Done this climb at the end of May 2025. Started early (7.30am) from the pretty village of Heiligenblut. It is immediately climbing in the double digits. At km 6 there is a slight descent towards the roundabout after which it immediately ticks 13％ rise again. As I climb higher, the weather becomes more erratic and I put on more layers to prevent the bleak north wind from chilling me. To my right, I pass a prominent stone commemorating 25-year-old pro cyclist Andre Drege, who died here in July 2024 during the Tour of Austria. The thermometer at the Hochtor tunnel reads 2C and inside the tunnel colossi of ice-stalactites cling to the wall ; a reminder that spring has not yet begun here... On exiting the short tunnel, I am in the middle of a hailstorm. All the huts and possible drinking establishments along the way are also still in full hibernation... Luckily, I had an extra water bottle with me. I pass the striking Fusher Torl and shortly afterwards I am left with the steep final climb over cobblestones to the Edelweissspitze. Again continuously in the double digits. Fortunately, at the summit the hut is open and I can enjoy a delicious apple pie and coffee !

koproster

2 y 4.0

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

Started from Winklern at car park. From here rode along the main road to Döllach. Indeed, from Döllach you can ride somewhat parallel to the busy road. The climbing then starts immediately but I found it a more pleasant/quiet ride.
You then also arrive a bit higher in Heiligenblut. From there, you are close to the toll booths and it really keeps on climbing. Once at Hochtor, you can take beautiful photos and then drive there to the Edelweissspitze. From Hochtor, you still have to go through 2 tunnels before you can do the hugely congested climb to the Edelweissspitze. When I was there, there was a traffic jam with cars to get to the top. You can get through by bike, though.

Tip: there are not a huge number of restaurants, so bring plenty of food yourself.
Rear lights are a must in the tunnels.
Along the way, I came across in drinking water point anyway.

MichielMatthias

3 y 4.0

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

Beautiful climb which starts well before Heiligenblut. The climb goes over the GrossglocknerStrasse which is free for cyclists. The road can be very busy but my experience is that in Austria other road users take cyclists well into account. Tip: leave early. I rode it on my bicycle in somewhat grey weather and even had quite a few fellow road users. At the pass on the point of Hochtor (where a water tap and toilet etc. is located) you drive through a tunnel of a few hundred meters (make sure you have lights). This is followed by a smooth descent and a final climb to the highest point, the Eidelweisspitze. The last 1.5-2km is on cobblestones. On the summit and the descent it was very cold. I read from other cyclists that they had experienced hypothermia on that day (end of July). In the descent it started to rain, fortunately the road surface is mostly good. After descending to the roundabout, I went up the side of the KaiserFransJozef climb. It is then still about 8km climbing (with tough parts in between) to the viewpoint on the glacier of the GrossGlockner.

Joeri_Laureys ^premium

4 y 4.0

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

I know that every col everyone has a different experience with a climb. Depending on condition, weight, length, talent, and so on. And so I don't like it when someone wants to undermine someone else's experience.
But after reading this review yesterday, I thought I was in for an easy climb. That's how trivially the review above was written.
But what is written above 'Relatively easy climb' is 'quatsch' or 'zever in pakskes' as we say in Antwerp.
There is indeed a lot of traffic on this pass, that is correct. But this is not a relatively easy climb. The percentages in the profile here on climbfinder seem a bit low to me. This is without a doubt a tough climb. Dear fellow climbers, do not get caught by this. Soon after Heiligenblut you go to percentages towards 11％ . Around the whole climb, except for a small descent before the summit, the percentages were around or above 10％, so if this climb is relatively easy you won't find any climb in the whole of France that is even a challenge... This is a killer climb. OK, it was 30 degrees when I did it, but a whole climb up to 10％ you can feel it!
Oh yes, and on the other hand, it is just as hard, but even more beautiful!

we2r ^premium

5 y 5.0

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

Relatively easy climb. Lots of traffic, especially motorcyclists.

Climbing times

5 mph	03:14:33
7 mph	02:17:44
9 mph	01:47:20
12 mph	01:20:38

Road surface condition

100% 0% 0%

Based on 9 votes

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Traffic

45% 27% 27%

Based on 11 votes

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Frequently Asked Questions

Grossglockner Pass / Edelweissspitze can be cycled from 2 sides. Grossglockner Pass / Edelweissspitze from Fusch is the most popular side, but the summit can also be reached via Grossglockner Pass / Edelweissspitze from Heiligenblut via Hochtor.

The Grossglockner Pass / Edelweissspitze from Heiligenblut via Hochtor is extremely hard. We recommend that you choose the lightest possible gearing, such as a 34-tooth or smaller chainring, combined with a 34-tooth rear cog. Otherwise, there's a good chance you'll need to put a foot down sooner or later. If you think you need to go even lighter, you could consider using a gravel or mountain bike, or installing a gravel or mountain bike derailleur with a rear cog of more than 40 teeth. Good luck!

Grossglockner Pass / Edelweissspitze from Heiligenblut via Hochtor falls into the Super Hors Catégorie, the absolute top category. These are the most extreme climbs that exist. Even with excellent fitness, there is a chance you will have to put a foot down. Only the strongest make it to the top without any problems.

Grossglockner Pass / Edelweissspitze from Heiligenblut via Hochtor is 16.1 mi long.

The average gradient of Grossglockner Pass / Edelweissspitze from Heiligenblut via Hochtor is 6.8%.

Grossglockner Pass / Edelweissspitze from Heiligenblut via Hochtor has a steepest segment with an average gradient of 12.2%.

The summit of Grossglockner Pass / Edelweissspitze from Heiligenblut via Hochtor is at 8435 ft.

At a slow pace of 5 mph, it takes about 03:14:33 to climb Grossglockner Pass / Edelweissspitze from Heiligenblut via Hochtor. At 7 mph the time is 02:17:44, and at 9 mph 01:47:20. For the fastest cyclists, 01:20:38 is an achievable time.

Grossglockner Pass / Edelweissspitze from Heiligenblut via Hochtor is located in the region Carinthia in Austria.

Grossglockner Pass / Edelweissspitze from Heiligenblut via Hochtor

Statistics

Short recap

Photos (44)

Reviews (8)

Climbing times

Road surface condition

Traffic

Frequently Asked Questions

Grossglockner Pass / Edelweissspitze from Heiligenblut via Hochtor

Statistics

Short recap

Photos (44)

Reviews (8)

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 from Heiligenblut via Hochtor?

How difficult is the Grossglockner Pass / Edelweissspitze from Heiligenblut via Hochtor?

How long is the climb up Grossglockner Pass / Edelweissspitze from Heiligenblut via Hochtor?

What is the gradient of Grossglockner Pass / Edelweissspitze from Heiligenblut via Hochtor?

What is the steepest part of Grossglockner Pass / Edelweissspitze from Heiligenblut via Hochtor?

How high is Grossglockner Pass / Edelweissspitze from Heiligenblut via Hochtor?

How long does it take to cycle up Grossglockner Pass / Edelweissspitze from Heiligenblut via Hochtor?

Where is Grossglockner Pass / Edelweissspitze from Heiligenblut via Hochtor located?