Grossglockner: the highest peak in Austria
We planned our ascent of Austria's highest and most famous mountain for mid-July. We started our hike around 5:30 AM from the parking lot near Franz Josefs Höhe. Initially, to our disappointment, we descended towards the glacier - during the descent, information boards showed us how far the glacier reached in various years. The glacier began to shrink rapidly only in the last 20 years. From the valley, we started to climb up to the Erzherzog Johann Hütte (3,282 m). After a short rest at the hut, we climbed through Kl. Glockner (3,770 m) to the summit.
A popular and frequently used starting point for this hike is the parking lot at the Lucknerhaus hut (1,918 m). From there, the route leads through the Studlhütte (2,802 m) and then the so-called "normal route" to the Kodnitzkees glacier up to the Erzherzog Johann Hütte.
Other (perhaps important) information:
- Many tourists climb to the summit from the Erzherzog Johann Hütte, and at several sections, there are waits. Guides are not very tolerant of tourists and often push ahead. (One even completely undid our securing...)
- Website with information about mountain huts: https://www.komoot.com/de-de/guide/225346/huetten-rund-um-kals-am-grossglockner
Interesting fact: Grossglockner is part of Austria's largest national park, Hohe Tauern, which covers over 1,800 km². This park is home to many rare species of fauna and flora, including golden eagles, chamois, and marmots. Additionally, Grossglockner is famous for its Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse, one of the highest paved roads in Europe, offering breathtaking views of the alpine peaks.
