Austrian Alps Car Tours: Top 5 Scenic Drives
If you are looking at experiencing the sheer beauty and also majestic grandeur of the Austrian Alps, a car tour might just be the ideal way to do so. The roads that weave through these mighty mountains do provide some breathtaking views, very quaint villages, and also an overall feeling of wonder that is actually unlike any other. So, grab your keys, fill up that tank, and get set for some truly unforgettable experiences. Here are five Austrian Alps driving adventures, each more unbelievable than the last.
1. The Grossglockner High Alpine Road
Basically, the Grossglockner High Alpine Road is somewhat like the king of all Austrian mountain roads. If you are thinking about dramatic views, hairpin turns, and even that sweet, sweet mountain air, then it could be that this is the drive for you. Too it’s almost the highest surfaced road in Austria, winding its way up to the foot of the Grossglockner, the country’s highest mountain. It is more or less open from early May to late October, very depending on snow conditions, making it a fairly seasonal kind of thrill.
The whole route could be a bit lengthy at around 48 kilometers (30 miles), yet there are actually tons of viewpoints and visitor centers. You could consider stopping at the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe, from there you should get this unbelievable view of the Grossglockner glacier, very. Also, there’s always the Wilhelm Swarovski Observation Tower, where you’ll gain access to some more stunning, panoramic scenes. That being said, the road isn’t just about the views. As you go on it could be that you experience some of the joy of the drive itself, each curve something else, a challenge and a treat to experience as you would like.
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2. The Silvretta High Alpine Road
The Silvretta High Alpine Road will transport you from Vorarlberg to Tyrol in style, while at the same time flaunting some really impressive views of the Silvretta Alps. I mean it is actually known for its reservoirs that kind of mirror the sky. This route will certainly grab your attention, so. It is more or less similar to the Grossglockner, this road tends to be a seasonal one. It’s almost that it only opens in the warmer months (usually from June to October).
That said, as a matter of fact, the drive has several highlights that could easily justify the trip. We could consider Lake Silvretta, a stunning reservoir perfect for maybe grabbing a picnic spot or even for a short walk to really just admire those surroundings. A little bit further and you might get to the Bielerhöhe, the highest point on the road, is also a place with great hotel possibilities for an overnight stop with some fantastic mountain vistas. Anyway, keep in mind that this drive also needs toll payment, actually utilized for upkeep and for keeping the road in solid shape. I want you to be sure to confirm conditions just before you hit the road, because weather in the mountains has been know to surprise.
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3. The Gerlos Alpine Road
If you want something that connects Salzburg and Tyrol provinces together, yet with much fanfare, there is always the Gerlos Alpine Road. That, you see, offers a mix of natural beauty along with some pretty convenient links between cities. So while you cruise, that, offers gorgeous glimpses of the Krimml Waterfalls, being the tallest waterfalls in all of Europe.
That said, unlike the previous two scenic routes, the Gerlos Alpine Road has an operating fee; however, very often visitors state that it’s pretty much worth it for some spectacular scenery and for just some very well-maintained roads. That actually runs along the Gerlos Pass. This route gives simple routes to various climbing spots. Yet I mean just seeing Krimml Waterfalls may be among its most well known options; its strong cascade are obviously worth a visit on their own!
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4. The Nockalm Road
Should you, like your roads with some curves then I think that Nockalm Road actually nestled away in Carinthia has probably your name on it. As a matter of fact that winds via the gentle rounded Nockberge mountains presenting just stunning sights that would calm you down quickly. And because it really slices via Nockberge Biosphere Park you are bound to witness a whole bunch of natural splendors at every corner!
That, with some 52 twists in not quite 34 kilometers the Nockalm Road provides loads of options to pull aside and also enjoy exactly what views exist that there is to it. You might get into spots, actually referred to as “Nockalmhof,” at there being old farms along roadsides displaying native traditions of that specific areas and also you will often find details with regards them being at Information Centers.
Read our full review: Nockalm Road Full Review and Details
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5. The Villach Alpine Road
That provides really accessibility up to Dobratsch Mountain very near Villach Austria the route tends towards providing panoramic lookout towards that Karawanks then also Julian Alps as it scales this rise. I mean, I’m not going to say they’re small but they are most definitely majestic ones.
Anyway only at 16. 5km you might actually get this feeling the Villach stretch could come off becoming instead quick even if they feature tons options along the journey starting various outlook points and restaurant offering regular stops too, might find they are full or busy specifically near top which would offer easy hikes.
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