Grossglockner Guided Climb: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You

Situated in the main ridge of the Central Eastern Alps, along the Alpine Divide, Grossglockner is an iconic mountaineering destination for alpine enthusiasts.

Its pyramid-shaped peak consists of two pinnacles – Grossglockner and the Kleinglockner (3.770 meters) – that are separated by a col. While most climbers opt for just the taller spire, many others will add an additional day to the trip and head up both.

The peak has great cultural significance to the region and therefore attracts numerous climbers throughout the season. The normal route is the easiest way up and can be quite crowded. For more advanced moutnaineers, various other routes up the north and south faces of the mountain are quieter alternatives, including the famed icewall on the north face.

While July to September is the best time to climb, many guides offer trips from MArch until November, which tend to be a bit tougher, but also offer more solitude and are better suited for ice climbing and ski mountaineering.

Stunning scenery

As Greossglockner is the tallest mountain in all of Austria, the views from its summit are quite incredible. From the top, you can see many other iconic peaks, including Piz Bernina, in Switzerland and on a clear day, you can catch a glimpse of the Adriatic Sea. Along the way up, marvel at amazing views of pristine alpine valleys and immense glaciers too.

Great for beginners

If you have even just a tiny bit of mountaineering experience and a pretty high level of physical fitness, then Grossglockner is the perfect peak for you. The normal route only requires mostly hiking and scrambling, with a bit of ice and rock climbing that are easily enough accomplished for people with a bit of previous experience.

Provides a challenge too

If you have graduated on from beginner mountaineering, Grossglockner has something for you too. Outside of the normal route, there is a tougher one starting in Stuedlhuette, which combines some Class III and Class IV climbing on the southwest ridge of the mountain. On the north side of the mountain there are several other routes that offer climbing challenges rated up to Class IV+ too.

During the summer months, you can expect average temperatures of about 10 ºC on the mountain. These tend to decrease at higher elevations and feel colder with windchill. Summer is also the wettest time of year and weather can change quickly on the mountain.

Any trip to Grossglockner begins with a flight into Innsbruck Airport (INN). From here, Kals (a common starting point for the climb) is just three hours away by car. Due to the mountain terrain, the trip is longer by bus or train.

July to September

Yes. A Grossglockner guided climb is considered one of the best introductions to alpine mountaineering. While it involves glacier travel and exposed terrain, it does not require advanced technical climbing skills when done with a certified guide.

While experienced alpinists may climb independently, most climbers choose a Grossglockner guided climb for safety, route finding, and glacier travel expertise. A local guide also improves summit success rates.

You should have good fitness and some hiking or mountaineering experience. Your guide will manage rope techniques, glacier crossings, and safety systems during the climb.

The main season for guided mountain climbing on Grossglockner runs from late spring to early autumn, depending on snow and glacier conditions.

It is both. A Grossglockner guided climb combines mountain climbing and alpine mountaineering, including glacier travel, scrambling, and ridge exposure.