My husband and I would like to drive the Grossglockner Road in the middle of October, travelling from Lienz to Berchtesgaden. Should we be unfortunate to have snow and the Grossglockner is closed, would the Felbertauern Strasse be an option? Would it be an easier and safer drive in winter weather than the Grossglockner?
Perhaps a silly question, but for those who know the area well, what would be the approximate likelihood that the Grossglockner Road is closed in mid-October?
Many thanks for your advice.
Posted by
2659 posts
There are no silly questions, only silly answers.
2025 the Grossglockner High Alpine Road was closed on November 2nd (which is the end of the autumn holidays for schools). Nobody knows what the weather may be, but generally there is less early snowfall now due to the climate change.
The Felbertauern Road is a viable alternative because it is kept open during winter as best as possible, unless there is excessive snowfall, e.g., 2 feet or more in 24 hours. In such a case the road will be closed temporarily until the snowplows have done their work.
Posted by
NYC area
3076 posts
I think you’re pretty safe to plan a mid October drive over the Grossglockner Road. We’ve done this in mid October twice. Once from Berchtesgaden on our way to the Dolomites and then another time reversed.
Posted by
Alsenborn, Germany
2428 posts
I will only add that by mid-October most of the leaves will have fallen, so if you're expecting fall color you'll probably want to go at the beginning of the month.