Mountaineering & Summit Victories in the Grossglockner/Heiligenblut Adventure Region

Summit tours to Austria’s highest peaks: mountaineering in the Hohe Tauern National Park

Eye on the prize: perhaps it’s a desire that’s been building for a while. And now your heart is set on standing on the peak of Austria’s highest mountain. We join our mountain guide at the Salmhütte mountain lodge, the faces in our group filled with tense anticipation. The trek starts out at a leisurely pace. Several climbing passages and a short glacier-crossing later, we reach the Erzherzog-Johann-Hütte – our shelter for the night.

Not much sleep. Firstly, because of the high altitude. And secondly, because of the now imminent summit trek. The weather couldn’t be better, detracting from the steepness of the Glocknerleitel, whose snow-covered planes we now ascend with practiced skill. The quiet confidence of the mountain guide lets a sense of calm settle over the group, so we hardly notice how challenging the climbing passages over the Kleinglockner really are – leading up to the glorious, golden summit cross. And then, there we are, falling into each others arms – and together we stand on the highest peak in the country, the majestic Grossglockner.

Mythical Grossglockner - 3.798 m

It is the subject of dreams, the focus of stories, and a sought-after destination for mountaineers from around the world: the Grossglockner – Austria’s highest mountain, whose summit towers at 3798 metres above sea level. If this is your dream, then maybe it’s time to make it a reality. The summit tour, starting from Heiligenblut, is long, steep and exposed, but by no means impossible. Over the course of two days, you too can surmount the 1800-metre difference in altitude that lies between the village and the golden summit cross. For experienced alpinists, this tour is an unforgettable treat. Those with a more limited mountaineering background are strongly advised to hire a mountain guide for a safe and successful Grossglockner summit adventure.

Grossglockner summit tour – itinerary

Point of departure: Glocknerhaus in Heiligenblut
Duration: 2 days to reach the summit at 3789 m above sea level
Difference in altitude: approx. 1800 m
Long, steep, challenging and exposed
Climbers must be absolutely sure-footed and free of vertigo
Rock and climbing passages – level of difficulty: II
Limited family suitability: well-trained, experienced teenagers from 12 upwards
Best time of year: July – September
Rest/meal point: Salmhütte, overnight stay: Erzherzog-Johann-Hütte

Heiligenblut Climbing Garden - the perfect preparation for high-alpine terrain

The Heiligenblut Climbing Garden offers the fantastic combination of a high rope course, climbing wall, playground and on-site cafe – with many opportunities for visitors to test their sure-footedness and head for heights. The recently added fixed rope route in the nearby ‘Möllschlucht’ gorge gives advanced climbers a perfect chance to show what they’re made of: choose between two difficulty levels, and don’t look down. The Sonnblick Inn offers rental equipment, hot food served all day, and an expansive playground for budding young mountaineers.

In safe hands

If you are planning a special alpine adventure in the Heiligenblut area, there are many benefits to hiring a mountain guide or joining a guided group tour. The Heiligenblut Mountain Guides rank among Austria’s best and most experienced. Since 1870, local guides have taken visitors into the Hohe Tauern mountains and to the country’s highest summit. And to this day, the Grossglockner continues to be a highlight in any mountain guide’s itinerary.

Summit adventures in the Heiligenblut area

In homage to the famous Seven Summits – a list of the world’s highest peaks – we have selected seven mountains in the Hohe Tauern region we would especially recommend. In our case, we did not choose them based on altitude, but for their ability to demonstrate the great diversity of our National Park – allowing for a breathtaking journey of discovery.

The climbing park Heiligenblut offers a great combination of high ropes course, climbing wall, playground and gastronomy. Together with the climbing wall, the high ropes course offers many opportunities to test oneself on head for heights and surefootedness. In the recently opened via f errata in the nearby Möll Gorge, experts can show what they are made of. At two difficulty levels, it’s a matter of joining forces, putting one foot in front of the other and not looking down. Gasthof Sonnblick awaits its guests with rental equipment, all-day hot cuisine and a large playground for young and older mountaineers.

Summit experiences around Heiligenblut am Großglockner

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Getting itchy feet?

Whether you would like to explore one or more of our very own ‘Seven Summits’ or dream of standing at the 3798-metre peak of the Grosslockner.

Simply call +43 4824 2700-7 or send an email to info@grossglockner-bergfuehrer.at. The Heiligenblut Mountain Guides administrative team will be happy to advise you.

For further details and information on planning your holiday, please contact us, send us a non-binding holiday enquiry, or simply call us on +43 4824 2700-20.

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