What does 2504 metres mean to a motorcyclist? We found out in June 2023 on the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, riding a BMW GS 1250 Adventure. It was one of our first mountain pass crossings in Austria and part of our June 2023 Alps tour.
What is the Grossglockner High Alpine Road?
It is one of Austria’s mountain crossings and a famous route for motorcyclists. Our notes are short: the road is the Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria, the altitude is 2504 metres, the entry fee was 30 euros in June 2023 and we rode a BMW GS 1250 Adventure. The fee can change from year to year. Grossglockner is the name of Austria’s highest mountain, and the road takes its name from it. The road runs through the Hohe Tauern region and links the states of Salzburg and Carinthia.
The group of riders we met
The moment we remember best is meeting a large group of motorcyclists. We were surprised that they were so many, and they were surprised that we were alone. Both sides looked at each other in astonishment. Greetings to them from here.
Riding notes
On high mountain roads, set your speed before each bend, look through the exit and use engine braking on descents. Dress in layers, since the air cools and the wind picks up with altitude. Check that the road is open before setting out, because mountain roads depend on season and weather.
Rider Healthcare and Galata Healthcare products suit long Alpine days, and Educated Moto Riders offers motorcycle tours and advanced and safe riding training for riders who prefer a group.
Read the full story in Turkish with photos and videos: Grossglockner High Alpine Road.