The best road cycling routes in the High Tauern

The High Tauern is renowned for its demanding alpine climbs. Many difficult routes feature sections of the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, known for its 36 hairpin bends and elevations up to 2,571 meters at Edelweiss Spitze. Routes like the Fuscherkarkopf – Grossglockner High Alpine Road loop from Hochtor, covering 47.8 km with over 1,900 meters of ascent, offer a significant challenge. Another option is the extensive Hochtor Pass Summit (2,504 m) – Grossglockner High Alpine Road loop from Großglockner Guttal, a 150.9 km path traversing high alpine terrain with over 4,300 meters of elevation gain.

The prime season for road cycling in the High Tauern, especially for routes involving high alpine passes, is generally from early May to late October or early November. This aligns with the opening times of the Grossglockner High Alpine Road. Always check local weather and road conditions before planning your ride, as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.

While the High Tauern is famous for its challenging climbs, it also offers more leisurely options. The Tauern Cycling Tour/Path, for instance, provides a scenic route starting near the Krimml Waterfalls, suitable for less experienced riders or families. These routes often feature well-paved surfaces and good infrastructure, including e-bike charging stations. There is at least one easy route and 19 moderate routes available in the region.

The High Tauern offers breathtaking vistas. Along routes like those on the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, you'll encounter panoramic viewpoints such as the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe, offering views of Austria's highest mountain, the Grossglockner, and the Pasterze Glacier. Other notable natural features include the spectacular Krimml Waterfalls, Europe's highest, and deep valleys like the Krimmler Achental. You might also pass impressive gorges such as Kitzlochklamm.

The High Tauern region offers a diverse network of over 30 road cycling routes. These routes cater to various ability levels, including 13 difficult, 19 moderate, and at least one easy option, ensuring there's a suitable ride for every cyclist.

The High Tauern is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.37 stars from over 150 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the dramatic alpine landscape, the challenge of high alpine passes, and the awe-inspiring views of peaks like the Grossglockner and the Pasterze Glacier. The diverse terrain, from glacial scenery to deep valleys, also contributes to a memorable cycling experience.

Yes, many road cycling routes in the High Tauern are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Maiden's Leap Waterfall – Hochtor Pass Summit (2,504 m) loop from Gemeindeamt Großkirchheim, a 65.7 km route, or the Maiden's Leap Waterfall – Hochtor Pass and Tunnel loop from Heiligenblut Aichhorn, which is 38.8 km long. These circular routes are ideal for exploring the region without needing return transport.

While the High Tauern is primarily known for its natural beauty, some routes may pass by points of historical interest. For example, the Past the Kienburg ruins – Lienz loop from Matrei in Osttirol offers a moderate 64.8 km ride that includes views of historical ruins. The region also features traditional alpine huts, some of the oldest in Austria, like those at Jagdhausalm, which can be seen on some routes.

Absolutely. The Grossglockner, Austria's highest mountain at 3,798 meters, is a dominant feature of the High Tauern landscape. Many road cycling routes, particularly those utilizing the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, offer spectacular, sustained views of this majestic peak and its surrounding three-thousand-meter companions. The View of Großglockner – Kals am Großglockner loop from Matrei in Osttirol is a difficult 57.2 km route specifically designed to showcase these views.

The distances and durations vary significantly depending on the route's difficulty and elevation gain. Difficult routes, such as the Puch – Drau Bridge Sachsenburg loop from Mallnitz-Obervellach, can be as long as 141.5 km and take over 6 hours. Moderate routes, like the Mautturm Winklern – Obervellach Town Center loop from Gemeindeamt Großkirchheim, are typically around 87.5 km and can be completed in about 3 hours 50 minutes. Shorter, more intense climbs, like the Hochtor Pass Summit (2,504 m) – Heiligenblut from above loop from Hochtor, are about 30.4 km and take around 2 hours 20 minutes.

Yes, the High Tauern is home to impressive waterfalls. The Krimml Waterfalls, Europe's highest, are a major attraction. While direct road cycling routes might not go right to the base, routes in the vicinity, or those starting the Tauern Cycling Tour, offer access to this natural wonder. The Hochtor Pass Summit (2,504 m) – Fuscherkarkopf loop from Heiligenblut, for example, offers views of the dramatic alpine landscape where such features are common.