Imagine enjoying panoramic views, standing atop Austria’s highest peak, the Großglockner. Picture hiking through the stunning landscapes of the Hohe Tauern National Park on your way to the 3,798-meter (12,460-feet) summit. With a wide variety of routes, mountain lovers are drawn to this region again and again, and you will easily understand why.

However, the Glockner Trek is not a walk in the park. You should come prepared with a good fitness level, sure-footedness and alpine experiences for the high passes. You’ll hike over rocky paths and snow-covered glaciers, always accompanied by incredible views. Less experienced climbers can explore the region around the Großglockner, like Kals, with a mountain guide

The circular hike starts at the Lucknerhaus in Kals where you can also stay overnight if you arrive the day before you begin walking. On the first day, you will hike over gentle mountain slopes to the Glorer Hut and on to the Salm Hut. You can split the Glockner Trek into three stages by spending the night at one of the huts. From the Salm Hut, the path leads you over steep scree fields and rope-lined paths up to the Adlersruhe. There you spend the night in the exposed Erzherzog-Johann-Hut before climbing to the Großglockner’s summit on the second day. Ridges with great views and sections of climbing will bring you to the top.

Back at the Adlersruhe the route leads over the Koednitzkees Glacier into the idyllic Koednitz Valley. Here, you can look forward to refreshments at the Stuedl Hut and Luckner Hut where you will be spoiled with homemade delicacies such as apple strudel. After 22 kilometers (13.6 miles) of pure adventure you will return to the starting point at the Lucknerhaus.

To summit the Großglockner, you must be sure-footed and have a head for heights, as well as alpine experience. Check the weather in advance and bring any necessary equipment (hiking boots, crampons, helmet, ropes, etc...). You should also book a place to sleep in one of the huts in advance. In summer, the bus line 952 runs between the Lucknerhaus, the start and end point of the circular hike, and the villages of Kals and Huben. More information about the timetables can be found here: vvt.at/page.cfm?vpath=aktuelles/alle-news&genericpageid=1626