Breathtaking views of the imposing Großglockner with its mighty glaciers, the 3,000-metre peaks of the Hohe Tauern, picturesque valleys with rushing streams and rustic huts serving delicious local food, all of this awaits you on the Glocknerkrone long-distance trail. The wildlife is stunning too; you’ll have the chance to observe ibex, marmots and golden eagles in the wild. Across 65 glorious kilometres (40 mi), divided into six stages, you discover the south side of the Großglockner and explore the magnificent Hohe Tauern National Park.

Surround yourself by the region’s natural beauty, enjoy the tranquillity of the Spinevitrol and develop a deeper appreciation for how glaciers have shaped the landscape. You hike through various vegetation zones, from sparse Swiss stone pine forests to flowering alpine meadows with Edelweiss, to the barren scree fields below the mighty glaciers. As this journey takes you into the high mountains, surefootedness and sturdy hiking shoes are necessary.

On the way, you have the option to detour to mighty peaks. More information on this can be found in the Tour descriptions. The Tours are also wonderfully accessible at various points, giving the option of shortening stages if required. I thoroughly recommend spending an additional night or two in one of the beautiful huts and taking the time to explore the surroundings more intimately.

The best season for the Glocknerkrone is from mid-June to the end of September. However, find out what the conditions are like on the trails beforehand, because snowfields can persist into the summer at high altitudes. I advise booking the huts in advance, as some of them are very popular. Check the weather forecast before you start and pack suitable clothing.

The best way to get to the starting point of the hike is to take the Glockner taxi from Kals am Großglockner, where the journey also ends. The town is easily accessible by car, bus and train. You can travel from Salzburg or Innsbruck via Kufstein by train and from there by bus to Kals. You can find more information about the Glocknertaxi at: osttirol.com/en/discover-and-experience/sightseeing-and-places-of-interest/detail/infrastructure/glocknertaxi-kals-a-gr

Let's go! Grab your rucksack and discover the magnificent mountain world of East Tyrol. Look forward to an unforgettable hike in the wonderful high mountain landscape.