Grossglockner, the iconic snow-capped Alpine peak in Austria, is one of the world’s most beautiful, must-ride climbs.
Originally built to showcase the Hohe Tauern National Park, Grossglockner has also become a popular climb for cyclists wishing to take in the stunning background.
The final instalment of 2015 from the Col Collective leads the way up the High Alpine Road, which is set against the lush Glockner meadows and up to the Pasterze ice glacier.
Alpine adventurer Mike Cotty says of the climb: “At 3,798 metres high Austria’s white giant is every bit as imposing as it is intriguing, enveloped by an aura of natural beauty that’s beyond imagination.
“Starting in Heiligenblut you initially trace your way through lush Glockner meadows as the gradient pitches up and holds its form at over double figures for the first 6km.
“A moment of respite gifts you an extra heartbeat to savour your surrounds before the final push, past the powerful Fensterbach waterfalls, towards the eternal ice plain of the Pasterze Glacier and the foot of the legendary Großglockner itself.
“Without question absolutely one of the most spectacular roads you’ll ever ride.”
Check out the video above, or see more from the Col Collective here.
Vital statistics
Start: Heiligenblut
Length: 16.4km
Summit: 2,369m
Elevation gain: 1,069m
Average gradient: 8.1%
Max gradient: 12%
