Grossglockner

Großglockner, Heiligenblut am Großglockner, Bezirk Spittal an der Drau, Koruška, Austrija

The Grossglockner, Austria’s tallest mountain, soars to a height of 3,798 meters above the Adriatic, making it a prominent feature in the Eastern Alps. Part of the Glockner Group within the expansive Hohe Tauern range, it stands along the Central Eastern Alps’ main ridge, marking a significant point in the Alpine divide. The mountain is renowned for the Pasterze, Austria’s largest glacier, which gracefully adorns its eastern slope.

This iconic mountain is not just a single peak but a duo of pinnacles: the Grossglockner and the Kleinglockner, standing at 3,770 meters. These two are separated by the Glocknerscharte col, adding a unique character to the mountain’s structure. The Grossglockner’s name is steeped in history, with its first documented mention as Glocknerer in a 1561 map by cartographer Wolfgang Lazius. Over time, the mountain’s name evolved, with the prefix Gross- (“great”) appearing first in the late 18th century.

Geographically, the Grossglockner sits on the border between Carinthia and Tyrol (East Tyrol) in Austria. The peak forms part of the Glocknerkamm ridge in the Glockner Group and is positioned between the municipalities of Kals am Großglockner and Heiligenblut. This location also marks the watershed between the Kals Valley and the Möll Valley. The region surrounding the Grossglockner has been designated as a protected area within the High Tauern National Park since 1986.

The Grossglockner stands out in the Alpine landscape for its high Alpine, heavily glaciated appearance, often compared to the peaks of the Western Alps. The mountain’s prominence and isolation make it one of the most independent peaks in the Alps, offering an extensive panoramic view spanning across vast landscapes. The Grossglockner and Kleinglockner’s unique relationship, their distinct climbing routes, and the mountain’s overall grandeur contribute significantly to its status as a monumental peak in the world of mountaineering and nature exploration.