The Glockner Trail

Embark from Kaprun, where you’ll use a bus and the Lärchwand inclinator to comfortably reach the Mooserboden Reservoir, marking the commencement of your alpine journey. The day’s hike takes you across the dam and alongside the lake to the valley’s head. The path, initially flat, escalates across a distinct moraine ridge, unveiling the high alpine rugged terrain. Ascend below Kapruner Törl, where loose slabs of rock increase the trail’s intensity. The final stretch descends into the Übelkar cirque and past Vorderes Eisbichl, leading to the vibrant turquoise of the Ödenwinkelkees glacial stream, which you’ll follow to Berghotel Rudolfshütte.

After leaving the comfort of Berghotel Rudolfshütte, your path leads you towards Kalser Tauern pass at 2513 meters. Upon reaching Kalser Tauern, you’ll find yourself at a pivotal point on the trail, where the landscape opens up to reveal the expansive Upper Dorfertal valley below. The trail from here descends into the valley, guiding you towards Tauernbrünnl/Erdiges Eck. Choosing to bypass the more challenging Silesia Mountain Trail, you’ll instead navigate along the edge of Dorfer Lake. This route offers a more direct path down, though it’s marked by a rugged landslide field, demanding careful footing and a steady pace. Your day concludes as you arrive at Kalser Tauernhaus, situated at 1754 meters.

Departing from the Kalser Tauernhaus at dawn, your trail for the day begins with a gentle descent that soon takes you into the heart of the Dorfertal valley. The path meanders through this peaceful landscape, offering glimpses of the diverse flora and fauna that call the Hohe Tauern National Park their home. As you progress, the terrain gradually reveals the entrance to the Drabaschlucht Gorge. Navigating through the gorge, you’ll be captivated by the sheer cliffs and the roaring river along the path. Emerging from the confines of the gorge, the landscape opens up to reveal the picturesque settlement of Kals nestled at the foot of the towering peaks.

The trek initially follows Dorfstrasse to the Ködnitzbach stream and then veers left onto a forestry road towards Lesachriegel peak. The path ascends to Glorergartenalm meadows through steep bends, leading to a junction towards Tschadinalm meadows. You’ll skirt the treeline, passing Tschadinalm and a wayside cross before descending to Peischlachbach stream. The route then challenges you with a climb to Peischlachtörl, navigating through boulder fields to Glorerhütte. From Glorerhütte, the trail heads northeast towards Glatzbachtal Valley, offering early views of Grossglockner. Before Glatzschneid, it descends to the Leiterbach stream, where track No. 702B ascends to Salmhütte.

Leaving Salmhütte, you’ll descend through the picturesque Leitertal valley, following the Graf Salm track to the Leiterbach stream across vibrant alpine meadows. Instead of continuing the descent to Heiligenblut, the path ascends towards Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe, offering a stark shift to the rugged, glaciated landscape around the Pasterze Glacier, Austria’s largest glacier, and the tranquil Sandersee lake. Reaching Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe marks a triumphant moment, providing panoramic vistas of the surrounding alpine giants like Grossglockner.

The route from Glocknerhaus to Untere Pfandlscharte is an alpine trekker’s dream, providing an immersive experience into the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park’s rugged terrain. As you climb, the path offers sweeping views of the Pasterze Glacier and the Grossglockner. Upon reaching the saddle, prepare for a descent that will take you through varied landscapes. The trail down to Ferleiten is well-marked and, while challenging, rewards your efforts with breathtaking vistas and the tranquility of nature’s untouched beauty. Arriving in Ferleiten, you’ll find yourself at the gateway to the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, a perfect spot to catch a post bus to Fusch.

Begin in Fusch, taking a scenic detour by the Hirzbach waterfall on your way to the Hirzbachtal valley. Ascend steeply via track No. 725 towards Feistalpl and through Grabenschlucht gorge, crossing the Hirzbach stream to reach Hirzbachalm. A left turn here leads to easier climbs and expansive meadows, guiding you to Gleiwitzer Hut. Then, you’ll ascend to the Südliche Brandlscharte saddle. Continue descending past Rosskopf to Harleitenalm and through picturesque pastures down to Kaprun glacier funicular’s parking lot, marking the end of your journey on Glockner Trail.