Any suggestions on driving and sightseeing on the Grossglockner road? Will be there in early autumn and hope to do some hiking.<BR><BR>

Hohe Tauern National Park is on my wish list, so I don't have personal info, but have you seem this site?<BR><BR>http://www.hohetauern.at/phpdocs/men...h=1&amp;lang=2

WE drove over the Grossglockner the first week of October, 2002. Absolutely beautiful and cold and snowy on top. We stopped in Linz on the south side and had lunch, then ventured North. The pass itself is an easy drive up to almost 2600 meters. <BR><BR>Sorry I can't help with the hiking.<BR>Cheers,<BR>Jan

I was in Heiligenblut last September for several nights which is within view of the Grossglockner Peak. We stayed at Landhaus Cristoph which is like a B and B with about 8 guest rooms. It is run by Maria and Josef Kramser. It was comfortable enough, but not a luxury hotel. <BR><BR>The Grossglockner itself is a high mountain that gives rise to the longest glacier in the eastern alps. The day we went to the Franz Josef viewpoint, the wind was blowing fiercly. I needed winter clothes, so we did not venture far. (My Goretex jacket and pants, plus a sweater and a Polarfleece pullover were not enough in that stiff wind.) <BR><BR>The Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse goes over the crest of the ridge and leads to some awesome views. We drove it both ways and found it a relatively easy drive as steep mountain roads go. <BR><BR>I am very glad we saw that part of Austria!! The family at the guest house or Landhaus, was very friendly.<BR>The trade off was we got to meet the children, particularly 4 year old Johannes who has yet to meet a stranger.<BR>He of course spoke no English, but that did not stop him from jumping in my wife's lap and whispering to her. <BR>Then he would giggle and run off, singing. <BR><BR>There are plenty of hikes around there.<BR><BR>One point, the town near the mountains is Lienz. Linz is another, much larger city between Salzburg and Vienna.<BR>

Absolutely right! Thanks, Bob, for the clarification.<BR><BR>Pam, we will be biking the pass this summer so if you want more detailed information, post closer to the time of travel and we will respond.<BR>Cheers,<BR>Jan

Pam here (this new registration required a change in screen name). Thanks for all the advice. The web site link was wonderful. I have bookmarked that for the future. Yes, Jan I would love to hear your comments about the area after your trip. We will be staying for a week in St.Martin bei Lofer so we will probably have to rent a car to get to good hiking. We've been to Salzburg before a few times and always stayed in town san car so we are hoping to see more of the countryside by staying in a nearby condo.