Driving the Grossglockner high alpine road

Our last day in Slovenia had ended with a steep assent and then similar descent into Austria. It had been a great day of walks, scenery, and road tripping on crazy mountainous roads, but by the time we descended into Austria I was ready to park up. The first camp we pulled into in Worthersee must have had over 1000 sites, and was like its own little village, so as soon as the path was clear we quickly retreated. Further down the road, and away from the lake shore, with help from the GPS we located Camp Wiesen Marhof.

This camp was part of a working farm. There was hay making behind us, a small selection of animals for the kids - sheep, goat, rabbits and guinea pigs - a well equipped sand pit, go carts, a trampoline pit enclosure, and a small pool and slide. Sadly, the pool was empty, and though the day had gotten to 32 we guessed they were waiting for summer. Would have been a great place to stay with Axel and Jimmy. 

Camping Wiesen Marhof

The next day we dedicated our day to driving the Grossglockner road. This is a high alpine road, just 48 km but that takes you to the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park. We drove up to 2571 meters, and enjoyed the sights of 30 three thousand meter mountains. 

At one point on the drive when Heather was busy snapping away with the camera, we came to a roundabout at the top of a series of steep s bends. We were unprepared for this, and my co-pilot had been distracted, not realising the road split off, and after a few loud exchanges, I just ploughed on up in the direction of Salzburg - the only part of the signs I recognised. Unfortunately we had missed the turn to the Franz Joseph glacier, but it was too tricky to do a u turn here, so we forfeited that view.

Near the tops there was heaps of old snow piled alongside the road. The scenery was breathtaking, and well worth the efforts. Lots of places to pull over to take in the views - and allow the more adventurous drivers to pass. Heaps of s bends, but a very good road. It seemed everyone was out enjoying this sunny hot Saturday. Heaps of motorbikes, countless sports cars with the tops down, and surprisingly, a lot of scooters - some only 50 cc and struggling with the gradient. 

The road had a special toll charge, and cost a whacking €34, but we did it slowly and it made a great day of road tripping. 

These seemed grossly inadequate if we were at risk of plunging off the road and down the mountains

On the way to the Grossglockner road

Its hard to believe just where some people manage to cycle

There were about 15 of these sports cars

Alpine farming - not sure how they bring the sheep in - not that we saw many

If you lean forward it just might make it!