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Located in
Austria🇦🇹
Nearest airport

Salzburg Airport

SZG

From airport to location

Distance144.6 KM
Duration3 hours, 18 minutes

Pasterze Glacier, Austria's largest glacier located at the foot of the Großglockner, is primarily accessed via the scenic, toll-based Großglockner High Alpine Road, open seasonally from May to October. From the Kaiser Franz Josefs Höhe visitor center, paths and a seasonal funicular offer views and access towards the rapidly retreating glacier snout; while much of this can be explored solo, guided tours with a certified guide are essential for safe exploration on the glacier itself due to crevasses and unstable ice. The main cost is the road toll (approx. €40 for a car), with additional costs for the funicular or guided treks. A typical visit to the glacier site takes 2-4 hours, excluding travel time on the alpine road. Visitors should prepare for changing alpine weather, wear sturdy footwear, and be aware of the glacier's significant retreat, which highlights climate change.