Kals a. G. Lucknerhaus - Großglockner (classic route)

Access to starting point:
In navigation, enter the following coordinates: 47,02159°N 12,68881°E or the name: Kals G. Lucknerhaus. . . Approximately 2.5 km before the destination, at 47.01762°N 12.672006°E, there are gates where we take a parking ticket. . The price of parking (2024) is 12€ for less than 24 hours and 15€ for more than 24 hours. From the parking lot, Grossglockner is visible to the north. .

Path description:
The path can be completed in one day, starting the walk before 5 a.m. Usually, on the first day, we ascend to the Erzherzog Johann Hütte (3454 meters), and the next day, we continue towards the summit and back to the valley. I recommend (not mandatory) that you bring a rope, which you will use on glaciers and especially on the last (4th) part of the path, where it is poorly secured. If you are not accompanied by a guide, prior experience with snow, ice, and rock climbing is mandatory.
1. Parking lot (1920 meters)–Lucknerhütte (2241 meters) – 1 h
The path starts on a gravel road (pic. 3), which then changes into a footpath. 7). In the distance, we already see our first destination. 9). When we reach the second fenced gate, we turn right back onto a wide gravel road. 10). After some time, we turn left onto a footpath. 12) and arrive at the Lucknerhütte mountain hut at 2241 meters. 13).
2. Lucknerhütte (2241 meters)–Stüdlhütte (2802 meters) – 1 h 30 min
Along the gravel path, after some time, we reach a junction where we continue straight. 15) towards Stüdlhütte. Soon after, we cross the river over a wooden bridge. 17). At approximately 2600 meters, we reach a junction. 19), where we turn left (if we turned right, we would bypass the Stüdlhütte mountain hut and join the described path at about 2900 meters - this direction is suitable for the return). From the junction, a rocky path. 20) leads to the Stüdlhütte mountain hut, with 200 meters of elevation remaining. .
3. Stüdlhütte (2802 meters)–Erzherzog Johann Hütte (3454 meters) – 2 h 30 min
We start at the sign. 23), where we continue towards the Erzherzog Johann Hütte mountain hut and soon reach another junction. 26), where we turn left towards the Erzherzog Johann Hütte. After some time, we see the Grossglockner peak (pic. 28) and the Erzherzog Johann Hütte mountain hut. 29). Now we are in a glacier area, so we must be careful where we step, as there may be ice and rocks on the ground. 32). At an altitude of approximately 2950 meters, we put on crampons and rope up if we have a rope. We cross the glacier diagonally, as shown in picture 30. Be cautious of glacial crevasses (pic. 34). CAUTION! Even on the well-trodden path, there may be holes (pic. 37 and 38), so be careful, especially on the last part of the glacier. When we reach the rocky section (pic. 39), we remove crampons and put on a self-belay harness. We have two options: to the right (pic. 41) via a ladder along the rock (harder) or left (pic. 40) via a steel cable (easier). After 10 meters, the paths merge, and we continue along the rocks with the steel cable. Approximately 150 meters of elevation remain to the hut. . The mountain hut is not visible, as it is hidden behind rocks (pic. 44).
4. Erzherzog Johann Hütte (3454 meters)–Grossglockner (3798 meters) – 2 h (depending on crowds)
From the mountain hut, we continue on a rocky path (pic. 46) and soon reach the second glacier. 49), where we put on crampons again. Although there are no crevasses in this section, we can still walk roped up here. We reach a rocky wall (pic. 50), where we remove crampons. Be cautious here, especially when there are many people, as the terrain is sloped and space is limited. Then, using one of two ropes (pic. 51), we climb upwards. Here begins the most difficult part of the ascent - rock climbing (pic. 52). The path is poorly secured, with occasional iron bars (pic. 55). Most people are roped up in this section, especially during the descent. Just before the summit, the path dips slightly (pic. 56), then ascends again (pic. 57). At the summit, there is an iron cross (pic. 58). Do not forget that the more challenging part of the path awaits - the descent. The entire timeline includes an additional 30 minutes for breaks at the mountain huts.

On the way: Lucknerhütte (2241m), Stüdlhütte (2802m), Erzherzog Johann Hütte (3454m)