Cycling day trip from Winklern to Heiligenblut am Großglockner

Looking for a challenging and scenic ride in the Austrian Alps? Set off from Winklern, a charming village nestled in the Mölltal valley, and pedal your way north to the legendary mountain village of Heiligenblut am Großglockner. This 26-kilometer route packs in over 1,200 meters of climbing—get ready for some serious elevation gain!

The ride will take you along a diverse mix of quiet roads, tracks, and paths, with half the route on paved surfaces, but expect a fair amount of gravel and even some sections with a missing surface—so a gravel or mountain bike is ideal. The scenery is jaw-dropping throughout, especially as you approach Heiligenblut, famous for its dramatic church spire and as the gateway to the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria’s highest mountain pass.

Take your time to soak in the alpine vistas and, if you have a bit of energy left, wander through Heiligenblut’s picturesque streets—legend has it the church houses a vial of Christ’s blood! This ride is tough, but the reward at the end is more than worth it.