Hiking to Margaritzenstausee and Pasterze Glacier from the Glocknerhaus

If you’re craving dramatic alpine views, glacial lakes, and a trail that feels straight out of a National Geographic feature — then hiking from the Glocknerhaus to Margaritzenstausee and the Pasterze Glacier is the adventure you’re looking for. This scenic route in Carinthia, Austria, offers some of the best glacier views in the Eastern Alps, all wrapped into a moderately challenging trail that’s big on rewards.

We tackled this hike as part of a road trip along the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, and honestly — it blew us away. From emerald-green reservoirs and glacial moraines to the jaw-dropping sight of the Pasterze, Austria’s largest glacier, this trail is packed with natural drama at every turn. And the best part? You don’t need to be a mountaineer to enjoy it.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know — from how to reach the trailhead at Glocknerhaus, to what to expect along the way, and how to prepare for glacier-side hiking conditions.

Glacier Trail Pasterze Circuit Hiking Statistics

Distance – 7.8km circular trail

Elevation – 444m

Duration – 4 hours

Starting Point – Glocknerhaus Kärnten

End Point – Glocknerhaus Kärnten. We had to cut our hike short due to a sudden downpour. I was able to catch a ride with a lovely couple from the top of Franz-Josefs-Höhe back down, grabbed our car and drove back up to pick up Christof and César.

Route – Glocknerhaus Kärnten – Margaritzenstausee – Sandersee – Franz-Josefs-Höhe – Glocknerhaus Kärnten

Level – Moderate. Towards the end of the trail there’s a pretty steep part going up to Franz-Josefs-Höhe. But if you’re not feeling it anymore or it also starts raining heavily like with us you can take the funicular up. It doesn’t come cheap though and will cost you €16.5 per person. The Glacier Cableway operates from the end of June to the start of September.

Best time to visit – June through October, depending on the weather circumstances.

How to Reach the Trailhead – Glocknerhaus

The starting point for your hike to Margaritzenstausee and Pasterze Glacier is the Glocknerhaus, a scenic mountain lodge perched high along the legendary Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Carinthia, Austria.

By Car

Driving is by far the easiest and most scenic way to reach the trailhead. From Heiligenblut, follow the Grossglockner Hochalpenstraße, one of Austria’s most famous mountain roads. After around 20 minutes, you’ll arrive at the Glocknerhaus, where you’ll find a small car park with direct trail access.

• 📍 GPS: 47.0862° N, 12.7039° E
• 🅿️ Parking: Free for overnight guests, paid for day visitors
• 💰 Grossglockner Road toll: Approx. €40 per vehicle

💡 TIP – If you’re staying at a partner accommodation in the Hohe Tauern region, ask for the Nationalpark Kärnten Card (also called Sommercard). This card includes one free round-trip drive on the Grossglockner Alpine Road — a huge bonus, especially if you’re only planning a day hike or short visit.

🚗 Rent a car by using SunnyCars. There’s never any hidden costs with them and free cancellation up to 1 hour before rental start. Their price is transparent and everything is included.

Once you reach the Glocknerhaus, the trail begins right behind the lodge, clearly marked with signs pointing toward Margaritzenstausee, Pasterze Glacier, and other alpine destinations. Within just a few steps, you’ll be walking in the shadow of Austria’s highest mountain, the Grossglockner — a hike you won’t soon forget!

Best Time to Visit the Pasterze Glacier and Margaritzenstausee

The best time to hike this scenic glacier trail is from mid-June to early October, when the Grossglockner High Alpine Road is open and the trail conditions are at their safest.

June – Ideal for snow-capped views and fewer crowds

Early summer is a magical time to visit. You’ll still see snow on the peaks, waterfalls are in full force, and the glacier feels wild and untamed. Just check for late snowpack on higher sections.

July to mid-September – Peak hiking season

This is the most popular time for hiking in the Hohe Tauern National Park. Trails are dry and well-marked, huts are open, and the days are long. It’s perfect for families, casual hikers, and photographers.

Late September to early October – Autumn colors & fewer people

The larch trees turn golden, the air is crisp, and the views are breathtaking — but weather can change quickly, and the glacier may already show signs of early snow. Always check the forecast and road conditions before heading up.

💡 TIP – The Grossglockner Hochalpenstraße usually closes in mid-October, depending on snowfall, and remains closed until early May.

Where to stay

The first 3 nights we based ourselves in Stuhlfelden, a very small town next to Mittersill and perfect to discover the hikes located in the Hohe Tauern National Park! We stayed at Hotel Flatscher, a cute little 3 star family run hotel that also offers dinner at a fair price.

For the other hikes we stayed in the valley of Wagrain at the 4 star Berghotel Alpenklang. Another family run hotel where both breakfast and dinner are included and a beautiful terrace with a view over the valley and surrounding mountains.

Hiking the Glacier Trail with a Baby – What to Know

Yes — you can hike this trail with a baby, but it’s important to be well prepared. The route from Glocknerhaus to Margaritzenstausee and Pasterze Glacier is absolutely stunning, but it’s a true alpine trail, with rocky sections, changing weather, and moderate elevation gain. We did it with a baby in a sturdy Thule back carrier, and while it was one of the more adventurous hikes we tackled as parents, it was also one of the most memorable.

A few things to keep in mind:

• ✅ Carrier only – This trail is not stroller-friendly. You’ll need a supportive hiking backpack with a sunshade and good weight distribution.
• ⏱ Duration – The full loop to the glacier viewpoint and back can take around 3 to 4 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop. It’s very manageable, especially if you plan a relaxed picnic-style break at Margaritzenstausee.
• ⚠️ Trail type – Expect rocky terrain, narrow paths with drop-offs, and a few short but steep climbs. It’s not dangerous, but you’ll need to be sure-footed — especially with a little one on your back.
• 🧥 Weather – Conditions can shift quickly at altitude. Bring extra layers for your baby (and yourself), even on a sunny day. The wind near the glacier can feel surprisingly chilly.

There are plenty of scenic spots to take breaks, and the views of the lake, glacier, and surrounding peaks are a perfect distraction if you’re hiking on limited sleep.

Hiking the Pasterze Glacier Loop – Step-by-Step Guide from Glocknerhaus Kärnten

This alpine circuit trail is one of the most breathtaking hikes in the Hohe Tauern National Park, giving you up-close views of glacial lakes, moraines, and Austria’s largest glacier — the Pasterze. Starting and ending at the Glocknerhaus, this loop is ideal for hikers looking for a moderate half-day adventure with epic scenery and minimal crowds.

Step 1 – Start at Glocknerhaus Kärnten

The hike begins just behind the Glocknerhaus, a mountain lodge perched at 2,132 m. You’ll spot trail markers immediately pointing toward Margaritzenstausee. The path starts with a gentle descent across alpine meadows, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.

• Expect wide-open views of the Glockner Group straight from the start
• Good place to check gear and adjust your carrier if hiking with a baby

Step 2 – Hike Down to Margaritzenstausee

The trail leads you down a well-marked path to Margaritzenstausee, a striking turquoise reservoir fed by the glacier above. The trail follows the dam wall and gives you your first close-up views of the dramatic glacial landscape.

• Perfect photo stop at the dam with reflections on a calm day
• There are spots to rest here before continuing uphill

Step 3 – Continue Toward Sandersee

From the dam, the trail starts to climb gradually across glacial moraines toward Sandersee, a smaller lake just below the glacier. This section is more rugged and rocky but incredibly scenic — you’ll feel completely immersed in high alpine terrain.

• You’re walking across ancient glacial paths — take it slow and soak it all in
• It can get windy here — have a layer ready, especially for little ones in a carrier

Step 4 – Reach Franz-Josefs-Höhe

After Sandersee, the trail continues to Franz-Josefs-Höhe, a panoramic viewpoint and visitor center perched above the Pasterze Glacier. Here, you’ll get unreal views of the Grossglockner, Austria’s highest peak, and the full expanse of the Pasterze. There are telescopes, informational displays, and even a café if you need a break.

• Great place to stop for coffee or a slice of Apfelstrudel
• Toilets and indoor facilities available
• Keep an eye out for marmots and ibex on the slopes nearby!

Step 5 – Return to Glocknerhaus

From Franz-Josefs-Höhe, follow the high trail that loops back to the Glocknerhaus. This final stretch offers more stunning valley views and a peaceful, gradual descent. The trail is well-marked and takes about 60–75 minutes to return to your starting point.

• Quieter section of the trail with space to reflect on the views
• Beautiful late-afternoon light if you’re hiking in the second half of the day

If you have any questions about how to visit Salzburg or if you want to share your experience, comment below!

More information on the Salzburg region in Austria

The Perfect Salzburg 1 Week Travel Guide

How To Visit The Grossglockner High Alpine Road In Austria – Tips & Epic Viewpoints

Visiting Sigmund Thun Klamm – A Complete Guide to Kaprun’s Most Scenic Gorge

Visiting Krimml Waterfalls – A Complete Guide to Austria’s Tallest Waterfalls

The 10 Very Best Hikes In Salzburg In Austria – Including Map & Tips

Visiting Liechtensteinklamm – A Complete Guide to Austria’s Most Impressive Gorge

Hiking from Hofpürgl Hut to Sulzenalm – A Scenic Alpine Trail in Filzmoos, Austria

Hiking to Tappenkarsee – A Stunning Alpine Lake Trail in Salzburg, Austria

Hiking to Hochkeil – A Scenic Summit Trail in Salzburg’s Mountains

Leitenkammerklamm to Zittauer Hut Hike

Arthurhaus to Erichhütte Hike In Hochkönig

8 Top Things To Do In Hohe Tauern National Park

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Charlotte

Hi! We’re Charlotte, Christof & César!

Armed with our cameras & drone we’re always on the lookout for the next adventure!
We’ve been traveling together since 2020 and the best adventures are yet to come!
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