Heiligenblut Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Heiligenblut with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the must-visit places, the best things to do, where to stay, and more.


Heiligenblut is a picturesque village nestled in the Carinthian Alps, in Austria. This charming destination offers a combination of cultural and natural attractions, making it an ideal vacation spot for travelers of all ages. In this travel guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to plan your trip to Heiligenblut, including the must-visit places, the best things to do, where to stay, and more.

Introduction to Heiligenblut

Heiligenblut is a picturesque mountain village with a rich history and culture. It is located in the Carinthian Alps, at the foot of the Grossglockner, the highest mountain in Austria. The village is known for its strikingly beautiful architecture, including the Gothic Church of St. Vincent, which dates back to the 15th century.

The village boasts a breathtaking view of the mountain range in every direction. It is the perfect vacation destination for those who love outdoor adventures, natural beauty, and cultural experiences.

List of Places to Visit in Heiligenblut

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Church of St. Vincent: A Gothic church built in the 15th century and adorned with beautiful frescoes and stained glass windows.

  • The Groppenstein Gorge: A natural wonderland featuring an iron bridge and a waterfall.

  • The Glocknerhaus Museum: A museum dedicated to the history of the Grossglockner Road and natural history of the Grossglockner mountain region.

Natural Attractions of Heiligenblut: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Grossglockner High Alpine Road: A scenic mountain road that winds through the highest peaks of the Alps.

  • The Pasterze Glacier: The longest glacier in Austria, located in the Hohe Tauern National Park.

  • The Alpe-Adria Trail: A long-distance hiking and biking trail that connects the three countries of Austria, Italy and Slovenia.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Heiligenblut

Heiligenblut offers a variety of hiking and biking routes with breathtaking views of the mountains and glaciers. Some popular trails include:

  • The Heiligenblut circular route: A four-hour hike that offers stunning views of the Grossglockner and its glaciers.

  • The Lesach Valley Trail: A three-hour hike through a valley with several mountain lakes and idyllic alpine huts.

  • The Lärchenhütte Circuit: A full-day hike that takes you to a mountain hut for lunch, followed by a scenic walk back to town.

Best Things to Do in Heiligenblut: Activities and Tours

  • Take a scenic drive or bike ride along the Grossglockner High Alpine Road.

  • Explore the Hohe Tauern National Park on a guided hike or bike tour.

  • Visit the Pasterze Glacier and learn about its history and current state with a knowledgeable guide.

Week-Long Itinerary for Heiligenblut

Day 1-2: Explore the village, visit the Church of St. Vincent and Groppenstein Gorge Day 3: Hike the Lärchenhütte Circuit Day 4: Drive the Grossglockner High Alpine Road Day 5: Join a guided hike to the Pasterze Glacier Day 6: Take a leisurely stroll along the Alpe-Adria Trail Day 7: Relax in nature and enjoy a local meal or drink.

Food and Drink Scene of Heiligenblut

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kaiserschmarrn: A traditional Austrian dessert made with shredded pancakes, raisins, and plum compote.

  • Wiener Schnitzel: A thin, breaded veal cutlet that is pan-fried and served with potatoes or salad.

  • Kasnocken: A hearty dish of noodles smothered in melted cheese and topped with cracklings.

Local Beverages

  • Schnapps: An alcoholic drink made from regional fruits such as apples, plums, and pears.

  • Almdudler: A traditional Austrian soft drink made from a blend of mountain herbs.

  • Austrian Wines: Gruner Veltliner, Zweigelt, and Riesling are among the popular wine varieties in Austria.

Where to Stay in Heiligenblut: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Heiligenblut offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Some popular hotel options include:

  • Romantik Hotel Wastlwirt
  • Hotel Kaiservilla
  • Nationalpark Lodge Grossglockner

What to Buy in Heiligenblut: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Hand-painted pottery and ceramics
  • Local honey, jams and chutneys
  • Handmade wooden crafts

Local Culture and Customs of Heiligenblut

The people of Heiligenblut are proud of their unique culture and traditions. They celebrate many festivals throughout the year, including the Corpus Christi procession in June and the Harvest festival in September. The region is famous for its rich musical heritage with many choirs, brass bands, and folk groups performing.

Best Time to Visit Heiligenblut

The best time to visit Heiligenblut is between May and October when the weather is mild and nature is at its best. The Grossglockner Road is open from late April to early November, with July and August being the busiest months.

Do’s and Don’ts of Heiligenblut

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and traditions.
  • Try the local cuisine and drinks.
  • Explore the scenic beauty with eco-friendliness in mind.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the natural environment.
  • Ignore the dress code when visiting churches or religious sites.
  • Take photographs of individuals without their permission.

Safety and Health

Safety in Heiligenblut

Heiligenblut is considered a safe destination with low crime rates. However, it’s always advisable to take precautions and ensure the safety of your belongings.

Health in Heiligenblut

Heiligenblut does not have any specific health risks. It is always advisable to have comprehensive travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation.

Getting to Heiligenblut: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Heiligenblut

The closest airports are:

  • Salzburg Airport (SZG), which is 190 km away
  • Klagenfurt Airport (KLU), which is 155 km away.

Bus Stations Near Heiligenblut

Buses run from Salzburg and Klagenfurt to Heiligenblut. Local bus services are also available in the region.

Other Options

You can also drive to Heiligenblut from major Austrian cities such as Vienna or Salzburg.

How to Get Around in Heiligenblut

The village is small and can be explored on foot. However, if you plan to explore the surrounding areas, a car is recommended. Buses and taxis are also available.

Where to Go Next from Heiligenblut: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • The city of Salzburg
  • The town of Zell am See
  • The Grossglockner High Alpine Road

Conclusion

Heiligenblut is a stunning destination with breathtaking natural beauty, rich culture and history, and a range of outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, this destination offers something for everyone. By following our comprehensive travel guide, you can plan the perfect trip to this Austrian gem.

Main square Main square Church of Heiligenblut Church of Heiligenblut View from Glockner road View from Glockner road