Stage 2

July 9th, 2026

The Queen Stage to the Roof of the Tour

 

The second stage of the Tour of Austria, from Bad Kleinkirchheim to the Kaiser Franz Josef Höhe at the Großglockner, is considered the queen stage.

The route begins with a fast and undulating ride through Carinthia, passing scenic lakes such as Lake Ossiach, Lake Afritz, Lake Brenn, and Lake Millstatt – a true showcase for the region. Up to Heiligenblut at the foot of the Großglockner, major challenges remain limited, but then the riders face the longest and most demanding climb of the entire tour.

The ascent to the Kaiser Franz Josef Höhe tests the riders with steep gradients and rewards them with spectacular Alpine panoramas. This stage perfectly combines peak athletic performance with the natural beauty of Carinthia and will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of the race.

Paco Wrolich, Former Professional Cyclist & Cycling Coordinator Carinthia Tourism

July 9th, 2026

188.8 KILOMETERS / 2,914 VERTICAL METERS

Start

BAD KLEINKIRCHHEIM

Finish

GROSSGLOCKNER

.

Bad Kleinkirchheim

CARINTHIA AT ITS MOST BEAUTIFUL

The Carinthian stage promises a scenic spectacle that will delight both cycling fans and nature lovers.

Starting in the renowned ski resort of Bad Kleinkirchheim, the route first follows Lake Ossiach, framed by the majestic Gerlitzen mountains, then continues through the picturesque Gegendtal valley past the shimmering waters of Lake Afritz and Lake Brenn. From there, it leads to the idyllic Lake Millstatt before reaching the impressive Mölltal valley.

The highlight of the stage is undoubtedly the legendary climb to the Großglockner, culminating at the Kaiser Franz Josef Höhe. Here, riders are rewarded not only with a demanding ascent but also with breathtaking views.

Carinthia shows itself at its very best – a perfect blend of sporting challenge and Alpine beauty.

Klaus Ehrenbrandtner, CEO Carinthia Tourism

.

Großglockner

AUSTRIAN LANDMARK OF GLOBAL SIGNIFICANCE

The Großglockner High Alpine Road is far more than a scenic mountain route. It is the key tourist attraction in the Hohe Tauern region, located in the heart of the National Park Hohe Tauern, and a landmark of Austria with great historical and cultural significance.

Similarly, the Tour of Austria has stood for sporting excellence, tradition, and national identity for decades. That the queen stage of the 75th anniversary edition finishes at the Kaiser Franz Josef Höhe is a powerful statement, highlighting the connection between two institutions that shape Austria in their own ways – through sport, landscape, and culture.

Johannes Hörl, CEO Großglockner High Alpine Roads AG