A very steep (19%) mountain road to Riedberg Pass in Germany
Germany, europe
19.1 km
1,407 m
moderate
Year-round
# Riedbergpass: A Bavarian Alpine Adventure
Ready for some serious elevation gain? Riedbergpass sits pretty at 1,407m (4,616ft) in the Oberallgäu district of Bavaria, just a stone's throw from the Austrian border. This is proper mountain pass territory.
The 19.1 km (11.86 miles) route runs west-east from Austria to Fischen, and let me tell you—it doesn't mess around with the grades. The western approach hits a lung-busting 16%, while the eastern side from Fischen? That's a brutal 19% climb. Buckle up for that one.
The good news? The road itself—officially called Riedbergstraße (OA9)—is completely paved and in excellent condition. It stays open year-round, so you can tackle it in any season. Just note that heavy vehicles aren't allowed through here, keeping the pass peaceful and less congested than you'd expect.
At the summit, you'll find a parking area where you can catch your breath and soak in the Alpine scenery. If you're into hiking, there are several dedicated parking lots scattered around. Plus, there's a quirky little side road that branches off near the top leading to the mountain village of Grasgehren—worth a quick detour if you're exploring.
Located within the stunning Allgäu Alps, this pass delivers both challenge and reward. Whether you're a cyclist hunting for a brutal climb or a driver looking for an engaging mountain route, Riedbergpass delivers the goods.
Where is it?
A very steep (19%) mountain road to Riedberg Pass in Germany is located in Germany (europe). Coordinates: 51.2700, 9.8731
Road Details
- Country
- Germany
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 19.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,407 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 51.2700, 9.8731
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere Is the Königshaus am Schachen?
🇩🇪 Germany
Okay, so you wanna get to Königshaus am Schachen, a castle built way up high by King Ludwig II? This place is nestled in the Bavarian Alps near Garmisch-Partenkirchen, putting it among the highest roads in Germany at a whopping 6,112 feet above sea level. Now, King Ludwig wasn't into hunting despite this being called a castle, so he made this two-story wooden structure. It might not look as fancy as his other palaces from the outside (except for those balcony railings!), but trust me, it's special. What's cool is at the summit near the castle, you'll find the Alpengarten auf dem Schachen, a whole hectare of alpine botanical garden sitting pretty at around 2,000 meters! The mountain's limestone and dolomite soil creates a home for all sorts of plants. You'll see species from the Bavarian Forest, Alps, Carpathians, Patagonia, the Rocky Mountains, and even the Himalayas! It's open during the summer and is managed by the Botanischer Garten München-Nymphenburg. Heads up: the road to the top is closed to regular cars. It's only driveable with a 4x4, and even then, only from June to October. So plan accordingly!
extremeDriving the Curvy TF-12 Road in the Canary Islands
🇪🇸 Spain
# The TF-12: Tenerife's Ultimate Twisty Mountain Ride Ready for one of Spain's most thrilling cycling and driving routes? The TF-12 on Tenerife's island is calling your name. This scenic highway winds through the stunning Anaga mountain range in the island's northeast, and honestly, it's an absolute gem. Stretching 28.8 km (17.89 miles) from sea level in San Andrés up to the village of Las Mercedes, this road is a gradually intensifying adventure. Starting easy at the coast, the climb gets progressively steeper as you venture higher—topping out at 871 meters. Fair warning though: with over 100 hairpin turns packed into this route, it's not for everyone. Those prone to motion sickness? You might want to skip this one. Here's the thing—some sections are pretty tight. We're talking barely wide enough for two cars to squeeze past each other. Add in blind corners, dramatic cliff-side drops, and the occasional rockfall or landslide, and you'll understand why reversing skills are basically mandatory here. The asphalt itself is in great condition, and traffic stays refreshingly light, but you'll definitely need to stay sharp. The real magic? You're driving through the Rural de Anaga Park's lush, shaded woodland, carving through dramatic cliff faces with views that'll make your jaw drop. On clear days, you might even spot Gran Canaria peeking at you from the horizon. Just remember to keep your eyes on those curves—as tempting as those vistas are, the road demands your full attention. This is pure road-trip magic right here.
moderateDare to drive the dangerous road to Peña Horadada in the Sierra Nevada
🇪🇸 Spain
# Peña Horadada: Spain's Ultimate High-Altitude Adventure Ready for some seriously stunning alpine driving? Peña Horadada sits pretty at 2,350m (7,709ft) above sea level and ranks among Spain's highest mountain passes. This beast is tucked away in Almería province, right in the heart of Andalusia's famous Sierra Nevada—you know, the same dramatic range that's home to the legendary Pico Veleta. Here's where it gets interesting: this entire 46km (28-mile) stretch of road is completely unpaved, winding through the Sierra Nevada National Park itself. We're talking serious off-road territory here—only 4x4 vehicles allowed, and it's strictly off-limits to regular cars. No shortcuts, no exceptions. The route itself is an east-west journey that kicks off at Puerto de la Ragua (sitting at 2,046m/6,712ft) and ends in the tiny village of Ohanes. So basically, you're climbing even higher after already being at an impressive elevation. The raw, rugged beauty of this high-altitude traverse is absolutely unreal, with jaw-dropping Sierra Nevada scenery surrounding you at every turn. This is the kind of drive that gets your adrenaline pumping and leaves you with stories for years.
hardWhere Does the Sumba Old Road Lead?
🌍 Faroe Islands
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Ever dreamed of conquering a real mountain road? Then picture this: the old road in Sumba, Suðuroy, Faroe Islands! This isn't just any drive; it's a 9.5 km (5.9 miles) rollercoaster that'll test your skills and reward you with views you won't believe. We're talking about climbing to the top of a massive 470-meter (1,542-foot) sea cliff. Trust me, the vistas from up there are absolutely jaw-dropping. Now, a word of caution: this road isn't for the faint of heart. It winds and climbs, with some tight spots where you'll definitely need to watch out for oncoming traffic. The elements can be fierce here, with avalanches and snowfall possible, making navigation tricky. Here's the insider tip: most folks now zoom through the modern 3,240-meter (10,630-foot) Sumbatunnilin tunnel. But if you're seeking a true driving adventure, take the old road! You won't regret it.