Großer Oscheniksee is a brutal climb (20%) in Austria
Austria, europe
8.5 km
2,390 m
hard
Year-round
# Großer Oscheniksee: A Legendary Alpine Challenge
Perched at a breathtaking 2,390m (7,841ft) in Carinthia's stunning Fragant Valley, the Großer Oscheniksee reservoir is calling your name—if you're brave enough to answer.
This isn't just any mountain pass. Built solely to service the reservoir, this fully paved road is an absolute beast. We're talking about 39 wickedly sharp hairpin turns crammed into just 8.5km (5.28 miles) of climbing. The gradient hits a punishing 20% in sections, with an average grade of 13.01%—making this one seriously steep ascent. Fair warning: if you get queasy on winding roads, you might want to think twice.
Starting from the tiny village of Innerfragant, you'll gain a massive 1,106 meters in elevation over those 8.5 kilometers. The road itself is narrow and totally paved, which is good news for traction but keeps things feeling intense as you navigate those endless hairpins.
Here's the catch: access is currently blocked by a barrier, and the road only opens seasonally from early May through the end of September due to snow. That limited window actually works in your favor—it means this legendary climb stays wild and relatively uncrowded.
Want to test yourself on one of the Alps' toughest climbs? This is it.
Where is it?
Großer Oscheniksee is a brutal climb (20%) in Austria is located in Austria (europe). Coordinates: 47.5424, 13.2174
Road Details
- Country
- Austria
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 8.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,390 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 47.5424, 13.2174
Related Roads in europe
hardM6202 is a Most Tricky Scenic Road on the French Riviera
🇫🇷 France
Cruising through the Alpes-Maritimes in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France? You HAVE to check out the M6202! This isn't just any road; it's one of those incredible French "balcony roads" clinging to the cliffs. Part of the Route de Grenoble, it's fully paved, but be warned: it's narrow with tons of tunnels carved right into the rock face. The most breathtaking stretch is about 31 km (20 miles) along the Var River, from the Var Bridge practically into Nice itself. Seriously, the views are insane! Just a heads up: this road hugs the cliffs, so if heights aren't your thing, maybe skip it. Also, watch out for potential landslides, hairpin turns, and those tight, dark tunnels. It’s a mountain road, so pay attention to the road. The M6202 is gorgeous, full of twists and turns, so take your time and definitely use the parking spots provided to soak it all in!
hardWhere is Palinkopf?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, adventurers, listen up! I've got a wild one for you: a seriously high mountain road straddling the border of Switzerland and Austria. Think stunning alpine views, but be warned, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about reaching the Palinkopf, sitting pretty on the Tyrolean/Grisons border, accessible from Ischgl, Austria. The road to the summit? Forget pavement! It's a rugged, unpaved service road used to access the chairlifts of the epic Samnaun-Ischgl ski area. Expect a bumpy, adrenaline-pumping ride. The climb is intense, with sections hitting a hefty gradient that will test your driving skills and your vehicle. From Ischgl, you're looking at a journey of about 5.3 km, climbing over 630 meters with an average gradient of 12%. Prepare for some steep ramps that will make your heart race. Given its altitude in the Samnaun Alps, this road is only passable during a very short summer window. So, if you're craving an off-the-beaten-path adventure with killer views, add this one to your list! Just make sure you have the right vehicle and a healthy dose of courage.
hardThe Unpaved Road to Monte Corrasi in Sardinia Runs Through a Lunar Landscape
🇮🇹 Italy
# Monte Corrasi: Sardinia's Wild Mountain Drive Buckle up for one of the Mediterranean's most thrilling and remote adventures! Monte Corrasi rises to 1,463m (4,799ft) on the rugged eastern coast of Sardinia, nestled within the stunning Parco Nazionale del Golfo di Orosei e del Gennargentu in Nuoro province. The Strada del Monte Corrasi is seriously not for the faint of heart. This completely unpaved, wickedly narrow road climbs relentlessly with 25 hairpin turns that'll keep your knuckles white the entire way up. You'll need a high-clearance vehicle—there's no way around it. The route follows old forest roads and occasionally cuts across the switchbacks, making for an intense 6.2 km (3.85 miles) push upward with a brutal 751m elevation gain and an average gradient of 12.11%. Starting from Strada Provinciale 22 (SP-22), the road is drivable all the way to a parking area near the summit, where private vehicles have to call it a day. And the payoff? Absolutely worth it. The summit looks like you've landed on another planet—high winds have stripped it bare, creating a lunar landscape scattered with karst formations, caves, gullies, and dramatic rock pinnacles in wild shapes. The views down into the valley below? Utterly breathtaking. This is a bucket-list drive for serious road-trippers who crave remote, raw adventure.
hardHow long is the National Tourist Route Valdresflye?
🇳🇴 Norway
Get ready for the Valdresflye National Tourist Route, a must-do scenic drive in Norway's Innlandet county! This baby clocks in at 49km (30.44 miles) of pure driving bliss, connecting Garli (near Beitostølen) with Besstrondsæter in Vågå via County Road 51. Picture this: smooth pavement winding through ever-changing terrain. Sure, it gets a tad narrow in spots, but nothing your adventurous spirit can't handle. You'll be cruising high, crossing a mountain plateau at 1,393m (4,570ft) above sea level – one of the country's highest roads! This beauty is usually open from early May until well into November, so plan accordingly. Just remember, mountain weather can be a fickle beast! Is it worth it? Absolutely! Prepare to be blown away by the incredible contrasts of the Norwegian landscape. Gaze out over the Jotunheimen National Park from the plateau, then descend into lush, cultivated mountain pastures. The summit is a jumping-off point for epic spring ski adventures. As you drive, feel like you're soaring above the world, with Jotunheimen National Park unfolding before your eyes. To the north, the mountains are rugged and dramatic, while the south offers peaceful, rolling hills. A word of warning: sections between Garli and Maurvangen are closed in winter, though the route between Hindsæter and Gjendesheim stays open. And keep your eyes peeled for domestic reindeer – they love to wander!