The inhumane climb to Kitzbuhler Horn with 22% ramps
Austria, europe
2.2 km
1,967 m
hard
Year-round
# Kitzbüheler Horn: Austria's Most Brutal Alpine Climb
Want to tackle one of Europe's most punishing mountain roads? The Kitzbüheler Horn in Austria's Tyrol region will definitely test your limits. This beast of a climb sits at 1,967m (6,453ft) and has earned serious respect in the cycling world for good reason.
Starting from the charming alpine town of Kitzbühel, you're looking at a 10.7 km (6.64 miles) journey that climbs a whopping 1,218 meters. The average gradient hovers around 11.38%, but don't let that fool you—the road hits a jaw-dropping 22.4% gradient in places, with the final kilometer above Goinger Alm pushing a brutal 22.3%.
The entire route is paved, but don't expect smooth sailing. It's narrow and winds through countless switchback corners, passing a few alpine huts along the way. Here's where it gets spicy: the last 2.2 km is privately owned by Austria's national broadcasting company, and it's off-limits to regular cars. This restricted section is honestly the toughest part of the whole drive—narrow, steep, and rough around the edges.
Fair warning: this road is typically snowbound from late October through May, so you'll need to time your visit carefully. But when conditions are right, the panoramic views are absolutely spectacular.
At the summit, you'll find a restaurant and chapel to celebrate your conquest, plus a 102-meter TV tower that's impossible to miss. Seriously, this is Austrian cycling legend territory.
Where is it?
The inhumane climb to Kitzbuhler Horn with 22% ramps is located in Austria (europe). Coordinates: 47.2924, 12.8389
Road Details
- Country
- Austria
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 2.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,967 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 47.2924, 12.8389
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