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
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