
Pavlic Pass is one of the highest Slovenian roads
Slovenia, europe
19.3 km
1,349 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because Pavlič Pass is a stunner! Straddling the border between Slovenia and Austria, this high-altitude haven clocks in at a cool 1,349 meters (4,425 feet). Nestled in the Julian Alps, it's your ticket from Slovenia's Lower Styria region to Austria's Carinthia.
The route itself, known locally as Paulitschsattel or Pavličevo Sedlo, is a ribbon of asphalt that can get a little cozy in spots. You'll find it marked as the Seeberg Highway (B 82) on the Austrian side and route 428 in Slovenia. Don't let the pavement fool you; this beauty was originally carved out way back in 1894 but got its smooth surface much later, in 2000.
Stretching just over 19 km (almost 12 miles) from Solčava, Slovenia, to Bad Vellach in Austria, it’s a relatively short but incredibly sweet ride. Be warned: some sections are seriously steep, hitting gradients of nearly 16%! You'll be winding through dense forests one minute and cruising past charming villages and open meadows the next. Keep an eye out for cyclists and motorcyclists who flock here when the weather’s good — they're loving the challenge!
Where is it?
Pavlic Pass is one of the highest Slovenian roads is located in Slovenia (europe). Coordinates: 46.1535, 14.6285
Road Details
- Country
- Slovenia
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 19.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,349 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.1535, 14.6285
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