
Where is Fern Pass?
Austria, europe
17.7 km
1,212 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure-seekers, let’s talk about Fernpass! This mountain pass sits way up high in the Austrian Tyrol, clocking in at 1,212 meters (that's nearly 4,000 feet!). You'll find it in western Austria, snuggled in the Tyrolean Alps.
The road, Fernpass Straße (B 179), is completely paved, and get this—traders have been using this route since *pre-Roman times*. These days, the road's pretty well-maintained, but fair warning, it can get *packed* with traffic heading from southern Germany to Innsbruck.
Good news for winter warriors: Fernpass is usually open all year! But keep an eye on the forecast because short closures are common in winter. Oh, and pro tip: winter gear is a MUST in Austria during the snowy months, so pack accordingly.
Fernpass stretches for about 17.7 kilometers (almost 11 miles) of south-to-north driving, connecting Nassereith and Lermoos. Be prepared for some steep sections, too – we're talking gradients of up to 8% in some spots.
Road Details
- Country
- Austria
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 17.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,212 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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