
Where is Grosser Speikkogel?
Austria, europe
4.3 km
2,130 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure awaits on the road to Grosser Speikkogel in Carinthia, Austria! You'll find this peak bordering Styria in the southern reaches of the country. This route, built back in '76, climbs to 2,130m (6,988ft) – the highest point on the Koralm ridge, a place that's been strategically important since Roman times!
The road is paved the whole way, but heads up from the Koralpe parking area for just 4.3 km (2.67 miles). Don't let the short distance fool you! This is one serious climb, gaining 480 meters in elevation. Get ready for some steep sections with a max gradient of 20.4% and an average of 11.16%. The final kilometers are a real leg-burner!
Heads up: this road is closed to the public. If you do get up there, the summit is dominated by radio/TV facilities and a couple of huge radar domes used by the Austrian Army. The views are bound to be killer!
Road Details
- Country
- Austria
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 4.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,130 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
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