Table of contents

• The 10 most beautiful German alpine roads Where Germany kisses the sun
• 1st place: Rossfeld Panoramastrabe
• 2nd place: Bischofswiesen-Ramsau
• 3rd place: Ammersattel-Plansee
• 4th place: Durreckstrasse
• 5th place: Large maple back
• 6th place: Sudelfeld
• 7th place: Oberjoch
• 8th place: Riedbergpass
• Rank 9: Kochel am See – Wallgau
• Place 10: Tatzelwurm
• Info

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22nd pictures

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The route – length: 23 kilometers • altitude: 894 meters • maximum gradient: five percent • no tolls • special features: closed on Sundays and public holidays from Kochel am See.

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2nd place: Bischofswiesen-Ramsau – The road layout is suitable on some sections to simply drive down the long curves in a relaxed manner.

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5th place: Grober Ahornboden – This is also a street in Austria, but you can only get to this route from Germany. Hence this classification.

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The route – length: 20 kilometers • altitude: 1560 meters • maximum gradient: 13 percent • toll: 3.50 euros • special features: ring road, the ridge of which runs through Austria.

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1st place: Rossfeld Panoramastrabe – Lush gradients and varied routes offer a lot for driving fun.

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The route – length: 28 kilometers • altitude: 1420 meters • maximum gradient: 16 percent • no tolls • special features: Germany’s highest pass road.

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3rd place: Ammersattel-Plansee – A delight in the landscape, especially when you cross the border to Austria and glide along the Plansee.

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The route – length: 20 kilometers • altitude: 1560 meters • maximum gradient: 24 percent • toll: 3.50 euros • special features: ring road, the ridge of which runs through Austria.

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In the series: This time we want to poach the 10 most beautiful alpine passes in our local regions. However, since there are no classic alpine passes in Germany, we have cast an eye on the local alpine roads, which are in no way inferior to the pass roads.

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Place 10: Tatzelwurm – The main attraction here is the narrow, bustling street, which surprises every few meters with new, unexpected turns.

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The route – length: 12 kilometers • altitude: 1123 meters • maximum gradient: 12 percent • no tolls Special features: endangered classic.

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The route – length: ten kilometers • altitude: 1178 meters • maximum gradient: six percent • no tolls • special features: serpentines unfamiliar for Germany.

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Here is an overview of the tour on which we drove the alpine roads of Germany.

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The route – length: 20 kilometers • altitude: 1560 meters • maximum gradient: 13 percent • toll: 3.50 euros • special features: ring road, the ridge of which runs through Austria.

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The route – length: 36 kilometers • altitude: 1118 meters • maximum gradient: twelve percent • no tolls • special features: twists and turns in front of a brilliant Plansee panorama.

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Rank 6: Sudelfeld – On this street, a detour to Cafe Kotz is definitely worthwhile, a cafe with cult status and excellent cuisine.

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7th place: Oberjoch – A variety of hairpin bends speak for the Oberjoch, but the road is demanding and requires maximum concentration, as the view of the curve is often blocked.

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8th place: Riedbergpass – The Riedbergpass also requires maximum concentration due to sagging of the roadway and downright faults on the first section of the route. It’s a shame, because the pass road offers many other scenic attractions.

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The route – length: 16 kilometers • altitude: 764 meters • maximum gradient: six percent • toll: 1.50 euros for the stage from or to Brannenburg • special features: perfect for handy bikes.

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9th place: Kochel am See – Wallgau – The most beautiful are the slow curves that invite you to take a leisurely cruise. Unfortunately, the pass cannot meet the need to advance faster.

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The route – length: 25 kilometers • altitude: 1216 meters • maximum gradient: five percent • toll: three euros • special features: a worthwhile dead end in the Karwendel.

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4th place: Durreckstrabe – definitely worth seeing, as you rarely get to see perspectives like here. Vertically towering cliffs as well as far-reaching views into valleys.

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The 10 most beautiful German alpine roads

The 10 most beautiful German alpine roads
Where Germany kisses the sun

After the best best alpine passes in Switzerland, Austria and Italy, this time we show the German alpine roads. Although they are not classic mountain pass roads, they are not to be despised.

Dirk Schafer

12/16/2010

They are not quite as alpine as the classic alpine passes of Switzerland, Austria, Italy or France. Compared to the roads in the rest of the republic, the Alpine roads in Germany are highly attractive in terms of driving technology. Reason enough to present the ten best. As a treat in addition to our series “The best alpine passes”.

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Aim high

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1st place: Rossfeld Panoramastrabe

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Length: 20 kilometers • Height: 1560 meters • Maximum gradient: 13 percent • Toll: 3.50 euros • Special features: Ringstrasse, the ridge of which runs through Austria.

The actual Robfeldpanoramastrabe has not even been reached yet, it’s already getting started: a lush 24% incline is also available in curves on the southern approach. But that’s not the only reason why Germany’s highest continuous Alpine road is worth mentioning. It owes first place to the varied route and the good grip despite frequently changing road surfaces. Bitumen strips in the area of ​​the toll route push the route rating just below full points. The panorama on the ridge route shoots the Ringstrasse with the view of the Hohen Goll (2523m), the wide views of the Berchtesgadener Land and across to the Austrian Salzkammergut, nevertheless, to the top spot. On the Oberahornalm, just below the ridge route towards Berchtesgaden, you will find the perfect chill-out area for heated bikes and bikers. Because the creation of the panorama road falls in Germany’s darkest chapter, a visit to the nearby Obersalzberg Documentation Center is a recommendation.

Our tip: Early risers and sunset watchers avoid the toll times

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The route of the Rossfeld Panoramastrabe.

2nd place: Bischofswiesen-Ramsau

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Length: 10 kilometers • Height: approx. 1045 meters • Maximum gradient: 12 percent • No tolls • Special features: low-traffic route in the best road quality

If you strive for a satellite image, the memory of a Carrera track inevitably comes to mind. 90-degree bends, omega-shaped bends, elevated bends and all of this in tip-top quality make the low-traffic route surprising number two. Although the route is not a classic pass road, it still combines two hills. Pay attention for a moment at the T-junction at Loipl and keep to the left. Then there are long, relaxing straights before the hairpin bends shimmy down into the Ramsau. This is exactly where several inns invite you to stop over. If you missed that in the biking frenzy, you can turn right when you arrive in the valley and swap the handlebars for a knife and fork at the Hindenburglinde. 

Our tip: Place the starting point in Bischofswiesen and enjoy the grandiose scenery on the descent to Ramsau.

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The route from Bischofswiesen to Ramsau.

3rd place: Ammersattel-Plansee

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Length: 36 kilometers • Height: 1118 meters • Maximum gradient: 12 percent • No tolls • Special features: twists and turns in front of the brilliant Plansee panorama.

The Ammersattel would only bring a weary smile to experienced alpine riders if it weren’t for the Plansee. Although it is already in Austria, it is the only way to drive on the Ammersattel without turning at the old border station. Coming from Ettal, you swing 16 kilometers easily through the wooded nature reserve of the Ammergau Alps and pass the legendary Linderhof Castle until you get to the saddle in short sharp turns. The Plansee, which is turquoise when the sun is shining, is reached with a gentle gradient. Steep mountains frame its southern flank and provide that Riviera feeling. Voluntary 50km / h are requested for the ingenious riverside road. The supposed drop of sadness opens up the chance to drive the tight bends with clipped boots and still dare to take a longer look at the fantastic scenery in the wide bends.

Our tip: Cake stop at the Ammerwald alpine dairy, just behind the Ammersattel.

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The route over the Ammersattel and past the Plansee.

4th place: Durreckstrasse

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Length: 11 kilometers • Height: 1150 meters • Maximum gradient: 13 percent • No tolls • Special features: varied road with high alpine panoramas.

An initially inconspicuous road branches off from the roundabout at Obersalzberg, but it soon comes up with amazing perspectives. Vertical towering cliffs at the Scharitzkehlalm mark the beginning of a stage that is as short as it is joyful. Gentle curves in the coniferous forest are interrupted by a handy bend. Then the road breaks into the open and offers a view of the mountains around the Konigssee. Shortly afterwards you think you are in a parking lot at the end of the spectacle. But it goes on. Cross the parking lot between the parked vehicles and then turn sharply to the right. Immediately there is a narrow and steep turn to the left without the surface getting bad. Lush meadows and shady forests alternate until the tires roll on the valley floor again not far from Lake Konigsee.

Our tip: On the downstream part of the route, refreshment stops with a view at the Alpengasthof Vorderbrand.

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The route over Durreckstrasse.

5th place: Large maple back

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Length: 25 kilometers • Height: 1216 meters • Maximum gradient: 5 percent • Toll: 3.- Euro • Special features: worthwhile dead end in the Karwendel.

Of course: the Grober Ahornboden is not in Germany. But in this part of Austria you can only come from Germany and that’s why it is included here. The starting point of the journey into the 25 km long dead end is Vorderrib not far from the Sylvenstein reservoir. Almost as wild as the young Rissbach, the tar ribbon scurries along its banks. Up to the toll booth at the beginning of the Austrian section of the route, you can quickly step through the gearbox. After that, a speed limit dampens the forward thrust to 50km / h. At the latest when the road in front of the Grober Ahornboden crosses the entire valley, which is still wide here, you will be grateful to the speed inhibitor. To the right, an almost surreal valley floor opens up with stone-old trees. The Karwendel giants tower 1400 higher above the Ahornboden and seal off the valley to the south.

Our tip: Snack on the rustic terrace of the detached inn on the Garberlalpe.

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The route past the Ahornboden.

6th place: Sudelfeld

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Length: 12 kilometers • Height: 1123 meters • Maximum gradient: 12 percent • No tolls • Special features: endangered classic.

From Bayrischzell you drive straight uphill on the German Alpine Road in mostly clear curves. Craggy rock on the left and dense rows of trees with only rare views of the valley make it child’s play to concentrate on the clean, smoothly paved route. The top of the pass is in a tight bend and a few meters later you reach the legendary Cafe Kotz. Downhill you have the best views of the heights of the Sudelfeld. The numerous bitumen puddles are hardly significant when it is dry, especially since a speed limit ensures appropriate speeds over long distances. After the tar belt is immersed in a piece of forest, you have to be prepared for a relatively steep right-hand bend, which challenges the chassis with several waves.

Our tip: Regardless of whether it is Cafe Kotz or Simone’s Bikertreff: What is meant is the same cafe with good cuisine and a magnet for bikers of all stripes.

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The route past the Sudelfeld.

7th place: Oberjoch

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Length: 10 kilometers • Height: 1178 meters • Maximum gradient: 6 percent • No toll • Special features: serpentines that are unusual for Germany.

With nine switchbacks, there is not much to make in an interalpine comparison. But by German standards that’s a blast. And there are also the stages between the hairpin bends. And they are extremely varied on the Oberjoch. Full attention is required as soon as you get behind Hindelang. The Jochstrabe plunges into a dark forest and at the same time turns quickly to the top right. A little later it goes up through ravines that make it difficult to see the curve. The reward of the Oberjoch is not the height of the Joch or pass, as is the case with many other high-altitude roads, but the so-called Kanzel, a brilliant vantage point just below the village on the Oberjoch. At the next intersection, turn right towards Reutte and continue to the comparatively unspectacular Oberjochpass right on the border to Austria.

Our tip: From the top of the pass to Austria in the Tannheimer Tal.

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The route over the Oberjoch.

8th place: Riedbergpass

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Length: 28 kilometers • Height: 1420 meters • Maximum gradient: 16 percent • No tolls • Special features: Germany’s highest pass road

Why Germany’s highest pass road is not at the top of the hit list is easy to see when you start from Fischen. Sagging lanes and downright faults require constant concentration. It’s easier with enduros here. Uninhibited turns and jagged inclines only become part of the program after the top of the pass in the developed part of the road. Before Balderschwang you should still shift down a gear, because the superbike quality of the asphalt deteriorates again. After Balderschwang you cross the border to Austria.

Our tip:  Cruise on from Hittisau in Austria to Oberstaufen.

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The route over the Riedbergpass.

Rank 9: Kochel am See – Wallgau

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Length: 23 kilometers • Height: 894 meters • Maximum gradient: 5 percent • No tolls • Special features: closed on Sundays and public holidays from Kochel am See.

That sucks! At least in the tight but very grippy curves of the Kesselberg. Because despite the constant speed limit of 60km / h, they are really fun. And it doesn’t have to end when you reach Walchensee. At the south-western end of the lake, there are two hairpin bends uphill across the lake. With a view of the Karwendel, the route ends easily.

Our tip: From Wallgau over the toll route to Vorderrib and on to the Grober Ahornboden

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The route from Kochel am See to Wallgau.

Place 10: Tatzelwurm

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Length: 16 kilometers • Height: 764 meters • Maximum gradient: 6 percent • Toll 1.50 for the stage from or to Brannenburg • Special features: perfect for handy bikes.

Shortly after entering at Oberaudorf, it becomes clear that this is not a route to the disdainful Herbraten. The street is narrow, bustling and every few meters surprises with a new, unexpected turn. And that is precisely what makes it so attractive. If you want to go back to the valley to Brannenburg instead of the Sudelfeld, you can still enjoy a single-lane rock tunnel, which could also have served the Lord of the Rings.

Our tip: Photo stop at the Tatzelwurm waterfall    

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The route past the Tatzelwurm.

Info

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Travel time: three to four days – distance traveled: 485 kilometers.

Only some of the German Alpine roads are pass roads in the classic sense. With the designation Hochstraben one might do justice to them. Nonetheless, they offer a high level of driving fun and adventure along the German southern border.

General:
Some of the routes presented lead into Austria for topographical reasons (some are along the “German alpine road”). This is just as little a disadvantage as the fact that our Alpine roads cannot be driven in one lap, but only in one sweep from west to east or vice versa. The collection of tolls in Germany takes some getting used to. Sudelfeld and Kochelsee are repeatedly threatened by road closures. The evaluation scheme of the Alpine roads is essentially the same as that of our Alpine Pass series (the best passes in France will appear in the next issue). Recommended map for the routes: ADAC AutoKarte Deutschland 13. Bayern Sud, 1: 200,000, 7.95 euros. Further sources of information: www.deutsche-alpenstrasse.de or to place 1 at www.rossfeldpanoramastrasse.de.

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