From Unterau, at 1,699 ft (518 m) on the outskirts of Berchtesgaden, to the parking lot on the Roßfeld panoramic road at 5,052 ft (1,540 m), it’s 6.8 miles (10.9 km) at an average 9.4%: 3,353 ft (1,022 m) of climbing. Climbfinder ranks it among the ten hardest climbs in Germany, and it earns that through sheer consistency: almost the entire route is above 9%.
The climb, section by section
- Km 0 to 1.5, miles 0 to 0.9 (10-13%). A brutal start from Unterau: the first 1,500 m (nearly a mile) are some of the steepest on the climb.
- Km 1.5 to 4.5, miles 0.9 to 2.8 (6-10%). After Oberau the grade drops a little, alternating 9-10% ramps with 6-7% breathers among meadows and farms.
- Km 4.5 to 9, miles 2.8 to 5.6 (9-11%). The longest and hardest section: it passes the Berggasthof Pechhäusl and the north toll booth, with kilometer after kilometer at 10-11%. Climbfinder measures 15.9% over the worst 100 m.
- The last 2 km, 1.2 miles (6-10%). Now on the more open panoramic road, past the Rossfeld-Skihütte to the parking lot.
CyclingCols measures 10.9 km and 1,022 m; Climbfinder, the same distance with 1,046 m at 9.6%. Both put the finish at 1,540 m.
History
The Roßfeldpanoramastraße is the highest mountain road in Germany that you can ride end to end: its high point is at 5,151 ft (1,570 m). Construction began in 1938 between Oberau and Pechhäusl, and the link was completed between 1953 and 1955. Until the 1970s it hosted a hill climb car race, the Roßfeldrennen, and from 2005 it was used for a few years by the Berchtesgadener-Land-Rad-Marathon gran fondo.
When to go, water and traffic
The road is open year-round, but the best time to ride it is May to October. It’s a toll road for cars and motorcycles, but summer tourist traffic is constant: go early. You can eat at the Berggasthof Pechhäusl and the Rossfeld-Skihütte near the top; fill up with water in Unterau or Berchtesgaden.
What gearing to use
With this much sustained grade, go low. At 3 W/kg (watts per kilo of body weight) and 159 lb (72 kg), you’ll ride about 5.6 mph (9 km/h) on 10%: on a 34x30 you’ll pedal around 64 rpm, dropping to 50 on the 13% ramps. If your power is lower, a 34x32 or 34x34. Check your combinations in the gear calculator.
Tips
- Don’t go out too hard: the first mile is deceptive and you’ll pay for it higher up.
- There are other sides, from Berchtesgaden (7.7 miles, or 12.4 km) and from Hallein on the Austrian side.
- Combine it with the Königssee lake, a few miles away, for a full day.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb the Rossfeld?
From Unterau, a 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 1 h 08 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 1 h 22 min at 2.5 W/kg and 52 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
Do you have to pay a toll to ride the Rossfeld?
The Roßfeldpanoramastraße is a toll road for cars (€9.50), motorcycles (€6) and buses in 2026; German Wikipedia doesn't mention a fee for bicycles.
Is the Rossfeld road open all year?
Yes, the panoramic road is open year-round, and in winter several ski lifts run in the area. With snow on the ground, obviously, it's not for bikes.