The steepest street in Germany: Hasenpfad in Ranstadt inspires!

The steepest street in Germany: Hasenpfad in Ranstadt inspires!

The steepest street in Germany surprises not only with its inclination, but also with the challenges it offers residents and visitors. The Hasenpfad in Dauernheim, an idyllic district of the municipality of Ranstadt in Hesse, has made the headlines with a gradient of 29 percent. It was only in 2017 that the ADAC recognized it as the steepest street in Germany, and since then it has not only attracted curious visitors but also raised practical questions.

With around 1,600 residents, the community is tranquil, but everyday life is made difficult by the extreme slopes on the streets. The mayor reported that new fire engines are more expensive because they require more power to go uphill. Winter service is also a challenge: a tractor with special snow chains takes care of the road, but this is not always successful. Larger vehicles such as garbage collectors cannot access the steepest section of the Hasenpfad, which further complicates on-site logistics.

An international comparison

In an international comparison, however, the Hare Trail is not at the forefront, as the title of the steepest street in the world is often contested between different candidates. Baldwin Street in Dunedin, New Zealand is often mentioned. Their average gradient is 34.8 percent, and in some cases it even reaches 35 percent. This street has attracted attention not only for its extreme slope, but also for its picturesque location and historic Victorian-style buildings. It becomes particularly exciting when you consider that Dunedin is considered a UNESCO City of Literature and Baldwin Street attracts visitors from all over the world. A race, the Baldwin Street Gutbuster, also takes place here, drawing sports enthusiasts in droves.

The debates over the title of steepest street are often heated. In addition to Baldwin Street, there is Ffordd Pen Llech in Harlech, Wales, which has a gradient of 37.45 percent. However, the method of measuring this road is up for debate. Toby Stoff, a surveyor from Dunedin, questioned their accuracy, leading to Guinness World Records re-examining the measurements in April 2020 and ultimately reinstating the Hare Trail's title of steepest street in the world.

More steep streets in Germany

However, the steepness is not just a phenomenon in Hesse. Thuringia also has a steep local street, Oberweißbacher Straße in Deesbach, which has a gradient of 25.3 percent. There is also the Franziskanerweg in Gelnhausen, which has an average of 27 percent and in the steepest parts more than 32 percent. Interestingly, the rise and fall of roads can be measured according to different criteria, which further complicates comparisons.

Regardless of the exact numbers, the Hare Trail remains a stunning example of the challenges of living on an incline and the community that sticks together despite these obstacles. Whether for a short visit or a sporty excursion - Germany's steepest road will continue to be at the top of the list. These exciting and challenging circumstances show that here in Hesse people not only live happily, but also toast properly - to precision, community and the power of curiosity.