The world's most epic cycling roads

Lesotho: South Africa. At the top, the highest pub in Africa (2,874 m) and a fabulous panoramic view beckons. The pass is the only road connection from the eastern border of Lesotho to South Africa. However, before this mountain pass torments itself, it is recommended to mount the GoPro on the helmet. Rough, wild and unpaved, the hairpin bends meander through the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal. Partly so steep that almost the front tire lifts off the ground.

In the Alpine region, the Großglockner High Alpine Road is certainly the most impressive. A constant increase of 10% over 1,300 vertical meters directs the ambitious friend of 2 tires on the highest mountain in Austria. Since you make many meters in a short time, a warm windbreaker is highly recommended. Also in the summer. One of the most exciting passes worldwide.

Not quite as well known as the passes in the Alps. But the Transfagarasan is considered by connoisseurs as one of the most beautiful high mountain roads in the world. A highlight of the serpentine road, which is located at over 2,000 m, is the long road tunnel, which becomes dark and gloomy in one kilometer. Gas before Count bites Dracula ....

Les Lacets de Montvernier is a highest point in the French Alps. It's a short climb of only 2.32 kilometers long with 287 meters of drop. The average slope is 8.1%.

It has been used several times during the Tour de France and is famous for its tight hairpins.

We were here in 2010 by jeep. A super nice road and I've often thought about coming here again by bike. The Valee du dades (quasi "date valley") and the nearby Valee du Rose are also worth seeing.
However, I can only advise female cyclists not to ride in short cycling shorts and tight jerseys south of the Atlas Mountains. We were told that women who are dressed in this way are sometimes thrown at stones or that trucks drive very close by. The people there live extremely traditionally and see this as a massive provocation. Unfortunately you have to accept. So be careful ladies!

The Trollstigen switchbacks in the west of Norway are for bikers like Birthday, Christmas and New Year in one. Between mountain massif, waterfalls and fresh green areas, it winds for over 12 km. Average slope of 7% and not too hot temperatures, even in summer, make the climb a little more bearable. If I only think of it, the wanderlust in me already comes up. The phrase - why wander in the distance / gå over bekken etter vann - is probably not quite true here.

A must for every cyclist
The last Saturday in August or the first Saturday in September is the Stelvio for motorized vehicles locked only for cyclists released from Gomagoi

Winter in Europe means summer in South America. Although Brazil is known to be one of the tropical areas, it can also come on these mountain roads to snowfall with significant degrees of freezing. As always with passes with over 1000 m difference in height, a windbreaker is a standard feature of every biker. In summary, Biker lures a spectacular pass road in the rainforest of Brazil, which surpasses everything expected!

The Tianmen Mountain Road is perhaps the most tortuous in the world. The mother of all mountain roads, so to speak. Perfect for cycling! Unfortunately there is a little catch as well. Officially, it is prohibited and you have to apply for a permit. Many a biker crosses the light sources of the guard houses in darkness to have driven this road once in a lifetime. Chinese road construction à la excellence.

The St. Gotthard has long been one of the most important north-south connections in Europe. Which is still very noticeable today. Especially on nice weekends, the volume of traffic on this main road can get dense and significantly reduce the joy of cycling. The ascent should therefore be well planned. Partly on the finest asphalt, but also on cobblestones, it goes up to 2,091 meters. With a bit of luck, you might even come across the old mail coach that still drives over the pass. A piece of history in a fit.