Steep Streets in Hesse Put Winter Service to the Test - Life on Germany’s steepest street: where residents battle gravity daily
The Hasenpfad in Ranstadt-Dauernheim, Hesse, is one of the region’s steepest roads, with a gradient of 29 percent. Originally built as a weekend cottage development, it has since turned into a full residential area—bringing unique challenges for those who live there. From waste collection to winter maintenance, daily life on this steep slope is anything but ordinary.
The Hasenpfad’s extreme incline creates difficulties year-round. Waste collection trucks cannot reach the top, forcing residents to carry their rubbish up and down the slope themselves. During heavy storms, the drainage system—designed for occasional use—often overflows, as it was never intended for a densely populated area.
Winter brings even greater struggles. Municipal gritting trucks and manual clearing efforts frequently fail on the steep surface, leaving homeowners to spread de-icing salt and gravel themselves. Containers of these materials are placed along the road each autumn to help residents prepare. Nearby, in Gelnhausen, the winter maintenance crew must drive backwards up the similarly steep Franziskanerweg just to clear ice, as forward driving is nearly impossible.
Despite the hardships, the Hasenpfad attracts those seeking a challenge. Triathlete Jan Künne trains there for events like the Ironman World Championship, drawn to its punishing incline. The road also offers stunning views over the Nidda river meadows and the Vogelsberg range on clear days. Ranstadt itself holds the title for Hesse’s steepest street section, with gradients exceeding 27 percent, and even hosts the annual 'Red Bull Hill Chasers' cycling sprint event—most recently in September 2023.
Life on the Hasenpfad demands resilience from residents, visitors, and delivery workers alike. Without reliable municipal support for winter upkeep or waste services, homeowners must take matters into their own hands. Yet, for some, the steep road’s challenges are part of its appeal—whether for training, competition, or simply the view.
