Windische Höhe Pass

Overview

The Windische Höhe Pass is a 13.5 km category-2 climb that lifts you from 514 m at its base to a summit of 1116 m. That works out to a net elevation gain of 602 m, with a total ascent of 650 m once the small dips and false flats are added back in. The average gradient of 4.47% places this firmly in tempo-climb territory: long enough to demand a plan, but never so relentless that it forces you to a crawl. The headline number to respect is the 10.13% maximum, a pitch sharp enough to catch out anyone who has been coasting on the gentler slopes below.

How the Gradient Unfolds

At 4.47% on average, Windische Höhe is a climb of rhythm rather than raw wall-storming. The gap between the 650 m of total ascent and the 602 m of net gain tells you the road is not perfectly monotonic — expect the occasional easing or brief descent that hands back a little of your hard-won height before the road tilts up again. The single most important figure is the 10.13% maximum. Because the average sits so much lower, that steepest ramp will feel disproportionately hard when it arrives, punching well above the effort you have been settling into. Treat the gentle stretches as recovery and save something for that pitch.

Pacing Notes

Over 13.5 km, pacing is everything. Anchor your effort to your sustainable power rather than the gradient underfoot: aim to hold a steady output around your FTP on the tempo sections, then allow yourself to drift briefly above it only for the 10.13% ramp before settling back down. Going too deep on the early slopes is the classic error on a climb that gains 602 m — you will pay for it near the top. If you are not sure what number to target, run your figures through the FTP estimator first and build your climb around that. Keep your cadence smooth and your breathing controlled, and let the summit at 1116 m come to you.

Gearing

For a 13.5 km climb averaging 4.47% with a 10.13% maximum, most riders will be comfortable on a compact setup. A 34×32 bottom gear gives you enough range to spin the tempo sections without grinding, and it will get most trained legs over the steepest ramp. If you weigh more, ride at a lower cadence, or simply want insurance for the 10.13% pitch after 602 m of climbing, step up to a 34×34 — the extra sprocket costs nothing on the easy stretches and buys real comfort where the road bites hardest. When in doubt, carry the easier gear.

Summary

Windische Höhe Pass is an honest, well-shaped category-2 climb: long enough to reward pacing, varied enough to keep you honest, and topped with a 10.13% sting that decides how good your day felt. Pace to your ability, gear conservatively, and the summit at 1116 m is very achievable.

Length: 13.5 km
Average gradient: 4.47%
Max gradient: 10.13%
Start: 514 m
Summit: 1116 m
Net gain: 602 m
Total ascent: 650 m
Category: 2