Fern Pass, Mountain pass in Nassereith, Austria
Fern Pass is a mountain pass in Tyrol that sits at an elevation of 1216 meters (3989 ft) between two different mountain ranges. The B179 road crosses over it, connecting two valleys by following a gentle uphill route through the opening.
The valley formed thousands of years ago from a massive landslide that scattered boulders across a wide area. This natural opening later became one of the main routes across the Alps for trade and travel between north and south.
The pass sits on an ancient trade path that has connected people across the valleys for centuries. The route follows a way that Roman merchants and later mountain dwellers used to move from one side of the Alps to the other.
The pass is accessible by car year-round, though winter can bring snow and ice to the road. When driving, expect a gradient of about 8 percent and allow enough time for safe travel through the section.
Several lakes in the area formed from geological shifts caused by ancient landslides. Blindsee is one of them and owes its existence to one of the largest mountain slides in the eastern Alps.
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