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The Most Famous Inclined Street on the Planet, Baldwin Street, in Dunedin, New Zealand, Defies Gravity with Its Impressive Slope of 35%. Discover Curiosities and Dangers.
In Dunedin, in the south of New Zealand, tourists and residents coexist daily with a curious feat of urban engineering: Baldwin Street, the incline deemed the steepest in the world. Located in the North East Valley neighborhood, about 3 kilometers from the city center, it attracts visitors year-round, with its maximum slope of 35% and unique landscapes.
The street became famous due to a historical error in urban planning, made in the 19th century by British engineers who ignored the local terrain when designing the city map.
Since then, Baldwin Street has transformed not only into a tourist attraction but also into a cultural and social symbol for the region.
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How Did the Steepest Inclined Street in the World Come About?
Contrary to what many think, Baldwin Street was not deliberately created to be a challenge.
Its layout resulted from the application of a grid street pattern, common in British colonies, without any adaptation to Dunedin’s rugged terrain.
Consequently, what was supposed to be just a residential road turned into a slope with up to 19° of incline — a true inclined street that rises 1 meter for every 2.86 meters traveled horizontally.
The Paving of Baldwin Street
Due to the extreme slope, regular asphalt would not withstand the weather and gravity. In summer, it would melt from the heat; in winter, it would turn the street into a dangerous slide.
The solution was to apply a thick layer of concrete, which ensures grip for both cars and pedestrians.
The street is about 350 meters long and rises approximately 70 meters, with an average incline of 1:5.
Baldwin Street Became a Stage for Unusual Events
More than just an inclined street, Baldwin Street is also a space for festivities and quirky records.
Since 1988, the traditional “Baldwin Street Gutbuster” race has taken place there, where participants ascend and descend the street in the shortest time possible.
Another popular event is the Jaffas race, in which 30,000 numbered chocolates roll down the hill. The profits from the competition are donated to charity, making the fun even more meaningful.
Despite the fun tone, not everything is rosy. The inclined street has already been the scene of tragic accidents and risky maneuvers.
In 2001, a university student lost her life after descending the street inside a metal container. In another case, young people tied a bathtub to a car and were arrested after the “radical descent.”
Unicycles, shopping carts, and roller skates have also been used to tackle the slope. Due to the risks, the city has reinforced safety regulations to protect residents and tourists.
International Recognition and Dispute for the Title
Baldwin Street was officially recognized by the Guinness World Records in 1987 as the steepest paved street in the world. In 2019, it temporarily lost the title to Ffordd Pen Llech, in Wales.
However, in 2020, after a new assessment of the measurement criteria, Baldwin Street reclaimed its crown. The official incline of 34.8% over 10 meters was deemed unbeatable.
Tourism, Pride, and Urban Legacy
Currently, Baldwin Street is one of the most visited attractions in Dunedin. The inclined street has become a postcard of the city and inspires photos, videos, challenging walks, and many stories.
For residents, it represents more than a geographical curiosity: it is part of local identity and civic pride.
Even though it came about by accident, it has solidified as a symbol of creativity, overcoming, and the human ability to turn mistakes into icons.
Baldwin Street is proof that even an inclined street can achieve worldwide status. With its unique history, community events, and intriguing landscape, it continues to enchant those who pass through Dunedin.
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