Baldwin Street - The Steepest Street in the World

Baldwin Street, located in the residential suburb of North East Valley in Dunedin, New Zealand, is known as the steepest street in the world.

According to Guinness World Records, no street gains more altitude in 10 horizontal meters, measured along the street's centerline. In 1987, Baldwin Street was recognized as the world's steepest street by the Guinness Book of Records following a two-year campaign by the broadcaster Jim Mora. At the time, Baldwin Street topped two competing streets in San Francisco, which had held the title of being the steepest streets in the world. However, on July 16, 2019, Baldwin Street lost its title of World's Steepest Street to Ffordd Pen Llech, with Baldwin Street being at a gradient of 35%, and Ffordd Pen Llech being at a gradient of 37.45%.

Despite losing its title, Baldwin Street remains a popular tourist attraction. Walking up Baldwin Street is not too hard, and it is worth it to see an obscure world record. There are also good views of Dunedin's green surrounds from the top. Visitors can also visit the café/gift shop located one street over. The street has become a popular stop for tourist buses and a number of travel guides. Every year since 1988, athletes have come and run from the base of the street and back up to the top for the local annual event called the Baldwin Street Gutbuster in the New Zealand summer.

Baldwin Street is a dead-end street, and if one struggles with hill starts in manual/stick shift cars, this may not be the street to park on. The street used to roll thousands of jaffas (chocolate-centred orange sweets) down Baldwin Street as part of the annual Cadbury Chocolate Festival.

In conclusion, Baldwin Street is a unique and fascinating tourist attraction in Dunedin, New Zealand. Visitors can walk up the steepest street in the world, enjoy the views of Dunedin's green surrounds, and visit the café/gift shop located one street over. The street has become a popular stop for tourist buses and a number of travel guides. Every year since 1988, athletes have come and run from the base of the street and back up to the top for the local annual event called the Baldwin Street Gutbuster in the New Zealand summer. Despite losing its title as the steepest street in the world, Baldwin Street remains a must-visit destination for tourists.