The King of Alpine Passes

The Stelvio Pass (Passo dello Stelvio, 2,757 m) needs little introduction. It's the highest paved mountain pass in the Eastern Alps, and its eastern approach from Prato allo Stelvio — with its 48 numbered hairpin bends — is arguably the most photographed road in Europe.

A Brief History

The road was built between 1820 and 1825 under the direction of Austrian engineer Carlo Donegani, when the region was part of the Habsburg Empire. The purpose was military: a reliable route connecting the Valtellina with the rest of the Austrian territories. Donegani's genius was in keeping the gradient manageable (never exceeding 14%) while gaining over 1,800 metres of altitude — achieved through those famous, tightly stacked switchbacks.

The Three Approaches

From Prato allo Stelvio (East)

This is the classic approach. Starting at around 900 m, the road climbs relentlessly through 48 hairpins over 24.3 km. Each hairpin is numbered with stone markers, counting down as you ascend. The upper section above the treeline, where the switchbacks stack on top of each other in an almost impossible zigzag pattern, is the iconic view.

From Bormio (South)

The southern approach from Bormio (1,225 m) is 21.5 km with 40 hairpins. It's equally spectacular, climbing through alpine meadows and past waterfalls. Many consider this side more enjoyable to drive, with smoother road surfaces and wider curves.

From Umbrailpass / Santa Maria (West)

The least-known approach comes via the Umbrail Pass from Switzerland. This narrow, partly unpaved road adds an adventurous dimension to a Stelvio trip.

For Cyclists

The Stelvio is a bucket-list climb for road cyclists. It has featured in the Giro d'Italia numerous times, most famously in stages where snow banks line the road in late May. The eastern climb from Prato averages 7.4% over 24.3 km — a relentless but steady effort.

Tips for cyclists:

• Start early (before 8 AM) to avoid traffic and afternoon storms
• The final 5 km above the treeline are exposed to wind — pack a windbreaker
• Descent can be cold even in summer — arm warmers and a gilet are essential
• Water is available at several points along the climb

Practical Information

• **Open:** Typically late May to mid-November (weather dependent)
• **Toll:** Free
• **Length:** 49.5 km total (Prato to Bormio via summit)
• **Max gradient:** 14%
• **Facilities:** Restaurant and hotel at the summit; cafés at hairpins on both sides

The Stelvio Experience

What makes the Stelvio special isn't just the statistics or the hairpins — it's the sheer scale. As you climb above the treeline and the switchbacks begin stacking on top of each other, the landscape becomes almost surreal. Looking back down from the summit, the road appears as a thin white thread stitched across a vertical mountainside.

It's a road that demands respect, rewards patience, and delivers an experience that no photograph can fully capture.