Alpine Passes

Mountain Roads of Europe

Nufenen Pass

Nufenen Pass

Nufenenpass / Passo della Novena

Switzerland · Valais / Ticino

2,478m

Key Facts

Elevation
2,478m
Route length
38 km
Max gradient
13%
Hairpins
22
Driving difficulty
Demanding (4/5)
Surface
Good
Open
June - October

Route & Map

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Route

SUlrichen
38 km · max 13%
Nufenen Pass (2,478m)
Descent
EAirolo
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The highest paved pass entirely within Switzerland at 2,478 m. Connects upper Valais (Obergoms) with Val Bedretto in Ticino. Wild, remote, and minimal development at the summit.

Weather & Conditions

Driving Experience

Elevation Profile

1,150m1,484m1,819m2,153m2,487m0 km10 km20 km30 km2,487m
1,192m gain
1,366m loss
1,348m → 2,487m → 1,174m

Difficulty

Demanding

4/5 — car driving difficulty

Based on steepness, elevation gain, hairpins, road length & surface quality

Hairpin Turns

22

Serious switchback territory

When to Drive

June - October (Best: July - September)

  • Open June - October. Check locally for exact opening dates as conditions vary each year.
  • Drive early morning (before 8 AM) for clear views, ideal light, and less traffic.
  • Snow may linger into June at this elevation. Check webcams before departing.

Photos

Coordinates

Summit
46.4772°N, 8.3864°E
Start (Ulrichen)
46.5069°N, 8.3069°E
End (Airolo)
46.5283°N, 8.6119°E
#highest-swiss#remote#cycling#scenic

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Image: Zairon / CC BY-SA 4.0