
A curvy paved road to Lago della Sella
Switzerland, europe
N/A
2.525 m
hard
Year-round
# Lago della Sella: A Scenic Alpine Drive
Nestled in Switzerland's Ticino canton, Lago della Sella sits pretty at a breathtaking 2,297 meters (7,536 feet) above sea level. Getting there? It's an adventure in itself.
The asphalt road—affectionately known locally as Lago della Selia—winds its way up from Passo del San Gottardo with character and charm. Built back in 1947, this narrow ribbon of pavement hugs the shoreline and offers some seriously stunning views. Fair warning though: it's tight in places (sometimes barely wide enough for two cars to pass), and more than a few stretches lack guardrails, with water lapping right alongside the road. Snow can close it down anytime during winter, so timing is everything.
The real vibe here? It's walker-friendly and refreshingly quiet—you'll hardly spot another vehicle, which somehow makes it feel even more special when you do. Once you reach the lake, there's a gravel road extension (marked as E) that climbs even higher via a series of hairpin turns, reaching 2,525 meters if you're feeling extra adventurous.
This is the kind of drive that sticks with you—intimate, dramatic, and utterly Swiss Alpine.
Where is it?
A curvy paved road to Lago della Sella is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 46.6662, 8.1461
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2.525 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.6662, 8.1461
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