Driving the steep road to Alpe Cortaccio in Ticino

# Alpe Cortaccio: Switzerland's Jaw-Dropping Alpine Beast

Nestled in the Locarno district of Ticino, Switzerland, Alpe Cortaccio sits at 1,067m (3,498ft) and is basically the Swiss Alps' answer to "how steep can we possibly make this?" Located just a stone's throw from the Italian border, this road has earned its reputation as one of the steepest paved climbs you'll find in the entire region.

The views here are absolutely incredible. You're looking out over the western shores of Lake Maggiore with the Lepontine Alps as your backdrop—the kind of scenery that makes your jaw drop, even if your knuckles are white from gripping the steering wheel. The journey starts in the charming town of Brissago, famous for its surprisingly warm climate and tropical plants, then transforms as you climb higher. Palm trees give way to thick forests and alpine meadows characteristic of the Sopraceneri valleys.

Here's where things get serious: the 7.1 km (4.4 miles) road—officially called Via Ghiridone—climbs 852 meters with a relentless 12% average gradient. But that's just the headline. What really defines this beast are the 25 hairpin turns crammed into those few kilometers. Some sections hit 17-22% steepness, demanding serious concentration and brake discipline, especially on the way down.

The road is narrow—like, single-vehicle-width narrow—with traditional stone walls on one side and dramatic drop-offs on the other. No fancy guard rails on most stretches, so expect to reverse to passing points if you meet oncoming traffic. Winter can be treacherous if snow or ice appears, though the asphalt is solid year-round.

The payoff? You'll pass through tiny hamlets like Incella and Piodina before reaching alpine huts at the top, where peace and quiet reign supreme. There's nothing up there in terms of services, just pure mountain silence and views that stretch forever. It's perfect for hardcore cyclists and drivers seeking an adrenaline rush far from Lake Maggiore's crowded tourist zones.