
Glaspass
Switzerland, europe
11 km
1,846 m
hard
Year-round
# Glaspass: A Swiss Alpine Adventure
Ready for some serious mountain driving? Glaspass sits pretty at 1,846 meters (6,056 feet) in the heart of Graubünden's Hinterrhein district, and it's absolutely worth the detour.
The road itself is fully paved, and here's the fun part—it's packed with hairpin turns that deliver genuinely spectacular panoramic views around nearly every corner. This isn't a race track; it's made for savoring the ride and soaking in the scenery. Heading up from Thusis, the first stretch is smooth and generously wide, perfect for building confidence. But as you climb higher, things get a bit tighter—the pavement quality dips and the road narrows, adding to the adventure. Fair warning: the asphalt actually ends shortly after you summit.
The numbers tell you what you're in for: an 11-kilometer climb from Thusis with a hefty 1,145-meter elevation gain and an average gradient of 10.4%. Translation? It's legitimately steep, but absolutely doable for anyone with decent driving skills and a sense of adventure.
Here's the historical bonus: this pass has been connecting the Domleschg Valley (where Thusis sits) to the remote Safien Valley for centuries. You're literally following ancient trade routes while taking in some of the most breathtaking Alpine scenery Switzerland has to offer. Take your time, enjoy the curves, and make this one memorable.
Where is it?
Glaspass is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 46.6630, 7.7456
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 11 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,846 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.6630, 7.7456
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