
Lenzerheide Pass
Switzerland, europe
17.6 km
1,547 m
moderate
Year-round
# Lenzerheidepass: A Swiss Alpine Adventure
Tucked away in Graubünden, Switzerland, the Lenzerheidepass sits pretty at 1,547 meters (5,075 feet) above sea level. This asphalt road, known locally as the Hauptstrasse, serves as the main artery connecting Chur in the Rhine Valley with Tiefencastel in the Albula Valley—and it's definitely not your typical Sunday drive.
Fair warning: this pass has earned its reputation for being seriously unpredictable. Sudden snowstorms and whiteout conditions can materialize out of nowhere, so it demands respect and preparation. You'll want winter tires in your arsenal, especially between December and March, though technically the road stays open year-round.
Depending on which direction you're coming from, you've got two distinct routes to the summit. **From Chur**, you're looking at a 17.6 km climb with a punchy 952 meters of elevation gain. The average grade hangs around 5.4%, though you'll hit some steeper sections pushing up to 11%. **From Tiefencastel**, it's a slightly shorter 14 km ascent with 713 meters of elevation gain and an average gradient of 5.1%—a bit more forgiving, but still serious business.
The scenery? Absolutely worth the effort. Just come prepared, respect the weather, and you'll have an unforgettable Swiss Alpine experience.
Where is it?
Lenzerheide Pass is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 46.7500, 9.5667
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 17.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,547 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 46.7500, 9.5667
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