
Moosalp (Col de Moos): an epic road in the Alps
Switzerland, europe
15.2 km
2,048 m
moderate
Year-round
# Moosalp: A Swiss Alpine Adventure
Nestled in the heart of the western Pennine Alps, Moosalp (aka Col de Moos) sits pretty at 2,048 meters above sea level in Switzerland's Valais canton. This charming high-altitude pass connects the villages of Bürchen and Törbel, offering drivers a scenic route through some seriously stunning Alpine terrain.
Fair warning: the road is paved but delightfully narrow—exactly what you'd expect from a mountain pass that wasn't completed until 1978. Once you reach the top, you'll find a welcoming restaurant and spacious parking lot, making it the perfect spot to catch your breath and soak in the views.
Ready to tackle it? You've got two main options. Coming from Stalden is the slightly easier climb: 15.2 km of driving with a 1,159-meter elevation gain and an average gradient of 7.6%. If you're starting from Visp, buckle up for the longer haul—18.1 km with 1,568 meters of elevation gain and a steeper 8.6% average. Either way, you're in for a thrilling Alpine experience that'll test your driving skills and reward you with incredible mountain views.
Where is it?
Moosalp (Col de Moos): an epic road in the Alps is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 46.9433, 8.4086
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 15.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,048 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 46.9433, 8.4086
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