Nufenen Pass is one of the highest paved roads of Switzerland
Switzerland, europe
37 km
2,485 m
moderate
Year-round
# Nufenenpass: Switzerland's Alpine Challenge
Ready to tackle one of Switzerland's most legendary climbs? The Nufenenpass (aka Passo della Novena) sits at a jaw-dropping 2,485m (8,152ft) and ranks among the country's highest paved roads. Straddling the border between Valais and Ticino cantons near Italy, this beast of a pass has been turning cyclists and road-trippers into believers since it opened in 1969.
The fully paved 37km route runs east-west from Ulrichen in Valais to Airolo in Ticino, and honestly? It's relentless. Expect a 13% maximum gradient, countless hairpin turns, and wind that'll test your nerve from both directions. This isn't just a casual cruise—professional cyclist Fabian Cancellara has called it Switzerland's hardest climb, and he knows what he's talking about. Budget about 45 minutes for the drive if you're pushing it straight through.
Fair warning: the pass is only open from July through September, so plan accordingly. It's closed to heavy vehicles and can get seriously crowded on summer weekends and holidays. But here's the payoff—the views are absolutely stunning, with the Bernese Alps and Gries Glacier spread out before you like a postcard come to life. Grab a bite and catch your breath at the hotel and restaurant waiting at the summit. This is the kind of road that stays with you.
Where is it?
Nufenen Pass is one of the highest paved roads of Switzerland is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 47.0513, 8.3981
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 37 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,485 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 47.0513, 8.3981
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhen was the road to Col de la Forclaz built?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Col de la Forclaz is a seriously scenic mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,532m (5,026ft) in the Swiss Alps. We're talking Valais region, right near Martigny – so Switzerland at its finest. This road has some serious history, once used by mules and even smugglers heading between Switzerland and France. The road as we know it started taking shape in 1827, with a tunnel added later on. The Route de la Forclaz is totally paved and well-kept, making it a smooth ride. It's about 21.5 km (13.35 miles) long, winding from the French border all the way to Martigny-Combe in Switzerland. At the top, you'll find a hotel-restaurant that's been around since about 1830. Heads up – it can get pretty busy up there. This road is not for the faint of heart! It's a Tour de France favorite because it's steep, hitting gradients of up to 11.1% in places. But trust me, those short, sharp climbs are totally worth it for the views. Generally, you can drive the pass year-round. But keep an eye on the weather during winter. It can get dicey, and temporary closures are common. Snow chains or winter tires are usually a must-have during the colder months. Get ready for an epic drive!
hardCima Uomo
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Cima Uomo in the Italian Dolomites is calling your name. This peak hits an altitude of 2,480m (8,136ft), so be prepared for some serious views. Now, the road to the top? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Think rocky, gravelly, and steep – we're talking up to 30% inclines in sections! It's technically a ski-station service road, so it's rough and ready. This isn't an all-year-round kinda thing, either; you're looking at a tiny window (late August) to even attempt this. Oh, and did I mention the wind? It's a constant companion up there, and even in summer, you could get hit with snow. Winter? Forget about it – brutally cold is an understatement. But hey, if you're after a challenging climb with insane scenery, Cima Uomo might just be your next unforgettable adventure!
hardPico Labert
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're chasing views in the Spanish Pyrenees, Pico Labert is calling your name. This peak sits high in the Ribagorza region of Aragon, clocking in at a cool 2,316m (7,598ft). We're talking one of Spain's highest roads, people! Now, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road to the top, nestled in the Benasque Valley, is a gravel grinder – rocky, bumpy, and ready to test your off-road skills. Think service road for ski lifts and mountain lodges. The climb is seriously steep, with sections hitting a wild 30% grade. Loose stones under your tires are part of the fun, and things get even rockier near the top. Hit this one in late August for the best shot at clear conditions, but be warned: the wind is a constant companion up here. Even in summer, snow days aren't out of the question. Winter? Forget about it—brutally cold doesn't even begin to cover it. But hey, if you're up for an adventure, the views are absolutely worth it!
moderateWhat happened in Pripyat in 1986?
🌍 Ukraine
Okay, so picture this: Lenina Avenue, right in the heart of Pripyat, Ukraine, the city tragically abandoned after the Chernobyl disaster. This road used to be *the* place to be, a bustling kilometer-long stretch connecting the entrance to the main Lenin Square, near the old Medical University. Think wide boulevard with a central pedestrian walkway. At its end, you'd find the Energetik public clubhouse, the city's social hub. Now? Nature's reclaiming everything. Park carefully if you can even get there – rumor has it, the traffic police are *really* bored. Trees completely line the street now, swallowing the buildings. Expect to see more wildlife than people - birds, foxes, maybe even a wolf or two! The old squares are now fruit orchards bursting with blossoms. Keep in mind, though: this whole area is off-limits without a permit. You'll need official permission and they'll be monitoring radiation levels constantly. It's worth noting the street was used for movies, such as A Good Day to Die Hard (2013), Chernobyl Diaries (2012) and Land of Oblivion (2011).