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
extremeDriving the Kaiserjagerstrasse-Monterovere to Menador Pass
🇮🇹 Italy
# Menador Pass: A Thrilling Alpine Challenge Ready for an unforgettable mountain adventure? Meet Menador, a spectacular high-altitude pass sitting pretty at 1,269m (4,163ft) in Italy's Trentino-Alto Adige region up north. This isn't your average Sunday drive—it's a serious test of your driving skills. Here's the cool part: this road has actual history! Built back in 1911 as a military supply route, the Strada Provinciale SP 133 (also called the Kaiserjägerstrasse or Strada dell'Alpini) once helped transport construction materials for fortress building during the Austro-Hungarian era. Today, it's fully paved and stretches just 6.4km from Lochere to Malga Laghetto, but don't let that short distance fool you. This drive demands serious respect. Narrow switchbacks, hairpin turns, two small tunnels, and stomach-dropping steepness make it exclusively for confident, experienced drivers who can handle reversing. There's no center line marking, and the speed limit is capped at 30 km/h for good reason. Vehicles over 2.50m in height or width aren't welcome here. The payoff? Absolutely stunning vistas. You'll feast your eyes on the shimmering waters of Lake Caldonazzo and Levico Lake, with Monte Panarotta standing guard overhead. It's genuinely breathtaking stuff. Plan ahead though—while it's generally open year-round, snow closures happen without warning, and you'll want pristine conditions for this one. This is mountain driving at its most intense and rewarding.
moderateAn awe-inspiring road to Mont Revard in Savoie
🇫🇷 France
# Mont Revard: Alpine Beauty in the French Alps Perched at 1,562m (5,125ft) in the Savoie department, Mont Revard is a mountain pass that'll take your breath away—literally. Tucked near the charming town of Aix-les-Bains, just east of Lac du Bourget in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, this spot is southeastern France at its finest. The famous D913 (Route du Revard) is the star of the show here. This 27km beauty runs from Drumettaz-Clarafond to Les Déserts, and let me tell you, it's a love letter written in asphalt. Completely paved and gloriously curvy, the road winds its way through over 20 kilometres of climbing that rarely gets brutal—just persistent and rewarding. Every turn serves up stunning mountain vistas that'll make you want to pull over constantly (and honestly, you should). The Le Revard ski resort sits on the northern edge of the pass, adding to the year-round appeal. And if you're a cycling fan, you'll be treading in legendary footsteps here—this pass has featured in the Tour de France multiple times, with professional cyclists grinding through these same twists and turns. Whether you're chasing epic scenery, testing your driving skills on pristine mountain roads, or just soaking in the Alpine atmosphere, Mont Revard delivers on all fronts. Best part? It's open year-round, so there's always an excuse to make the drive.
moderateHow long is Road F225 (Landmannaleið)?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, buckle up for an epic Icelandic adventure on F225, also known as Landmannaleið or Dómadalsleið! This 41.1km (25.53 mile) stretch of road takes you right through the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, skirting the gorgeous Þórisvatn Lake in Iceland’s Southern Region. Think otherworldly vibes and mind-blowing landscapes. But heads up: this isn't your average Sunday drive. You'll need a serious 4x4 with high clearance to tackle the massive potholes, deep ruts, and boulder fields. Seriously, leave the small car at home – this road chews them up and spits them out. We’re talking one of Iceland's iconic F Roads, and one of the highest, topping out at 707m (2,319ft). The road begins at Landvegur (Road 26) and ends at Fjallabaksleið Nyrðri (F208). You'll feel like you're driving on the moon as you crawl through the Friðland að Fjallabaki park. This road is usually only open from late June to early September, so plan accordingly. And if you're looking for the ultimate experience, rent a 4x4 camper and soak it all in, morning to night. Keep in mind: you will need to ford 3-4 unbridged rivers, so this will require serious 4x4 skills! Assess the depth carefully before crossing. Don't get cocky – these rivers can be treacherous, especially as darkness falls. Solitude is pretty much guaranteed. Prepare for an unforgettable (and bumpy) ride!
hardWhere is Lac de Céma?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Lac de Céma – we're talking a seriously stunning high-altitude lake at 2,745m (that's over 9,000 feet!) nestled way up in the French Alps, in the Savoie department. You'll find it in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, practically spitting distance from Italy. The road to get there? It's a quick jaunt, only about 900m (just over half a mile), leading you right to a parking area by La Cascade restaurant. And get this – it’s one of the highest roads in France. Heads up though, it's called Chemin du Pissaillas, and while it’s mostly paved, be prepared for some serious potholes from all that snow. Want to go even higher? There's a dirt track that heads west, climbing to a whopping 2,793m! Because it's so high up in the Graian Alps, this road is strictly a summer affair, usually open from May/June to October. Get ready for some insane scenery, though – this is one alpine drive you won't forget! Just imagine the views...