Strada Alpe Piora, a challenging road in the Swiss Alps
Switzerland, europe
8.4 km
1,926 m
hard
Year-round
Strada Alpe Piora is one seriously intense road tucked away in the northern corner of Canton Ticino, Switzerland.
This 8.4 km (5.21 miles) stretch of paved road starts just north of Quinto and climbs relentlessly through the stunning Piora Valley high in the Swiss Alps. Fair warning: it's not for the faint of heart. The road is so narrow that two cars literally cannot pass each other—you're committing to a white-knuckle drive that demands serious focus and skill. With grades hitting a brutal 24% at their steepest, your car's brakes are going to earn their paycheck.
The payoff? Absolutely breathtaking views of Lago Ritom as you hug its northern shore on your ascent. The road terminates at a parking lot sitting 1,926m (6,318 feet) above sea level on the southern banks of Lago Cadagno, where panoramic alpine scenery rewards your nerve.
Just keep in mind that cars and bikes are locked out from 9 AM to 5 PM, so plan your adventure accordingly. This is real Alpine driving—thrilling, beautiful, and definitely not something you'll forget anytime soon.
Where is it?
Strada Alpe Piora, a challenging road in the Swiss Alps is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 46.8501, 8.0504
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 8.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,926 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.8501, 8.0504
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