The curvy road to San Bernardino Pass was built in 1770

# Passo di San Bernardino: A Swiss Alpine Classic

Perched at 2,065 meters (6,775 feet) in the Swiss canton of Graubünden, Passo di San Bernardino is one of those legendary Alpine passes that deserves a spot on every road-tripper's bucket list. Named after San Bernardino of Siena, who supposedly preached here back in the early 1400s, this mountain gateway has been connecting the Hinterrhein and Mesolcina valleys since Roman times.

The pass's real heyday came in the 15th century when it became a crucial mule track, followed by the construction of a proper wheeled-vehicle road in 1770. Between 1821 and 1823, they spruced it up significantly—so much so that locals called it "The Italian Road." Then came 1967 and the opening of the San Bernardino tunnel, which actually turned out to be a blessing for those of us who prefer the scenic route. Traffic shifted underground, leaving the mountain pass wonderfully peaceful for those willing to take the long way.

Route 13, as it's officially known, stretches 30.6 kilometers (19 miles) north-south from the village of Hinterrhein to the charming municipality of Mesocco. Every inch is fully paved, but you're in for a treat—or a challenge, depending on how you look at it. More than 40 hairpin turns (most clustered in the northern section) keep you honest, with gradients hitting 9.7% on some stretches.

Plan about 45 minutes for the drive without stops, though honestly, you'll want to linger. The road only opens May through November, so time your visit accordingly. Once you reach the summit, you'll discover a pristine alpine lake with impossibly blue water and a historic hospice. The views? Absolutely stunning—Swiss Alps at their most majestic.