The historic trail to Septimer Pass in the Swiss Alps
Switzerland, europe
6.5 km
2,310 m
moderate
Year-round
# Septimer Pass: Walk in the Footsteps of Ancient Rome
Ready to experience how the Romans actually traveled through the Alps? Septimer Pass is your answer. Sitting pretty at 2,310 m (7,579 ft) above sea level in the Albula Region of Switzerland's Graubünden canton, this mountain pass is basically a time machine on a trail.
Tucked away in the southeastern corner of the country between the Bregaglia and Oberhalbstein valleys, Septimer Pass (also called Passo del Settimo or Pass da Sett) was *the* Alpine crossing back in the day. The geography just made sense for it—merchants and traders loved this route because it was the logical way to get to and from Italy. But then the Julier Pass road opened in 1826, and honestly, Septimer never really bounced back.
Here's the fun part: the entire route to the summit is unpaved, giving it that authentic old-world vibe. Starting from Sursés, you're looking at 6.5 km (4.03 miles) of climbing with 527 m of elevation gain—that's an 8.10% average gradient. Nothing too brutal, but definitely noticeable.
Fair warning though—this is a bikes-only road. No private vehicles allowed. And it's only really doable during the warmer months (weather permitting), typically closing from October through June. But if you're up for a unique Alpine adventure that actually takes you back in history? Absolutely worth the visit.
Where is it?
The historic trail to Septimer Pass in the Swiss Alps is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 46.9513, 8.1294
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 6.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,310 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 46.9513, 8.1294
Related Roads in europe
moderateCol de l'Arpettaz: If you like hairpin turns, this is the road for you
🇫🇷 France
# Col de l'Arpettaz Tucked away in the Savoie department of southeastern France, Col de l'Arpettaz sits at 1,581 meters (5,187 feet) and offers one seriously epic driving experience. This hidden gem connects Ugine to Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe across 27.4 kilometers of pure mountain magic. Fair warning: the asphalt here is a bit rough around the edges, but that only adds to the adventure. What really makes this pass special? Over 60 hairpin turns that'll keep you grinning the whole way up. Seriously—if you're a hairpin enthusiast, this is basically the climb of your dreams. You'll navigate through charming alpine farms and lush deciduous forest on what feels like a secret, barely-traveled road. Pack your patience for some steep sections hitting 11% gradient, but the quiet road and stunning scenery make every twist and turn worth it. Once you reach the summit, the Refuge Auberge du Col de l'Arpettaz is right there waiting—the perfect spot to catch your breath and soak in those Rhône-Alpes views. This is mountain driving at its most rewarding.
moderateWhere is Col de Montgenevre?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the N94, headed for the Col de Montgenèvre, a seriously cool mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,854m (6,083ft) in the French Alps. We're talking the Hautes-Alpes department, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, right near the Italian border – so close you can almost taste the gelato! This isn't just any old road; it's a historic connection between France and Italy, known as Passo del Monginevro on the Italian side. For centuries, this has been a vital route, and some even think Hannibal may have crossed here with his elephants! The road stretches for about 20.6 km (12.80 miles) between Briançon, France, and Cesana Torinese, Italy. Expect some company as you drive, because this route can get pretty busy. But trust me, it's worth it for the views! Just be prepared for some steep sections. Some ramps hit an 11.7% gradient, and it's been a part of the Tour de France, so you know it's legit. Even in winter, they keep it open, so you can experience the beauty of the snow-covered Alps. The views back towards Briançon are absolutely stunning, so keep your camera ready!
hardHow to reach Pas des Chapelets from Courchevel?
🇫🇷 France
Cruising through the French Alps? You've GOT to check out the climb from Courchevel up to Pas des Chapelets. It's tucked away in the Savoie, right in the heart of the Tarentaise Valley, inside the stunning Vanoise National Park. Okay, so getting there isn't exactly a Sunday drive. We're talking around 8 kilometers of serious switchbacks – like, FIFTEEN hairpin turns that'll keep you on your toes! The road starts paved, but heads up, it turns to gravel as you climb towards the ski station. A bit of ground clearance on your vehicle is a major plus for those final, bumpy stretches. Keep in mind, this is primarily a service road for the ski lifts, so it's a no-go in winter when it's covered in snow and skiers. But in summer? The views are absolutely unreal from the top. At over 2,300 meters, you’ll be overlooking the whole of Vanoise National Park with views of jagged peaks and alpine meadows. Seriously breathtaking. The air gets thin up there, and the weather can flip on a dime, so be prepared! Heads up on the hazards: the gradients are STEEP. Plus, the road gets narrow, and you might be sharing it with maintenance trucks, mountain bikers, and hikers. Those hairpins demand your full attention, and the gravel sections can be a bit loose. Definitely give your brakes a check before heading down; that descent is a long one!
moderateEisentalalm, the highest point on the Nockalmstrasse
🇦🇹 Austria
# Eisentalalm: Austria's Marmot-Crowned Mountain Pass Perched at a breathtaking 2,042 meters (6,699 feet) in Carinthia's stunning Karnten region of southern Austria, Eisentalalm is an absolute gem for mountain enthusiasts. This high alpine pass is accessed via the legendary Nockalmstrasse—a 34-kilometer paved toll road that's equal parts engineering marvel and adrenaline rush. What makes this drive unforgettable? Those 52 hairpin turns! Each switchback hugs the mountainside, offering progressively more spectacular alpine vistas as you climb toward the summit. The road itself is meticulously maintained asphalt, making it accessible for most vehicles (just keep in mind it's closed during winter months when snow takes over). But here's the real charm: the summit is crowned with an adorable sculpture of a family of marmots—a whimsical touch that'll make you smile after that intense climb. It's the kind of detail that makes Alpine driving memorable. Whether you're a seasoned mountain road conqueror or someone seeking their next scenic adventure, the Nockalmstrasse delivers jaw-dropping Carinthian scenery paired with genuinely thrilling driving. Just budget some extra time for those curves and bring your camera—the views are absolutely worth it.