The road to Passo Scimfuss, a chillout in high mountains

The road to Passo Scimfuss, a chillout in high mountains

Switzerland, europe

Length

3.7 km

Elevation

2,242 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

# Passo Scimfuss

Perched at 2,242 meters (7,355 feet) above sea level in Ticino's Leventina district, Passo Scimfuss—also known as Passo Scipscius—is a hidden gem for adventurous drivers in Switzerland.

The road up is a thrilling mix of paved and gravel sections that'll keep you on your toes. Expect steep grades (hitting up to 9.0% on some sections), tight hairpin bends, and a road that's impressively narrow in places. The pass itself is unmarked and not super obvious geographically, but don't let that fool you—it's passable most of the year. Winter weather can occasionally shut things down, so check conditions before you head out.

Starting from St. Gotthard Pass, you're looking at a 3.7-kilometer (2.29-mile) push upward with 148 meters of elevation gain. The average gradient sits around 4%, which sounds manageable until you hit those steeper pitches. But here's the payoff: absolutely stunning panoramic views over Valle Bedretto and the surrounding mountain ranges make every twist and turn worth it. If you're craving a challenging alpine drive with serious scenery, this one delivers.

Where is it?

The road to Passo Scimfuss, a chillout in high mountains is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 47.1068, 8.0693

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Switzerland
Continent
europe
Length
3.7 km
Max Elevation
2,242 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
47.1068, 8.0693

Related Roads in europe

Is the road to Giogo della Bala in the Alps unpaved?extreme

Is the road to Giogo della Bala in the Alps unpaved?

🇮🇹 Italy

Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for the Giogo della Bala! This insane mountain pass sits way up in the Italian Alps, in Lombardy, at a dizzying 2,129m (6,984ft). You'll be cruising on Strada Provinziale 345B, aka Delle Tre Valli. The road starts and ends with asphalt, but get ready for some gravel action in the middle. This epic stretch is about 17.4 km (10.81 miles) of pure adrenaline, connecting to the SP 669 road. Now, let's talk thrills. This road hugs cliffs without guardrails, so keep your eyes on the prize. We're talking hairpin turns, insane views, and spots so narrow only one car can squeeze through. Oh, and did I mention the steep drops? Seriously, don't look down! The speed limit is a chill 20 km/h (12 mph) for a reason. Watch out for rocks and rough patches, especially on those curves. Overtaking and stopping are a no-go unless you're in a designated area. But hey, the views from the mountaintops are totally worth it!

Col Pelousehard

Col Pelouse

🇫🇷 France

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Col Pelouse in the French Alps is calling! We're talking about a wild ride up to 2,261 meters (that's 7,417 feet!), high in the Haute-Savoie. Forget smooth tarmac, this is a proper gravel track. Think rocky, bumpy, and maybe even a little tippy – you know, the kind of stuff that gets your heart pumping! Definitely not one for the faint-hearted or those who like their cars pristine. A 4x4 is a must, and a healthy respect for heights is essential. It's steep in places, and if it's wet, expect some seriously muddy conditions as you climb towards those ski slopes at the top. Oh, and did I mention it's a no-go zone in winter? But the views? Totally worth it if you're up for the challenge!

A winding paved road to Portella Femmina Mortamoderate

A winding paved road to Portella Femmina Morta

🇮🇹 Italy

# Portella Femmina Morta: Sicily's Mountain Pass Adventure Tucked away in the heart of Sicily's northern Nebrodi Mountains, Portella Femmina Morta sits pretty at 1,535m (5,036ft) and makes for an absolutely epic road trip destination. This is the real deal for anyone craving some serious elevation gain and stunning mountain scenery. The main route here is Strada Statale 289 (SS289), a fully paved 26.4 km (16.40 miles) ribbon of asphalt that snakes north-south between San Fratello and Fattoria Cazzipoli. Fair warning though – this road doesn't mess around. You'll encounter some seriously steep sections that climb up to 13.3%, so it's definitely one for experienced drivers who love a good challenge. The road's credentials are legit; it's even been featured in the legendary Giro d'Italia race. Once you reach the summit, there's a small parking lot where you can catch your breath and soak in the views. If you're not quite done with the climbing, here's the bonus: head east on a minor paved road toward Monte Soro (1,848m/6,062ft) for even more elevation and panoramic rewards. Everything sits within the stunning Parco Naturale Regionale dei Nebrodi, so you're getting world-class scenery along with your adrenaline rush. This is mountain driving at its finest – challenging, scenic, and absolutely unforgettable.

A steep curvy road to Cleuson Lake in Valaishard

A steep curvy road to Cleuson Lake in Valais

🇨🇭 Switzerland

# Lac de Cleuson: A Swiss Alpine Adventure Nestled in the Valais canton of southern Switzerland, Lac de Cleuson sits pretty at 2,186 meters (7,171 ft) above sea level. This stunning high-mountain reservoir is the real deal—the kind of place that makes your heart skip a beat. Built between 1947 and 1950, the Cleuson dam is seriously impressive. Designed to be practically indestructible (thanks to reinforced buttresses built during wartime), this beast of a structure stretches 420 meters long and towers 87 meters high. It holds back roughly 20 million cubic meters of water from the entire valley. Pretty wild when you think about it. Now, here's where it gets interesting. The 12.7 km (7.89 miles) drive from Nendaz to the reservoir is not for the faint of heart. You'll tackle a mostly paved road that becomes gravel for the final 3.5 km, with sections hitting a jaw-dropping 30% gradient. Expect plenty of hairpin turns and tunnels carved right into the mountainside. Fair warning: the last stretch is off-limits to regular vehicles, and the entire route closes down from November to May when snow takes over. But here's what makes it worth the effort—the views are absolutely spectacular. You'll overlook the Valley of Nendaz with the Bernese Alps chain stretching out before you. There's also a hidden gem: the Chapelle catholique de Cleuson, the highest standing chapel in the commune, sitting right on the lake's banks. If you want an even more adventurous experience, a rough gravel road continues up to the Refuge de Saint-Laurent at 2,492 meters (8,175 ft). Remote, beautiful, and utterly fantastic.