Where is Nufenen Pass?
Switzerland, europe
37 km
2,485 m
moderate
Year-round
Nufenen Pass, or Passo della Novena as the Italians call it, is a real showstopper! Perched way up in the Swiss Alps, right on the border between Valais and Ticino cantons, this road tops out at a whopping 2,485m (8,152ft). Opened back in 1969 for a dam project, it's now one of the highest paved roads in Switzerland.
This beauty stretches for 37km (22 miles), connecting Ulrichen to Airolo. Expect a winding, paved road with some serious hairpin turns and a maximum gradient of 13% in places. This climb is no joke! Fabian Cancellara calls it the toughest in the country. Keep in mind, it's closed to heavy vehicles and usually shut down from October to June thanks to the snow.
Is it worth the trip? Absolutely! Give yourself around 45 minutes to drive it straight through, but you'll want to stop! Weekends and holidays can get busy. The views of the Bernese Alps and Gries Glacier are breathtaking. Plus, there's a hotel and restaurant at the summit for a well-deserved break.
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 37 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,485 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardDivarata-Komitata Road
🇬🇷 Greece
The Divarata-Komitata Road is an absolutely stunning coastal drive tucked away in Greece's Ionian Sea. You'll find this gem in the Pylaros region on the northwestern tip of Kefalonia island, and honestly, it's the kind of route that makes you understand why people fall in love with Greek islands. This 12.7 km stretch winds its way between the charming villages of Divarata and Komitata—yes, that's the same Komitata where they filmed scenes from "Captain Corelli's Mandolin" back in 2000. The road itself is wonderfully scenic, with plenty of twists, steep sections, and narrow passages that keep you engaged as you drive. What really makes this route special are those jaw-dropping views: pristine white-sand beaches nestled against dramatic white limestone cliffs that rise straight up from the water. Fair warning though—this is a drive that demands your attention. There are real drop-offs on either side, hairpin bends, and steep gradients that'll keep your hands on the wheel. You'll also want to keep an eye out for the occasional rockfall and wandering goats that seem to have no concept of traffic rules. The good news? The road is well-maintained with excellent barriers throughout, so you can navigate those curves with confidence. Weekends and peak holiday season do bring more traffic, but generally the road stays pretty quiet. Take it slow, soak in those magnificent views, and don't hesitate to pull over whenever the scenery calls for it. This is one of those drives that's all about the journey, not the destination.
hardTravel guide to the top of Kreuzeck in Bavaria
🇩🇪 Germany
# Kreuzeck: A High-Alpine Adventure in Bavaria Ready for some serious mountain driving? Kreuzeck sits pretty at 1,651 meters (5,417 feet) and ranks among Germany's loftiest roads. This Bavarian gem is tucked just north of Kreuzjoch in the country's southern reaches. Here's the thing: this isn't your typical scenic drive. The route up to the summit follows an old chairlift service road—totally unpaved and seriously gnarly, with narrow, steep stretches that'll test your skills and your nerves. You'll absolutely need a 4x4 to tackle this beast. Nestled in the rugged Wetterstein mountains, Kreuzeck transforms into a no-go zone once winter hits. Mother Nature basically shuts this one down, and even when conditions allow, private vehicles are typically off-limits anyway. If you're an adventure junkie with a capable vehicle and the determination to handle some serious terrain, this is the kind of drive that makes for epic stories. Just respect the mountain, check conditions ahead of time, and bring your A-game.
moderateAn awe-inspiring drive to Col d'Ornon
🇫🇷 France
Col d'Ornon is a mountain pass nestled in the Dauphiné Alps in Isère, France, sitting pretty at 1,360m (4,462ft) above sea level. If you're looking for a solid climb that won't absolutely destroy your legs, this is it. The D526 road connects Le Bourg-d'Oisans and La Mure with completely paved asphalt the whole way. What makes this pass special? It's genuinely chill—the grades never get punchy, you've got stunning high mountains surrounding you on all sides, and the road surface is genuinely decent. It's the kind of ride that feels epic without being brutal. This isn't some unknown hidden gem either. The pass has earned its stripes as a Tour de France feature, so you know it's legit. You've got two main entry points to choose from. If you're starting from Entraigues, you're looking at 14.42km of climbing with 563m of elevation gain, averaging out to a mellow 3.9%. Coming from La Paute is a bit spicier—11.11km with 643m of gain at 5.8% average—more compact but definitely punchier. Either way, it's a fantastic day on the bike with some serious scenery.
hardThe Inhumane Climb to Nebelhorn with 45% Ramps
🇩🇪 Germany
# Nebelhorn: A Brutal Alpine Beast Ready for one of Europe's most insane road climbs? Head to Nebelhorn, a 2,068 m (6,784 ft) peak nestled in Bavaria's Allgäu Alps near the charming village of Oberstdorf, just a stone's throw from the Austrian border. This isn't just any mountain road—it's legendary for good reason. Fair warning: this road is absolutely relentless. We're talking gradients that hit 45% in places, making it one of Germany's highest and steepest roads. You'll need a 4WD vehicle and serious driving skills to tackle this beast. The climb breaks down into two sections. First up is the drive to Edmund Probst Haus mountain hut (1,932 m), where the real punishment begins. The asphalt here is sketchy in spots—it was freshly paved back in 2008, but age and those brutal gradients have done a number on it. Narrow passages and 20%+ slopes in the final kilometers mean you'll be gripping that steering wheel tight. It's not a super long section, but don't let that fool you. Beyond the hut? There's still another kilometer to the cable car station at the summit, but that's strictly foot traffic—no vehicles allowed. It's an absolutely brutal walk on unpaved terrain, and trust us, by that point your legs will already be screaming. The payoff? Absolutely stunning Alpine scenery that rivals anything in the northern Alps. Jaw-dropping views make this one of the most spectacular (and terrifying) drives in all of Europe.