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
hardWhere is Pesica Lake?
🌍 Montenegro
Okay, picture this: You're heading to a ridiculously gorgeous high mountain lake. It's tucked away way up high, above sea level, deep in the heart of the country, chilling in the shadow of the country's tallest peak. Seriously stunning. Oh, and locals whisper about a winged white horse with piercing blue eyes that rises from the lake at night – how cool is that?! Now, the road...let's just say you'll want a 4x4. It's unpaved, a bit rough around the edges, and gets super narrow in spots, with some seriously steep climbs. Pro Tip: Check conditions before you go, because once winter hits, it's usually closed. The whole adventure is only about a handful of miles, but you'll gain a fair bit of elevation, so expect a constant, noticeable climb. The average gradient is what it is, so keep your eyes peeled. But trust me, the views are worth every bump and turn!
moderateThe Strood is a flooded road to Mersea Island in UK
🇬🇧 England
Okay, picture this: Essex, UK, just southeast of Colchester. You're headed to Mersea Island, the UK's easternmost inhabited island, and there's only one way to get there: Mersea Road, or as the locals call it, the Strood Causeway. Now, this isn't your average road trip. This fully paved stretch, part of the B102, disappears *twice* a day for about a week each month! Yep, the tide rolls in, turning Mersea Island into a true island for about 90 minutes each time. The Strood has been around since Roman times with the first causeway built around 700 AD. Starting in the village of Peldon, this 3-mile (4.82km) road becomes an underwater adventure when the tide hits 4.9 meters or higher. A word to the wise: don't try to be a hero and drive through it! Saltwater and car engines do NOT mix. Instead, grab a snack, enjoy the view, and wait for the water to recede. Before you go, ALWAYS check those tide tables – you don't want to get stranded!
extremeRoad trip guide: Conquering Latpari Pass
🇬🇪 Georgia
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Let me tell you about Pereval Latpari, a seriously epic mountain pass in Georgia's Svaneti province. We're talking about a lofty perch at 2,834 meters (that's 9,297 feet!) in the majestic Greater Caucasus range. You'll find this beauty nestled in the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region, way out west. The road itself stretches for about 21.4 kilometers (13.29 miles) winding from Davberi to Chvelpi. Fair warning, though: this isn't a Sunday drive. The road is completely unpaved and can be rough. Think nail-biting drop-offs and sections so narrow you'll be holding your breath. You'll definitely want a high-clearance 4x4 to tackle this one! But hey, the views? Absolutely incredible! Plus, you'll be journeying through some seriously remote areas. Keep an eye on the calendar, too, because it usually opens around late May, with most of the snow gone by mid-June. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
hardTuca Urmella
🇪🇸 Spain
# Tuca Urmella: Spain's Alpine Adventure Ready for one of Spain's most thrilling mountain drives? Head to the Benasque Valley deep in the Pyrenees, where Tuca Urmella beckons at a jaw-dropping 2,333 meters (7,654 feet). This isn't your typical scenic highway—it's a legit high-altitude challenge that ranks among the country's most extreme mountain roads. Here's what you're getting into: the road to the summit is pure gravel and rock, complete with teeth-rattling washboard sections and plenty of hair-raising moments. Conditions are typically brutal from October through June, so aim for summer if you actually want to make it. This route demands serious off-road chops and nerves of steel—the grades are genuinely steep, and the exposure will test anyone with a fear of heights. Honestly? This isn't for casual weekend drivers. You'll need a proper 4x4 to even attempt this beast, and you'd better be comfortable navigating unpaved mountain terrain. But if you've got the skills, the guts, and the right vehicle, the payoff is incredible. You're pushing through one of Europe's most dramatic landscapes in a way most road trippers never experience. Only the truly dedicated wheelers should attempt this one. Come prepared, come capable, and you'll earn a story that'll last a lifetime.