Where is Umbrail Pass?
Switzerland, europe
13.2 km
2,506 m
hard
Year-round
Umbrail Pass! Straddling the Swiss-Italian border, this beauty clocks in at a whopping 2,506 meters (8,221 feet) above sea level, making it Switzerland's highest paved road and one of the highest in the Alps.
You'll find it linking Lombardy in Italy with the Swiss canton of Graubünden. Keep an eye out for the war monument dedicated to "Piz Umbrail," the mountain that gave the pass its name.
The road is fully paved, so no need for off-road tires! It's a hidden gem compared to other Alpine passes, meaning fewer crowds and more pure driving pleasure.
Heads up – it's usually closed from October to June due to snow. Also, bigger vehicles aren't allowed (over 18 tons, 2.50m wide, or 10m long).
This climb is a leg in the Giro d’Italia! Starting in Sta Maria, the 13.2 km ascent gains a hefty 1,126 meters, averaging 8.5% with some sections hitting a max of 14.0%. Brace yourself for 35 hairpin turns!
Parts of the road are narrow and missing guardrails. We're talking serious vertical drops, so take it easy on the descent. The northern climb from Santa Maria is a proper Alpine experience, while the southern side is quite short.
The hairpins can be tight and steep, so watch your line, especially in wet conditions. And keep an eye out for customs agents – they're known to patrol the area. Overall, it's a moderately challenging drive with incredible high-Alpine scenery.
The 13.2 km route runs from the Strada Statale 38 del Stelvio up to the charming village of Santa Maria, near Val Müstair, in Switzerland. Prepare for an unforgettable adventure!
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 13.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,506 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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