Valais · Switzerland
Nufenen Pass
413Ulrichen to Airolo
The highest paved pass lying entirely within Switzerland, 2,478 m.
The Nufenenpass links Ulrichen in the Goms with the Bedretto valley in Ticino, the highest paved pass that lies wholly within Switzerland, an open, windswept road over bare high country. Open only in the warmer months; mind the altitude, the wind at the summit, and snow outside summer.
Where it runs8.5 mi · point to point
UlrichenStart · Valais
AiroloEnd · Valais
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Character
Corners36bends
Tightness6of 10
Max gradient10%≈ 1-in-10
Hairpins12tight bends
Climb1,143 mtotal ascent
Summit2,472.2 mhighest point of the line · 8,111 ft
Corners
busiest around mile 6Elevation
under 4%4–8%over 8%1,342.2 – 2,472.2 mFrom the road
Points of interest2 stops
- Nufenenpass / Passo della NovenaViewpoint8.5 mi in
- ChilchhornViewpoint8.2 mi in
Hazards
- High altitude and strong wind
- Closed in winter
- Snow outside summer
Is Nufenen Pass open? Typical season and live summit weather ›
Sources
“Due to its high average grade, its countless serpentines, and its susceptibility to wind (in both directions), it is a very hard climb.”
Verified route: mapped from real road geometry and fact-checked by a human editor. How roads get checked
Driving the Nufenen Pass: quick answers
How long does it take to drive the Nufenen Pass?
Nufenen Pass runs 8.5 miles (13.7 km) and takes about 18 min to drive without stops.
How difficult is the Nufenen Pass to drive?
We rate it demanding: 36 corners including 12 hairpins, a maximum gradient of 10%, and a tightness of 6 out of 10.
When is the best time to drive the Nufenen Pass?
Summer is best. The road closes seasonally over winter; check it has reopened before setting out.
Nearby roads
The closest great drives to Nufenen Pass.
Nufenen Pass
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