Simplon Pass
9Brig-Glis to Gondo · Valais/Wallis
Distance24.0mi · 39 km
Drive time46 minon the road
DifficultyModerate
MountainValley
Napoleon-built Alpine trade route, wide sweeping curves, open year-round
The Simplon Pass (2,005 m) carries Swiss main road 9 from Brig in the Valais over the Alps to the Italian border at Gondo, and was built on Napoleon's orders between 1800 and 1805. Unlike the tight hairpin passes nearby it is broad and fast, flowing with sweeping curves past the Simplon Hospice and crossing the striking Ganter Bridge. Maximum gradient is around 9-11%; it is one of the few Alpine passes kept open all year, but winter snow, ice and sudden weather closures are real risks.
Where it runs
Brig-GlisStart · Valais/Wallis
GondoEnd · Switzerland
Character
Corners60bends
Tightness4of 10
Max gradient11%≈ 1-in-9
Hairpins3tight bends
Climb1292 mtotal ascent
Summit2004 mhighest point · 6575 ft
SpringSummerAutumnWinter
Elevation
1319 m rangeKnow before you go
- Year-round but prone to snow and ice in winter
- Fast sweeping bends encourage excess speed
- Sudden weather changes and fog at altitude
Sources
In these collections
Nearby roads
The closest great drives to Simplon Pass.
