Nufenen Pass is one of the highest paved roads of Switzerland

Nufenenpass - Passo della Novena is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.485m (8,152ft) above the sea level, located on the border of Valais and Ticino cantons, in Switzerland. At this elevation it's one of the highest paved roads of the country.

How long is Nufenen Pass?

The road to the summit, also known as Nuefenen Pass, is totally paved. Opened in September 1969, the road was built for the construction of the hydro dam below the Gries Glacier. The pass is 37km (22 miles) long running west-east from Ulrichen (in the district of Goms in the canton of Valais) to Airolo (in the district of Leventina in the canton of Ticino).

Is Nufenen Pass open?

Set high in the Swiss Alps, near the Italian border, the road is seasonally closed, usually from October through June. The is very wide, with some hairpins. It hits a 13% of maximum gradient through some of the ramps. Due to its high average grade, its countless serpentines and its susceptibility to wind (in both directions) it is a very hard climb. According to Fabian Cancellara, the pass is the hardest climb in the country. It’s closed to heavier vehicles.

Is Nufenen Pass worth it?

Plan about 45 minutes to complete the drive without any stop. The road is worth a visit and can be busy with a lot of traffic on weekends and summer holidays. It offers stunning views of the Bernese Alps and the Gries Glacier. There is a hotel and restaurant at the top of the pass.
Image credit: Depositphotos

 

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