The historic trail to Septimer Pass in the Swiss Alps
Septimer Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,310 m (7,579 ft) above sea level, located in the Albula Region of the Swiss canton of Graubünden. If you want to get a feeling for how the ancient Romans traveled, this pass is the road to take.
Where is Septimer Pass?
The pass, also known as Passo del Settimo and Pass da Sett, is located in the southeastern part of the country, between the valleys of Bregaglia and Oberhalbstein.
Why Was Septimer Pass Important?
Septimer Pass was once one of the most important Alpine crossings to and from Italy. The favorable topography made it an ideal trade route. However, with the road built over the Julier Pass opening in 1826, the Septimer Pass lost most of its traffic for good.
How Long is the Road to Septimer Pass?
The road to the summit is completely unpaved. Starting from Sursés, the road to the summit is 6.5 km (4.03 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 527 m, and the average gradient is 8.10%.
Is Septimer Pass Open?
Set high in the Swiss Alps, the road to the summit is closed to private vehicles and is accessible by bikes only. It is usually impassable from October to June (weather permitting).
Pic: Anton Vladyka