Travel guide to the top of Theodulpass in the Alps

Theodulpass is an international high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.336m (10,944ft) above the sea level, located on the border of Switzerland and Italy. It's one of the highest roads of Europe.

Can you drive to Theodulpass?

Set high on the eastern Pennine Alps, the pass, also known as Colle del Teodulo, links the southern Switzerland’s Valais canton and the Valle d'Aosta region of northwest Italy. The runway to the top is totally unpaved. It was closed for public motorized traffic in 2009, but as a cyclist you still may reach the top. It’s a chairlift access trail. It's one of the highest roads of the country.

How long is the road to Theodulpass?

The road to the summit is brutally steep, hitting a 30% of maximum gradient through some of the ramps. Starting at Breuil-Cervinia (Aosta Valley), the ascent is 10.5 km (6.52 miles) long. Over this distance the elevation gain is 1.308 meters. The average gradient is 12.45%. This trail can be done only a very narrow time-frame in the summer (end of August). It was the highest point in the Alps accessible by motor vehicle. The slope is very steep, consists of loose stones and becomes even steeper and rocky in the upper part. Rifugio del Teodulo (hut), built in 1920, is located just above the pass.
Pic: Ingrid Sharon Piccolini