Nufenen Pass
Switzerland, europe
37 km
2,478 m
moderate
July to September
The Nufenen Pass (Passo della Novena) at 2,478 meters is the highest road pass in Switzerland that is entirely within Swiss territory. The 37-kilometer road connects Ulrichen in the upper Valais with Airolo in Ticino, crossing the watershed between the Rhone and the Po river basins. Despite its status as Switzerland's highest pass, it remains relatively unknown to international visitors.
The road climbs from the German-speaking Goms valley through increasingly sparse vegetation to a barren, windswept summit where a small lake marks the pass. The descent into the Italian-speaking Bedretto Valley on the Ticino side is longer and more winding, with tighter hairpin bends. The contrast between the two sides is striking, both linguistically and geographically. The Nufenen was the last of the major Swiss alpine passes to be opened as a paved road, completed only in 1969. Its high altitude means a short opening season, typically mid-June to mid-October, and snow can fall at the summit even in summer.
Where is it?
Nufenen Pass is located in Valais / Ticino, Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 46.4771, 8.3875
Driving Tips
Open mid-June to mid-October. One of the quietest major Swiss passes. The summit lake is a good photo stop. Can be combined with the Gotthard or Grimsel passes for a loop.
Road Surface
Paved asphalt
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Region
- Valais / Ticino
- Length
- 37 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,478 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Surface
- Paved asphalt
- Best Season
- July to September
- Coordinates
- 46.4771, 8.3875
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