San Bernardino Pass Panoramic Road

Experience the stunning San Bernardino Pass Panoramic Road, a 75 km journey through the Swiss Alps, between Splügen and Bellinzona. Start your adventure in Splügen and make your way to the San Bernardino Pass, a mountain pass at 2,066m above sea level. Enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys along the way. Continue through Roveredo, a charming village in the canton of Graubünden. This route offers a variety of landscapes, from the steep alpine passes to the rolling hills of the Ticino region. Don't forget to look out for the UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the way, including the Castelgrande and Montebello Castles in Bellinzona. The road is in excellent condition and suitable for all drivers. It is best to plan your trip between June and October as this is when the weather is most favorable. The San Bernardino Pass Panoramic Road is an unforgettable journey that provides a high level of experience and memories. It is suitable for all drivers, however, it can be managed with a high budget only.

Splügen is a picturesque village located in the canton of Graubünden in Switzerland. It is the starting point of the San Bernardino Pass Panoramic Road, a breathtaking road trip that takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. Splügen is easily accessible by car, with the closest international airport being Zurich Airport (ZRH). From here, visitors can rent a car to begin the road trip. Once in Splügen, visitors can explore the town and its surroundings. A must-see is the Splügen Pass, a mountain pass located in the Alps that connects Splügen with Chiavenna in Italy. The pass offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, as well as the Isola Valley. In addition to the Splügen Pass, visitors should not miss the chance to explore the nearby Splügen Gorge, a stunning canyon carved out by the Spluga River. The canyon has a variety of interesting geological formations, including the Splügen Castle, a rock formation that resembles a castle. The nearby village of Reichenau is also worth a visit, with its old-world charm and stunning views of the Alps. Finally, visitors should not miss the chance to explore the nearby Splügen Lake, a picturesque alpine lake surrounded by lush forests. Here, visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and various other activities. Splügen is an idyllic village located in the heart of Switzerland and the perfect starting point for the San Bernardino Pass Panoramic Road. From here, visitors can explore the stunning Splügen Pass, Splügen Gorge, and Splügen Lake, as well as the charming village of Reichenau. With its breathtaking landscapes and old-world charm, Splügen is a destination that should not be missed.

Embark on a 19km road trip from Splügen, Switzerland to San Bernardino Pass and experience some of the most beautiful landscapes in the region. In Splügen, make sure to visit the Splügen Pass, the highest pass in the Swiss Alps, and the nearby Splügen Gorge. Further down the road, you will be able to admire the majestic Lake Ritom, one of the largest natural lakes in Switzerland, and the Piz Cengalo, a mountain in the Lepontine Alps. As you reach San Bernardino Pass, make sure to visit the San Bernardino Tunnel, the longest tunnel in Switzerland, and the nearby San Bernardino Pass, the highest pass in the Alps. This journey will take you less than 1 hour to complete and it is one of the stages of a larger tour. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage.

Embark on an unforgettable road trip, starting in San Bernardino Pass, Switzerland and ending in Roveredo. This 44 km journey can be completed in less than an hour, and will take you through some of the most stunning landscapes in the region. Start your journey by admiring the breathtaking views of the San Bernardino Pass, the highest pass in the Alps. Take a break and explore the nearby village of San Bernardino, where you can find a variety of restaurants and shops. Continue your journey to the picturesque village of Splügen, situated on the border between Switzerland and Italy. Enjoy the stunning views of the Splügen Pass and take a stroll through the village. As you make your way to Roveredo, make sure to stop at the small village of Chiavenna. Here, you can visit the Church of San Lorenzo and the Chiavenna Castle. Finally, you will reach Roveredo. Here you can explore the village and visit the local museum, which houses artifacts from the ancient Roman Empire. This is one of the stages of a larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, start planning your journey and enjoy the stunning views of the Swiss Alps!

Embark on an exciting road trip from Roveredo to Bellinzona, Switzerland! This 12 km journey takes less than an hour and is full of surprises. Along the way, you will pass through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world and will be able to marvel at the incredible UNESCO World Heritage sites. Take your time to explore the region's rich history and culture. Stop in the charming villages of Roveredo and Bellinzona, and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Visit the Castelgrande, a 13th century castle located in the heart of Bellinzona, and marvel at its impressive architecture. Don't forget to take a stroll through the streets of Bellinzona, where you will find some of the most beautiful churches and monuments in the country. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

Bellinzona is the perfect ending point of the "San Bernardino Pass Panoramic Road" road trip – a route through the Swiss Alps that offers spectacular views of the Swiss countryside. Located in the canton of Ticino, Bellinzona is a city with a rich history, full of interesting monuments and places to explore. The three castles of Bellinzona – Castelgrande, Montebello and Sasso Corbaro – are the most popular attractions in the city. Built between the 13th and 15th centuries, these three fortresses are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are a must-see for any traveler. Nearby, the Ponte della Torre bridge offers great views of the city and the surrounding landscape. Those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere can visit the Parco Ciani, which is the largest park in the city. Here you can find a lake, a playground, a botanical garden and a variety of walking trails. It’s a great spot for a picnic or a leisurely stroll. Bellinzona also has a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. For those who want to stay overnight, there are several hotels and hostels in the city. For those traveling by car, the San Bernardino Pass Panoramic Road is the best way to reach Bellinzona. The nearest international airport is Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP).

Before you set off

The San Bernardino Pass Panoramic Road is an exhilarating 75 km journey nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, offering travelers awe-inspiring vistas and a diverse array of landscapes. The adventure begins in the quaint village of Splügen and concludes in the historic town of Bellinzona, showcasing the grandeur of the Alps and the charm of the Swiss Italian region.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

Traversing this route, key landmarks include the San Bernardino Pass, where panoramic views greet travelers at 2,066 meters above sea level. The pass is not only a natural wonder but also an engineering feat, as it is one of the only accessible routes through the Central Alps and has been a vital passageway since Roman times. Continuing through Roveredo, the drive descends into the verdant hills of Ticino, Switzerland's Italian-speaking region, known for its Mediterranean climate and architecture. The route culminates in Bellinzona, famed for its trio of castles: Castelgrande, Montebello, and Sasso Corbaro, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and exemplify medieval military architecture.

Best Time to Go:

The ideal time to embark on this alpine odyssey is from June to October. These months offer the best weather for driving, with clear skies that unveil the full splendor of the mountains and valleys.

Potential Risks:

The Road is well-maintained and navigable for drivers of all skill levels, but caution is advised outside the recommended travel period, as winter conditions can make the pass treacherous due to snow and ice.

Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:

The San Bernardino Pass has been an important trade route since the Middle Ages, and the modern Road was completed in 1770, making it a path steeped in history. Additionally, the region is renowned for its hydroelectric power generation, utilizing the alpine waters in a sustainable manner. Roadtrippers should be prepared for the associated costs of such an extraordinary journey, including tolls, accommodations, and the chance to explore the local cuisine and cultural offerings.

A good choice for:

Embarking on the San Bernardino Pass Panoramic Road is an unforgettable sojourn that intertwines sublime natural vistas with a rich tapestry of Swiss cultural heritage. While the journey demands a higher budget, it offers an unparalleled alpine experience that creates enduring memories for those who traverse its path.