Maloja Pass Panoramic Road

The Maloja Pass Panoramic Road is an excellent road trip for drivers of all levels of experience. Starting in St. Moritz, Switzerland, the route takes you through the beautiful towns of Silvaplana and Maloja Pass, before ending in Chiavenna, Italy. The distance is around 49km and is best completed in one day. The best time of the year to drive is from June to September, when you can enjoy the stunning mountain landscapes along the route. The road conditions are generally excellent, although you should be aware that the route crosses the border between Switzerland and Italy. This road trip is perfect for those looking for a high quality experience on a moderate budget. You will come away with many unforgettable memories and stories to tell.

St. Moritz in Switzerland is the perfect starting point for a road trip along the amazing Maloja Pass Panoramic Road. Located in the Engadine valley, the town is known for its beautiful and unique Alpine scenery, making it the perfect backdrop for a memorable and enjoyable road trip. This small Swiss town offers plenty of attractions for travelers to explore and enjoy. The lake, Lake St. Moritz, is a popular destination for swimming and sunbathing, while the nearby ski resorts offer some of the best skiing in the world. The town is also home to some of the finest restaurants and bars in the region, making it the perfect place to grab a bite to eat before starting your journey. For travelers flying in to the area, the closest international airport is Zurich Airport (IATA: ZRH). Car rentals are available at the airport, making it easy to begin your road trip from St. Moritz. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventurous road trip, St. Moritz is the perfect starting point for the Maloja Pass Panoramic Road. Enjoy the stunning Alpine scenery, take in the sights and sounds of the town, and make sure to take full advantage of all that this unique Swiss town has to offer.

Embark on an exciting road trip from St. Moritz to Silvaplana, Switzerland! This 7km journey will take you less than an hour to complete, but it is full of stunning views and interesting attractions. Make sure to keep your eyes open for the picturesque landscapes along the way! Start your journey in St. Moritz and make a stop at the famous Engadiner Museum to learn about the local culture and history. Then, take a short drive and visit the Segantini Museum to admire the works of Giovanni Segantini, an Italian painter. The museum is located in the St. Moritz Bad area and offers a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. Continue your drive to Silvaplana and explore the village. Here you can visit the Church of St. Maria, the oldest church in the region, as well as the quaint little shops and restaurants. Don't forget to take a stroll along the lake and admire the beautiful scenery. This is just one of the many stages of your road trip, so make sure to plan your route carefully. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

Embark on a 15 km journey from Silvaplana, Switzerland to Maloja Pass and enjoy the picturesque landscapes along the way. It will take you less than an hour to get there, so make sure to take your time and admire the beauty of the area. On your way, don’t miss the chance to visit the unique mountain village of Surlej, located right on the shore of Lake Silvaplana. You can also take a break at the mountain station of Corvatsch, located at an altitude of 3303 meters and offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Further along the road, take a look at the beautiful Lej da Silvaplana, the largest lake in the Upper Engadine valley. Finally, when you reach Maloja Pass, make sure to take some time to explore the area, as this is one of the most beautiful spots in the whole region. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the “Itinerary” of this stage.

Embark on an exciting road trip starting in Maloja Pass, Switzerland and ending in Chiavenna, Italy! This 28 km journey should take you less than an hour, and you'll even get to cross the state border. Along the way, you can visit the stunning Lake Como, the picturesque Valchiavenna, and the beautiful Lake Mezzola. At the end of the journey, explore the historical city of Chiavenna and its many attractions. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for an unforgettable road trip!

Chiavenna is a small Italian town located in the northern part of the country, in the Lombardy region. It is situated at the end of the spectacular "Maloja Pass Panoramic Road" which offers incredible views of the surrounding Alps. Chiavenna is a great destination for those looking for an outdoor adventure. There are plenty of hiking and cycling trails to explore, as well as the nearby lake Lago di Mezzola. The town is also home to some beautiful historical monuments, such as the 16th century Palazzo Vertemate Franchi, the medieval churches of San Lorenzo and San Michele and the Oratorio di Santa Maria Assunta. In the town center, visitors can find a variety of restaurants and cafes to enjoy the local cuisine. There is also the weekly market on Saturday mornings, where locals and visitors can buy fresh food and handmade items. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Milan Malpensa Airport (IATA code: MXP), located about 1.5 hours away by car. Chiavenna is an ideal destination for those looking for a peaceful, outdoor getaway. With its stunning Alpine views, historical monuments, and delicious cuisine, it is the perfect ending to the unforgettable "Maloja Pass Panoramic Road" road trip.

Before you set off

The Maloja Pass Panoramic Road is an enchanting journey that showcases the majestic beauty of the Swiss Alps before descending into the delightful landscapes of Italy. Starting from the sophisticated alpine resort of St. Moritz, this route winds through some of the most impressive vistas Europe has to offer and ends in the historically rich Italian town of Chiavenna.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

• St. Moritz: Not just a luxury destination, St. Moritz is also a cultural hub with a heritage in winter sports, boasting hosting two Winter Olympics. Its alpine setting provides awe-inspiring views and a plethora of outdoor activities year-round.
• Silvaplana: Nestled beside the stunning Lake Silvaplana, this area is a paradise for windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts, thanks to the reliable Maloja wind. Nearby is the towering Corvatsch mountain, which offers panoramic views from its peak accessible via cable car.
• Maloja Pass: At an elevation of 1,815 meters, the Maloja Pass features dramatic hairpin turns and extraordinary views, particularly captivating during sunrise and sunset. The pass is not only a feast for the eyes but also a testament to engineering marvels in challenging terrain.
• Chiavenna: This Italian gem is steeped in history, with cobbled streets, medieval churches, and Renaissance palazzi. The Acquafraggia Waterfalls are a natural spectacle just a short drive from the town center.

Best Time to Go:

The ideal time to travel the Maloja Pass Panoramic Road is between June and September when the snow has melted, and the mountain pass is fully accessible. The summer months reveal lush green landscapes and colorful wildflowers, with clear skies providing the perfect backdrop for your journey.

Potential Risks:

• Inclement Weather: The alpine climate can produce sudden weather shifts; be prepared for potential snow, rain, or fog, which can impact visibility and Road conditions.
• Border Crossing: Travelers should check the latest entry requirements and have necessary documentation ready for crossing from Switzerland into Italy, considering both countries may have different traffic regulations and toll requirements.
• Mountain Driving: The route includes sharp curves and steep inclines, which may be challenging. It's important to maintain a cautious speed and be vigilant of cyclists and motorcyclists.

Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:

• Distance: The entire route covers about 49 kilometers and can comfortably be completed in a day, with several stops to enjoy the scenery and attractions.
• Budget: While St. Moritz is known for its high-end offerings, the Road Trip itself can cater to various budgets, with options to experience local cuisine and accommodations in less touristy locales along the way.
• Unforgettable Experiences: The Maloja Pass Panoramic Road is a harmonious blend of opulence, breathtaking nature, and cultural immersion, offering something for every traveler, whether they seek relaxation or adventure.

A good choice for:

The Maloja Pass Panoramic Road transcends the traditional driving experience by providing a scenic corridor through some of Europe's most captivating landscapes, intertwined with the allure of cross-cultural discovery. It's not just a route but a gateway to unforgettable adventures for Road Trip aficionados and nature lovers alike.