Nufenen Pass Panoramic Road Itinerary
Experience a breathtaking panoramic view of the Swiss Alps on the Nufenen Pass Panoramic Road! This 48 km road trip starts in Airolo and ends in Gletsch, both located in Switzerland. Along the route you will pass through the towns of Nufenen Pass and Ulrichen, where you can take in the stunning views of the countryside. The best time of year to take the road trip is during the summer months, when the roads are in good condition and the landscape is at its most picturesque. The route is suitable for all levels of drivers and provides an unforgettable experience for anyone who takes it. Although it can be done on a budget, the Nufenen Pass Panoramic Road is best enjoyed with a high budget, so you can make the most of the stunning vistas and attractions along the way.
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number of days
48 km
route length
high
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
moderate
accident level
START
Airolo
Distance 48 km
Driving time 1.0 h
Pace: modest
12.5 kWh
Airports
LUG
,
ZRH
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Airolo, Switzerland is the starting point for the stunning "Nufenen Pass Panoramic Road" and a great destination for anyone looking to explore the Swiss Alps. Located in the canton of Ticino, Airolo is an ideal base to explore the many natural and cultural attractions in the area. The closest international airport is Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP). Car rentals are available at the airport, making it easy to set off on your journey.
While in Airolo, visitors can enjoy the many hiking trails, the stunning alpine lake called Lago di Lugano, and the nearby Monte Tamaro, which is great for summer and winter activities. Airolo is also home to the Giornico Castle and the nearby Castle of Madrano, both of which are worth a visit.
For those interested in experiencing the area's local culture, Airolo offers a number of events and activities throughout the year. The nearby Intragna Valley is home to the annual Sagra delle Sagre, a traditional celebration of local food, music, and culture. During the winter months, Airolo's Ski Arena offers a variety of exciting activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.
No matter what you're looking for, Airolo is the perfect place to start your "Nufenen Pass Panoramic Road" road trip. With its incredible scenery, unique culture, and exciting activities, Airolo is sure to make your trip one that you'll never forget.
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Airolo
- Nufenen Pass
Distance 23 km
Driving time 0.5 h
Pace: modest
6.1 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome to the Airolo-Nufenen Pass stage of your road trip! This 23 km journey will take you less than an hour to complete, and will take you through some of the most stunning scenery Switzerland has to offer.
Start your journey in Airolo, a small town located at the entrance of the Gotthard Tunnel. Here you'll find the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, one of the oldest churches in Switzerland. The church is a great place to take a break and admire the view of the surrounding mountains.
Your next stop is the Nufenen Pass, the highest pass in the canton of Ticino. Here you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding Alps. You can also take a break at the pass and enjoy some traditional Swiss food at the mountain restaurants.
This is just one of the many stages of your road trip. More information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route can be found in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Nufenen Pass - Switzerland - Europe - Scenic Drive - www.flickr.com
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2
Nufenen Pass
- Ulrichen
Distance 14 km
Driving time 0.3 h
Pace: modest
3.6 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome to the Nufenen Pass to Ulrichen road trip stage! This 14 km journey will take you less than an hour to complete, so you can enjoy the stunning views of the Swiss Alps while driving.
Your trip will start at Nufenen Pass, a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2478 m above the sea level. Here you can admire the amazing view of the surrounding mountains, including the highest peak in Switzerland, the Dufourspitze.
Your next stop will be Ulrichen, a small village located at the foot of the Oberaletsch Glacier. Here you can explore the beautiful landscape and take a walk around the village.
This is just one of the stages of a larger tour, so you can continue your journey to discover more of the Swiss Alps. For more detailed information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage.
We hope you enjoy your Nufenen Pass to Ulrichen road trip!
Ulrichen - Switzerland - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
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Ulrichen
- Gletsch
Distance 11 km
Driving time 0.2 h
Pace: modest
2.8 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip starting in Ulrichen, Switzerland and ending in Gletsch, only 11 km away. This short drive, less than an hour, will take you through some of the most beautiful landscapes of Switzerland.
Start your journey in Ulrichen and make sure to visit the local attractions like the Ulrichen Church and the Ulrichen Museum. Once you have taken in the sights, drive through the picturesque mountain passes and admire the breathtaking views of the Rhone Valley.
In Gletsch, explore the nearby attractions such as the Furka Pass, the Grimsel Pass, the Gletsch Glacier, and the Rhone Glacier. Don't forget to take a stroll in the Gletsch village and enjoy the local cuisine.
This is just one of the many stages of an unforgettable road trip. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage.
Gletsch - Switzerland - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
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Gletsch
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Gletsch, Switzerland is the perfect ending point for the Nufenen Pass Panoramic Road. This picturesque alpine town is nestled in the Aarmassif Mountains and boasts a wealth of attractions and activities to enjoy.
The Oberaletsch Glacier, located just north of town, is the largest glacier in the Alps and is a must-see for travelers. The picturesque views of the glacier and the surrounding mountains make this a perfect spot for a picnic or a relaxing afternoon.
Gletsch also offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as mountain biking, hiking, and skiing. The nearby Furka Pass is a great place to take a scenic drive, and the nearby Gletschbruch Valley is a great spot for a leisurely walk.
For those who prefer to stay in town, Gletsch has plenty of cultural attractions to explore. The local museum is a great place to learn more about the region’s history, and the old churches provide a peaceful atmosphere to relax and take in the views.
For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Bern-Belp Airport (BRN) located just over an hour away.
Gletsch is the perfect ending point for the Nufenen Pass Panoramic Road. With its stunning views, outdoor activities, and cultural attractions, Gletsch offers something for everyone.
Gletsch - Switzerland - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
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Nufenen Pass Panoramic Road at a glance
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Start:
Airolo
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End:
Gletsch
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Distance:
48 km
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Stay:
1 day
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Getting there:
Lugano Airport (LUG),
Zürich Airport (ZRH)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
The Nufenen Pass Panoramic Road stretches over 48 kilometers, offering an impressive drive through the Swiss Alps, with the journey commencing in Airolo and culminating in Gletsch. This route guides travelers through picturesque Swiss towns and idyllic countryside landscapes, ensuring a memorable and visually stunning driving adventure.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
On this drive, Roadtrippers will traverse the Nufenen Pass, the highest paved mountain pass Road in Switzerland, peaking at an altitude of 2,478 meters. Additionally, the quaint town of Ulrichen is a must-visit, promising a glimpse into Swiss culture. The route is adorned with breathtaking alpine vistas, including verdant valleys and majestic mountain summits such as the iconic peaks of the Bernese Alps.
Best Time to Go:
To fully savor the beauty of the Swiss alps, the best time to embark on this Road Trip is from June to September. During these summer months, the pass is usually free from snow, offering clear Roads and access to the full array of alpine flora and panoramic views.
Potential Risks:
The route is well-maintained, but drivers should remain vigilant for sudden shifts in weather, which are common in mountainous regions, and be prepared for narrow stretches that may prove challenging, especially for those unaccustomed to alpine driving conditions.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The Nufenen Pass was only opened in 1969, making it one of the newer alpine pass Roads in Switzerland.
- Keep an eye out for the hospitable mountain huts along the way, offering a chance to rest and savor local Swiss delicacies.
- The pass is not only a paradise for drivers but also for cyclists, being a highlight of the annual Tour de Suisse race.
- The nearby Rhône Glacier, located at the eastern end of the pass, is known for its ethereal ice grotto, a tunnel carved into the glacier that is accessible to visitors.
- Remember that daylight hours extend well into the evening during summer, giving you more time to indulge in the magnificent scenery.
A good choice for:
The Nufenen Pass Panoramic Road is an essential experience for anyone who revels in Scenic Drives and nature's grandeur. The combination of Switzerland's pristine natural landscapes with the excitement of alpine driving results in an unmatched journey, perfect for Road Trip aficionados and lovers of the great outdoors.