Switzerland · Alps
Albulapass
The Albula winds through the Engadin with beautiful hairpins paralleling the famous Rhaetian Railway spiral tunnels.
- Length
- 18.0 km
- Avg gradient
- 6.2%
- Max gradient
- 12%
- Elevation gain
- 1,118 m
- Summit
- 2,312 m
- Hairpins
- 16
Versants
- From Bergün — 18.0 km at 6.2% (max 12%)
History
The Albulapass is most famous for its relationship to the Rhaetian Railway — the narrow-gauge train that climbs the same valley on a parallel route features elaborate spiral tunnels that are an engineering marvel. The cycling road parallels these tunnels and crosses multiple viaducts, making the climb feel like a duet between bicycle and train.
The climb from Bergün is 18 km at 6.2% average, a sustained but manageable gradient through beautiful Engadin landscape. The road surface is excellent and the curves are well-engineered, making it popular with both racers and touring cyclists.
The pass sits at 2,312 m and connects the Prättigau region with the high Engadin valley. The combination of cycling and railway engineering makes it a unique experience — on good days, riders might encounter trains on the parallel route and share the mountain crossing experience.