Switzerland · Alps
Julierpass
An ancient Roman crossing with pillar ruins at the summit. Wide, well-engineered curves make this one of the most pleasant high passes to ride.
- Length
- 14.0 km
- Avg gradient
- 6.6%
- Max gradient
- 11%
- Elevation gain
- 930 m
- Summit
- 2,284 m
- Hairpins
- 8
Versants
- From Silvaplana — 7.0 km at 6.7% (max 10%)
- From Tiefencastel — 22.0 km at 6.4% (max 11%)
History
Julier Pass sits at 2,284 m and is one of the quieter Swiss Alpine passes, less visited than the major Gotthard or Furka nearby. The climb is 20 km from Tiefencastel at 5.8% average, a steady and manageable ascent through beautiful Engadin landscape.
The road surface is excellent and the gradient is consistent, making it popular for endurance training. The scenery transitions from forest to open high-altitude terrain with extensive views across the Grisons region.
The pass is used regularly in Swiss cycling events and is prized for its combination of accessibility, good road quality, and lower traffic compared to busier Alpine routes.