Switzerland · Alps
Nufenenpass
The highest pass in the Swiss Ticino. A quiet, remote climb through barren high-Alpine terrain.
- Length
- 13.5 km
- Avg gradient
- 8.5%
- Max gradient
- 13%
- Elevation gain
- 1,148 m
- Summit
- 2,478 m
- Hairpins
- 18
Versants
- From Ulrichen — 13.5 km at 8.5% (max 13%)
- From Airolo — 23.0 km at 5.7% (max 10%)
History
The Nufenenpass is the highest pass in the Swiss Ticino, sitting at 2,478 m. The climb from Ulrichen is 13.5 km at 8.5% average — relatively short and steep, making it physically demanding. The scenery is barren and rock-strewn at the summit, with little in the way of trees or vegetation.
The pass is less visited than the major Gotthard, Furka, and Grimsel nearby, which means the road is noticeably quieter and the experience feels more remote. The gradient is consistent and unforgiving, making it a popular training climb for Swiss cyclists.
The southern descent from Airolo is longer and gentler at 5.7% over 23 km, making the Nufenen a natural pairing with that pass for a challenging Alpine loop. The combination is used regularly in Swiss gran fondo events.