The Stilfser Joch (Stelvio) Pass

Another unique attraction is the Stilfser Joch Hochalpenstrasse (or Stelvio Pass), a steep mountain road which winds its way up to the top of one of the biggest summer ski resorts The Stilfser Joch in 48 bends. With the campsite at the start of the pass, it is an ideal place to be based at to explore the road.

This road, which is indeed a great feat of engineering, connects neighbouring valleys from the central Alps: the Vinschgau (South Tyrol region), the Münstertal (Graubünden, Switzerland) and the Veltlin (Lombardy, Italy).

The first big step to gain a way from Spondinig to Bormio for the post-coach era was realised through the project of engineer Carlo Donegani, around the time of the congress from Vienna. Between 1820 and 1825 an impressive road had been created.

The classic road leads from Spondinig (885m) through Prad (910m), Gomagoi (1260m), Trafoi (1530m), Franzenshöhe (2190m) to the Stilfser Joch (2760 m). For a distance of 27.4 km, one achieves a height difference of 1875m.

After the coach era, the century of the cars and motorbikes followed. The Stilfser Joch is a great challenge and a loved destination for every cyclist. It is often referred to as king of the Alpine passes. The BBC Top Gear programme recently visited the pass and found it to be one of the best driving roads in the world.

During the summer months the Stilfser Joch is also a preferred training destination for international professional skiers.