Driving the iconic paved road to Bernina Pass in the Alps

Passo del Bernina is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.332m (7,650ft) above the sea level, located in the canton of Graubünden, in Switzerland. It’s one of the most famous Alpine roads of Switzerland.

Bernina Pass

Can you drive through Bernina Pass?

Tucked away in the eastern part of the country, near the Italian border, the road to the summit, also known as Berninapass, is fully paved. It's referred to as Hauptstrasse 29.

When was the road to Bernina Pass built?

Construction of the road began in 1842 and was completed in 1865. The pass has been in use since the Middle Ages when people would take their horse-drawn carts filled with goods to the markets to sell. A significant attraction on this mountain is the Bernina Express – the highest long-distance railway in the Alps (reaching 2,253m) – which crosses the road on the north side (twice). For much of its route north of the pass and again south of Poschiavo, the road is closely paralleled by the Bernina railway line. In fact, at a few locations south of Poschiavo, the railway line runs within the carriageway of the road, with road vehicles having to yield to trains.

How long is the Bernina Pass?

The pass spans 53.3 km (33.11 miles), running north-south from St. Moritz, in Switzerland’s Engadin valley, to Tirano, in the Italian Province of Sondrio. The pass often experiences heavy traffic and numerous tour buses. The road to the summit is quite steep, hitting a 10.4% maximum slope on some of the ramps.

Is Passo del Bernina open?

Situated high in the Bernina Range of the Alps, access to the pass has typically been open year-round since 1965, although it sees snow for eight months of the year. Winter weather might prompt short restrictions and closures due to hazardous conditions.

How long does it take to drive Bernina Pass?

The drive offers travelers breathtaking views, taking them through some of the country's most picturesque scenery. Driving the road without stopping usually takes between 1 and 1.5 hours. The road winds at the foot of majestic Alpine peaks, and the drive takes travelers past lakes and through windswept terrain. When traveling from northwestern St. Moritz toward Val Poschiavo, visitors will see Lago Bianco - the "White Lake" - on their right for most of the length of the pass. At the summit, there are a few restaurants and a hotel.