Why this road
Here the scenic road and the fastest road are the same road: there is no other way across, and you would not want one. The south side from Bormio is the gentler climb, with galleries, waterfalls and a long view back into the Valtellina. The real show starts at the top: the north side falls away towards Trafoi in a stack of tight, numbered hairpins that you can see from the pass all at once. Driving it in this direction you get the climb first and the famous view as a reward.
The route
- ABormio
Leave Bormio to the north on the SS38. The road climbs past the old Bormio baths into the Braulio valley.
- 1Passo dello Stelvio
The top at 2,757 m, with hotels, snack stands and a crowd of bikes. Just before it, the road to the Umbrail Pass branches off to Switzerland. Walk up the slope behind the buildings for the view down the north side.
- 2Trafoi
After the 48 hairpins the road levels out in the forest. Trafoi is a small village right below the Ortler, a good place to let the brakes cool.
- 3Gomagoi
A hamlet at the junction with the road to Solda. The valley opens and gets greener.
- BPrato allo Stelvio
The end of the pass road in the Val Venosta, with apple orchards and the way on to Merano or Reschen.
Stops worth it
Park, climb the few minutes to the viewpoint above the pass and look down the hairpins. In the morning the north side is still in sun and the road is quieter.
Ten minutes on the way down for a coffee and the Ortler glaciers above you.
Light and the best time
Leave Bormio early. On the way up from the south the sun is behind you or to your right, so the climb is easy on the eyes. The famous north side faces north-east: in the morning it is in full sun, and from the top you look down the hairpins with the light coming from the side. From early afternoon the wall falls into shade and clouds often build over the Ortler, which lies to your left on the way down. Before about noon is the best time for the view and for clear peaks.
The pass is usually open from about late May or early June to early November, depending on snow, and closes for the winter. July to September is the most reliable time; in June there can still be high snow walls at the top. On some summer days the road is closed to motor traffic for cycling events, check the dates before you go. Weekends in July and August are very busy with motorbikes and cyclists.
By vehicle
The classic. Tight hairpins with little run-off, so take them slowly and watch for cyclists and cars cutting the corners. Start early to beat the crowds.
Great with the roof down, as long as it is warm enough: at the top it is often 15 degrees colder than in Bormio. Bring a jacket.
Fine for any car with decent brakes. Use a low gear on the descent, take your time and let faster traffic pass where there is room.
One of the great road-cycling climbs. From Prato it is the harder side, from Bormio a little gentler. Be ready for cold and wind at the top, even in summer.
Good to know
No toll on the pass road itself. The road is narrow on the north side and many hairpins are too tight for long vehicles to take in one go, so it is not a good choice with a big camper or a trailer. Fuel up in Bormio or Prato, there is no fuel at the top. Parking at the pass costs money at most places. Weather can change fast, thunderstorms are common on summer afternoons.
Route checked against OpenStreetMap on 2 November 2026. Roads, closures and rules change: always check before you go and follow local signs.
Questions
When is the Stelvio Pass open?
Usually from about late May or early June to early November, depending on snow. Check the current status before you go, it can also close at short notice in bad weather.
How long does it take to drive the Stelvio Pass?
About 1 hour of pure driving from Bormio to Prato allo Stelvio, and in summer traffic often more. With stops at the top, plan half a day.
Is the Stelvio Pass difficult to drive?
It is not technically hard, but it is narrow, steep and the hairpins on the north side are tight. Drive slowly, use a low gear downhill and expect bikes and cyclists everywhere.
Does the Stelvio Pass have a toll?
No, the pass road is free. You only pay for parking at some spots near the top.
Which side of the Stelvio is better?
The north side from Prato has the famous 48 hairpins, the south side from Bormio is gentler with galleries and long views. Driving from Bormio gives you the famous view from the top and the hairpins on the way down.