At 2,478 m above sea level, the Nufenen Pass (Passo della Novena) is the highest mountain pass road located entirely in Switzerland. It connects the Goms valley in Valais (near Ulrichen) with Val Bedretto/Airolo in Ticino and offers a truly panoramic drive between two very different Alpine worlds.

Once you reach the top, sweeping views open up across the surrounding peaks – in clear weather, the landscape feels rugged, open and impressively high-alpine. The road was only opened in 1969, making it one of the younger major Alpine crossings.

A special tip for the evening: As the light softens, you may be lucky enough to spot ibex in the area around the pass, even from the road. It is best to stop briefly in a safe place, look around quietly (binoculars are worthwhile) and keep a sufficient distance from the animals. This makes the Nufenen Pass not only a beautiful driving or cycling route, but also a small nature experience to round off the day