Open
Saturday, August 29, 8.00-4.00: traffic closure from Trafoi (BZ) to the Stelvio Pass on the occasion of the event "Scalata Cima Coppi - Enjoy Stelvio Valtellina". The road will also be closed on the Valtellinese side from Loc. Bagni Vecchi Bormio (SO) and on the Swiss side from S.ta Maria Müstair CH.
Open during the summer season.
Prohibition of passage for vehicles longer than 10.50 m.
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The Stelvio road, which from Bormio leads to South Tyrol and to Switzerland, is the dream of those who love motorcycles and the winding mountain roads.
History of the road
The Stelvio route existed since the Middle Ages, but it was a risky mountain path. In the early 1800s, Emperor Franz I of Austria wanted a new road that could connect Val Venosta with Valtellina to reach Milan, which was then Austrian territory. The project was entrusted to Carlo Donegani (1775-1845), an expert in high mountain engineering. Work began in 1822 with the employment of over 2,500 men, including workers, engineers, and geologists: after just three years, in 1825, the work was inaugurated in the presence of the emperor himself.
Until 1915, the Stelvio road was used year-round by stagecoaches, thanks to the efficient work of snow removers employed during the winter. During the First World War, it was then the scene of clashes between Italians and Austrians, and after the victory of November 4, both sides became Italian: the Passo lost its original significance of connecting Vienna-Milan, and the winter closure was decided. To this day, it is passable in the summer period.
The itinerary
The itinerary is spectacular: 41 hairpin bends on the Lombard side, from Bormio, and 48 on the South Tyrol side up to Prato allo Stelvio, in Val Venosta. Climbing from Bormio, there is the possibility to reach the Santa Maria saddle or Umbrail Pass (2,503 m.) which allows entry into Switzerland, directly to the Monastery Valley. At the peak, the legendary Stelvio Pass (2,758 m.), the highest road pass in Italy and the second in all of Europe.
FAQ
When does the Stelvio road open?
It approximately opens in mid/late May (date to be defined)
When does the Stelvio road close?
It approximately closes at the end of October/beginning of November (date to be defined)
Is the Stelvio road subject to toll?
No, it is free access
Are there restrictions for certain categories of vehicles?
Yes, on the Bormio side there is a ban on passage for vehicles taller than 3.30 m while, on the South Tyrol side, the ban on passage is for vehicles longer than 10.50 m
Do I need to have winter tires or carry snow chains?
No, but it is recommended to always have snow chains due to the altitude of the Pass
Can I reach the top of the Stelvio Pass using public transport?
Yes, in the summer period it is possible to reach the Pass from South Tyrol via local transport SAD. Alternatively, a service is also active from Switzerland with AutoPostale (the service is guaranteed with prior online booking) and from Bormio with Automobilistica Perego which provides scheduled service from Bormio.
