Open
Open during the summer season.
Traffic is prohibited for vehicles longer than 10.50 m.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The Stelvio Road, which connects Bormio to South Tyrol and Switzerland, is the dream of those who love motorcycles and 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 to connect the Venosta Valley 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 involvement of over 2,500 people 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 carriages, thanks to the efficient work of snowplow operators employed during the winter. During the First World War it became a battlefield between Italians and Austrians and, after the victory on November 4, both sides became Italian: the Pass lost its original significance as a connection between Vienna and Milan and winter closures were decided. Today, it is passable during the summer.
The route
The route is spectacular: 41 hairpin bends on the Lombard side, from Bormio, and 48 on the South Tyrolean side up to Prato allo Stelvio, in Venosta Valley. Ascending from Bormio, there is the option to reach the Santa Maria Pass or Umbrail Pass (2,503 m.), which allows entry into Switzerland, directly into the Monastery Valley. At the summit, the legendary Stelvio Pass (2,758 m.), the highest motor pass in Italy and the second highest in all of Europe.
FAQ
When does the Stelvio Road open?
It typically opens in mid to late May (date to be confirmed)
When does the Stelvio Road close?
It typically closes at the end of October or the beginning of November (date to be confirmed)
Is the Stelvio Road subject to toll?
No, it is free to access
Are there restrictions for certain categories of vehicles?
Yes, on the Bormio side there is a restriction on vehicles taller than 3.30 m, while on the South Tyrolean side, the restriction is for vehicles longer than 10.50 m.
Do I need to mount winter tires or have snow chains on board?
No, but it is recommended to always carry snow chains due to the altitude of the Pass.
Can I reach the summit of the Stelvio Pass using public transport?
Yes, during the summer it is possible to reach the Pass fromSouth Tyrol via local transport SAD. Alternatively, there is also a service from Switzerland with AutoPostale (the service is guaranteed upon prior online booking) and from Bormio with Automobilistica Perego providing line service from Bormio.
