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Stelvio Pass — Italy — Mountain
Europe

Stelvio Pass

Italy

In short: Stelvio Pass is a 90 km mountain road trip in Italy, typically driven over 1 day, best in June-October. Highlights: Prato allo Stelvio, Trafoi, Three Language Corner.

Distance
90 km
Duration
1 day
Best Season
June-October
LegendaryModerateMountain

One of Europe’s classic alpine drives, the Stelvio Pass links Prato allo Stelvio and Bormio through a dramatic ladder of 48 switchbacks. Expect steep gradients, tight bends, soaring views, and a high-mountain atmosphere that feels especially memorable in clear summer weather.

Practical notes
The pass can be closed by snow well outside summer, and traffic is slow on the narrow hairpins. Start early to avoid tour buses and cyclists, and check live road conditions before committing to the summit. Fuel up in the valleys, as services are limited on the climb.
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Stops along the route

Prato allo Stelvio — Departure — Stelvio Pass — Italy
Departure
Prato allo Stelvio
Valley town at the foot of the climb, with orchards, cafes, and a last easy chance to top up fuel.
Hotels
Trafoi — City — Stelvio Pass — Italy
City
Trafoi
Small alpine hamlet on the western approach. The road starts to tighten here, with peaks rising sharply above the valley.
Hotels
Bormio — City — Stelvio Pass — Italy
City
Bormio
Elegant alpine town on the south side of the pass. It is the natural finish point, with thermal baths and plenty of services.
Hotels
Bormio Old Town — Arrival — Stelvio Pass — Italy
Arrival
Bormio Old Town
Stone lanes, churches, and lively piazzas make a relaxed end to the drive. It feels worlds away from the steep climb above.
Hotels

Things to Do

Three Language Corner — Landmark — Stelvio Pass — Italy
Landmark
Three Language Corner
A scenic junction near the pass area where valleys and borders meet. It is a classic photo stop with wide mountain views.
Stelvio Pass Summit — Landmark — Stelvio Pass — Italy
Landmark
Stelvio Pass Summit
The high point of the route, surrounded by steep rock and open sky. Expect a busy but unforgettable knot of switchbacks and viewpoints.
Drive the Stelvio Pass hairpins — scenic drive — Stelvio Pass — Italy
scenic drive
Drive the Stelvio Pass hairpins
Tackle the famous 48 switchbacks slowly and enjoy the changing views at each bend. Start early to avoid traffic and buses.
Viewpoint at the Stelvio Pass summit — viewpoint — Stelvio Pass — Italy
viewpoint
Viewpoint at the Stelvio Pass summit
Stop at the summit for big alpine panoramas and photos of the tightly stacked road below. On clear days, the scale of the climb is striking.
Orthodox church of Trafoi — landmark — Stelvio Pass — Italy
landmark
Orthodox church of Trafoi
A distinctive church in the Trafoi area with a strong alpine setting. It adds a quieter cultural stop before the steepest sections.
Bormio Terme — spa — Stelvio Pass — Italy
spa
Bormio Terme
Relax in Bormio’s thermal baths after the drive. It is a perfect reward for a day of switchbacks and mountain air.

Where to Eat

Franzenshöhe — Food & Drink — Stelvio Pass — Italy
Food & Drink
Franzenshöhe
Historic roadside stop above the hairpins. A good place to rest, warm up, and take in the mountain panorama.
Franzenshöhe — Tyrolean alpine — Stelvio Pass — Italy
Tyrolean alpine
Franzenshöhe
A classic pass-side stop for soup, strudel, and simple mountain meals. The terrace makes it an easy pause on the climb.
Pasticceria Caffè Galli — Cafe, pastries — Stelvio Pass — Italy
Cafe, pastries
Pasticceria Caffè Galli
A popular stop in Bormio for coffee, cakes, and a quick sweet break after the descent. Great for a late-morning refill.
Ristorante Pizzeria La Rasiga — Italian, pizza — Stelvio Pass — Italy
Italian, pizza
Ristorante Pizzeria La Rasiga
Casual Bormio dining with hearty pasta and pizza. Useful for a relaxed lunch after the drive.
Albergo Pirovano Restaurant — Regional Italian — Stelvio Pass — Italy
Regional Italian
Albergo Pirovano Restaurant
A likely mountain-hotel restaurant near Trafoi serving filling alpine dishes. Good if you want a sit-down meal close to the climb.

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Stelvio Pass drive?

The Stelvio Pass covers 90 km from start to finish.

How long does the Stelvio Pass take to drive?

Most travellers spend 1 day on the Stelvio Pass, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Stelvio Pass?

The recommended season for the Stelvio Pass is June-October.

Where does the Stelvio Pass start and end?

The Stelvio Pass runs from Prato allo Stelvio to Bormio Old Town.

What are the main stops on the Stelvio Pass?

The Stelvio Pass passes through Prato allo Stelvio, Trafoi, Three Language Corner.

Can I drive the Stelvio Pass in a regular car?

Yes — the Stelvio Pass is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

Is the Stelvio Pass safe to drive?

The pass can be closed by snow well outside summer, and traffic is slow on the narrow hairpins. Start early to avoid tour buses and cyclists, and check live road conditions before committing to the summit. Fuel up in the valleys, as services are limited on the climb.

What scenic tier is the Stelvio Pass?

The Stelvio Pass is a legendary drive — The world's most extraordinary drives — once-in-a-lifetime road trips with cinematic scenery, legendary roads, and unmatched cultural depth.