The Stelvio Pass — Passo dello Stelvio — is one of the most celebrated mountain roads in the world. At 2,758 metres above sea level, it is the highest paved mountain pass in the Eastern Alps and the second highest in the whole Alps, and its 48 numbered hairpin bends on the eastern approach have become almost mythological among both drivers and cyclists. Connecting the Valtellina valley town of Bormio on the west with Prato allo Stelvio in the South Tyrol on the east, the Stelvio is an experience unto itself — not simply a way to get between two places, but a destination in its own right.
The road and its statistics
The Stelvio Pass road was constructed between 1820 and 1825 under the Austrian Empire to connect Lombardy with the Tyrol, and much of its character still feels like that era: tight, narrow switchbacks laid into the rock with engineering that impresses even by modern standards. The road rises from Bormio at around 1,200 metres to the summit at 2,758 metres — a climb of roughly 1,500 metres — over a distance of about 24 km on the Bormio side. The eastern approach from Prato allo Stelvio is the famous side, where the road has 48 numbered hairpin bends stacked visibly above one another in a near-vertical wall. The numbered signs on the hairpins count down as you ascend.
The total length of the road from Bormio to Prato is roughly 55 km. The summit itself has a cluster of souvenir shops, a hotel and several restaurants — a little village of commerce at nearly 2,800 metres, operating only in summer.
When the Stelvio Pass is open
Like all high Alpine passes, the Stelvio is closed for winter. The pass typically opens in late May or early June, depending on snowpack, and closes again in October or November — sometimes earlier if an early snowfall blocks the road. The opening date is confirmed by the Province of Sondrio and the Autonomous Province of South Tyrol each spring.
In the weeks immediately after opening, the road passes through walls of snow that have been cleared to make way for traffic — the snow banks can be several metres high on either side of the road, which makes for an eerie and dramatic drive. Midsummer (July and August) sees the heaviest traffic, with the road at times approaching gridlock near the summit on weekends. Spring and early autumn are generally quieter and offer the most relaxed experience.
Road closures: Even in summer the Stelvio can close at short notice due to rock fall, maintenance or severe weather. Check current conditions before setting out via the Bolzano/Bozen provincial road authority or local traffic information. The pass can also be closed temporarily for cycling events, which are popular on this road.
Driving the pass
The Stelvio is a paved, tarmac road throughout, but it is narrow — two cars can pass in most places, but it requires care, especially on the hairpins where one vehicle must pull close to the rock wall to let the other through. Large vehicles, motorhomes and coaches have restrictions; the pass is genuinely not suitable for anything very long or wide, and some vehicle categories are prohibited.
The Bormio (western) approach is often described as the more graceful ascent — a long, sweeping climb through forested switchbacks before the tree line falls away and the road opens into high alpine terrain. The Prato allo Stelvio (eastern) approach is the iconic one: the 48 hairpins stacked on top of each other, visible from below and from the summit, are the image most people carry. Most drivers who have time do both — ascend one side and descend the other.
Motorcyclists and cyclists are a constant presence on the Stelvio in summer, and both groups deserve consideration. Cyclists are often grinding slowly upward on the hairpins; give them wide berth and do not press past at speed. Motorcyclists enjoy the road's reputation and travel in groups; the atmosphere on busy summer days can feel festive.
For cyclists
The Stelvio is one of the great climbs of European cycle touring — it has featured in the Giro d'Italia multiple times and holds a special place in cycling culture. The Prato side is the classic ascent for cyclists, with the 48 hairpins giving a clear sense of progress. The climb from Bormio is popular too. Either way, plan to be on the road early to avoid car traffic and the midday heat; the summit is exposed, and temperatures can be surprisingly cold even in summer. Descending by bike requires care — speeds build quickly on the long straights between hairpins, and the surface is occasionally rough.
Bormio and Prato allo Stelvio
Bormio, at the western foot of the pass, is a well-developed mountain resort town with thermal baths (Bagni di Bormio), a medieval centre and good accommodation. It is the most popular base for the Stelvio, with ample parking, hotels and restaurants. Bormio is in Lombardy and accessible by bus from Tirano, which is on the Bernina Express route from St Moritz to Lugano — a useful combination for those travelling without a car.
Prato allo Stelvio (Prad am Stilfserjoch in German) is a small South Tyrolean village — bilingual and distinctly Austrian in character. The South Tyrol's well-organised tourism infrastructure means there is good accommodation here too, and the region's food (speck, dumplings, rye bread) differs markedly from the Lombard side of the pass.
For broader context on driving in Italy — including the ZTL restricted zones in historic centres, autostrada tolls and fuel customs — see our guide to driving in Italy. For the vignette and alpine pass considerations if you are crossing into Austria or Switzerland, see our guide to vignettes in Europe.
Combining the Stelvio with other great drives
The Stelvio sits within reach of several other extraordinary mountain roads. The Great Dolomites Road (Grande Strada delle Dolomiti) runs through the peaks to the south-east and can be combined on a multi-day loop. See our guide to the Great Dolomites Road for that route. The Grossglockner Road in Austria, the highest paved pass in Austria, is several hours north and makes a natural pairing for anyone touring the Eastern Alps. See our guide to the Grossglockner Road.
Frequently asked questions
How many hairpin bends does the Stelvio Pass have?
The eastern approach from Prato allo Stelvio has 48 numbered hairpin bends, making it one of the most distinctive stretches of mountain road in the world. The western approach from Bormio has fewer but is still dramatic and technically demanding.
When does the Stelvio Pass open and close?
Typically late May to early June for the opening, with closure in October or November depending on snowfall. The exact dates change each year. Check current status with the provincial road authorities of Sondrio or South Tyrol before travelling.
Can motorhomes and caravans drive the Stelvio Pass?
Large motorhomes, caravans and long vehicles are generally not suitable and may be prohibited. The road is narrow and the hairpins are tight. Check current restrictions before attempting it in any vehicle over about 7 metres in length.
Is there a toll on the Stelvio Pass?
No. The Stelvio Pass road is not tolled. Italy's autostrada tolls apply to motorways, not mountain pass roads. Parking at the summit is available but can fill quickly in summer.
Sources and further reading:
- Pass status and opening dates: Province of Sondrio; Autonomous Province of Bolzano/South Tyrol.
- Cycling route history: Giro d'Italia official records.