Valais/Ticino
Nufenen Pass
The Nufenen pass is the second-highest mountain pass in Switzerland.
History
The pass was one of the last to be developed mountain roads and opened to motor vehicles in September 1969.
Notes
As well as a pass road to get from one canton to another, the Nufenen serves the purpose of transporting power. Pylons cover the landscape which for much of the pass, is open and devoid of trees, useful for electricity cables. The Gries Dam was constructed to capture meltwaters from snow and the Gries Glacier and is the source of the hydroelectricity. A wind farm is also operational in the same area, but as the highest in Europe, has suffered from weather and location-related issues. The 2478 metres of altitude and remote location of the Nufenen pass means winter avalanches are not uncommon and the road is frequently surrounded by snow walls.
Map
Statistics
| Location | 46°28’41.0”N, 8°23’35.0”E |
|---|---|
| Altitude | 2478 metres |
| Distance | 38 Kilometres |
| Start | Airolo 1175 metres |
| End | Ulchiren 1346 metres |
| Opens | June to mid-October |
Swiss Passes
- Index
- Albula pass
- Bernina pass
- Col de Champex
- Col de la Croix
- Col de la Forclaz
- Col du Marchairuz
- Col des Mosses
- Col du Pillon
- Flüela pass
- Furka pass
- Great Saint-Bernard pass
- Gotthard pass
- Grimsel pass
- Jaun pass
- Julier pass
- Klausen pass
- Livigno pass
- Lukmanier pass
- Majola pass
- Nufenen pass
- Oberalp pass
- Ofen pass
- San Bernardino pass
- Simplon pass
- Splügen pass
- Susten pass
- Umbrail pass