The Stilfserjoch

Italy’s highest pass at 2757 m

Known as the king of the alpine passes, the Stilfserjoch is the highest pass in Italy and the second highest asphalted pass in the Alps. Everybody has heard about the legendary 48 hairpin bends which have to be conquered from the South Tyrolean side. The pass is also reachable from Bormio and Sta. Maria (CH) via the Umbrail Pass.

Motorcyclists love the challenge and the Stilfserjoch is also a must among all cyclists. A very special highlight is the Stelvio Bike Day that takes place every year between the end of August and the beginning of September. On this day the wonderful pass road on the Stilfserjoch is closed for motorized traffic. The number of participants is always between 8.000-12.000 cyclists.

The Stelvio Marathon is born in 2017. With 2.500 metres difference in altitude and 42 respectively 26 km of length (depending on the route you choose), the Stelvio Marathon is an incomparable running adventure in conquering the second highest mountain pass of Europe.

The Vintage Tractor Tour to the Stilfserjoch takes places every other year. You may see and hear about 300 antique tractors trucking to the top of the pass. Proud owners polish and decorate their historical gems and enhance them by fashionable accessories. It is a true feast for the eyes when the tractors are driving through the village centre of Prad; tractor lovers can also admire the vehicles at the sports centre exhibition.

Furthermore, the Stilfserjoch is the ideal starting point for one of the most beautiful summer hiking tours in the Vinschgau Valley – the Goldseeweg/Lago d’Oro path. The hike leads from the Stilfserjoch to the Furkelhütte/Alpine hut Furkel, offers fantastic views and a rustical snack.

The glacier in the National Park Stilfserjoch is also very popular as a summer skiing area. Many national ski teams complete their summer training here. During winter, the Stilfserjoch is closed for safety reasons from the end of October to the middle of May (depending on the weather conditions).