Julier Pass

Begin your adventure at the Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski St. Moritz, the ideal home base for exploring Switzerland’s most famous alpine roads. The Julier Pass is not only a vital connection to the Upper Engadine but also a must-drive route for enthusiasts, offering smooth roads, historical significance and spectacular views.

Driving Experience

Distance: 16 km

Summit: 2,284 m

Max Gradient: 12%

The Julier Pass offers a short but exhilarating drive. Its smooth, wide roads provide plenty of space to handle the tight curves with ease, making it perfect for sports cars. The ascent begins with gentle inclines, passing lush valleys and grazing cattle. As you climb higher, the road twists through serpentines, gradually revealing stunning views of the Engadine Alps.

The summit offers an unparalleled panoramic view, with remnants of Roman columns standing as silent witnesses to the road’s ancient past. Make a quick stop to enjoy the scenery and appreciate the historical significance of this alpine traverse.

On the descent, you’ll encounter wide bends that provide perfect opportunities to test your vehicle's handling. As you approach Silvaplana and St. Moritz, the landscape opens up into a breathtaking alpine panorama with shimmering lakes.

Seasonal Considerations

Unlike other high mountain passes, the Julier Pass remains open year-round. However, drivers should be prepared for snow and ice during the colder months, and winter tyres are strongly recommended.

Points of Interest

Roman Columns: A visit to the summit wouldn’t be complete without admiring these ancient relics.

Lake Silvaplana: Near the end of the pass, this picturesque lake is perfect for photos or a break.

St. Moritz: Once you’ve completed your drive, unwind at the Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski or explore the luxury shops and attractions of St. Moritz.

History

The Julier Pass has been traversed since Roman times, as evidenced by ancient columns and coins discovered at the summit. It was once used by two-wheeled barrows, making it a key route until the construction of the Septimer Pass in 1387. However, the difficult terrain and avalanche-prone conditions of the Septimer eventually restored the importance of the Julier Pass, especially for accessing the Upper Engadine and the Bernina Pass.

Between 1820 and 1826, the canton funded the construction of a new road over the Julier Pass, marking it as their first official road-building project. As the Upper Engadine’s health resorts rose in popularity in the late 19th century, modifications were made to accommodate increasing vehicle traffic.

In 1903, the opening of the Albula Railway reduced traffic over the pass. However, in 1923, the federal government pressured the canton of Graubünden to build a motor-friendly road. Construction began in 1935, and by 1940, the Julier Pass became the first alpine pass to feature asphalt roads, setting a new standard for mountain routes. Today, it is the most important northern gateway to the Engadine and remains open year-round.

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