An iconic road to Passo del Sempione in the Swiss Alps
Italy, europe
42.2 km
150 m
moderate
Year-round
# Simplon Pass: A Legendary Alpine Crossing
Sitting pretty at 2,005m (6,578ft) in Switzerland's Valais canton, Simplon Pass is the real deal—a fully paved mountain route (Route 9, also part of European Route 62) that'll take your breath away in more ways than one.
This pass has serious history. We're talking Stone Age travelers, centuries of smugglers and mercenaries doing their thing, and then Napoleon Bonaparte rolling through in 1800 with grand plans to connect his empire. The road was finished by 1805, and it was genuinely impressive engineering for the time. Fast forward to the '70s and '80s, and they beefed things up with protective galleries and bridges to keep everyone safe.
The 42.2 km stretch from Brig down to the Italian border isn't your typical superhighway—it's a gentle, contoured drive that hugs the mountain's natural curves. Yes, you'll hit some steep sections with gradients up to 10.7%, but honestly? The wide, well-maintained road makes it surprisingly manageable. And the views? Absolutely stunning. Picture frozen Alpine slopes on the Swiss side and lush, tree-lined valleys spilling down toward Italy. During warmer months, there are plenty of cafés and restaurants to stop at and soak it all in.
Winter can be a bit moody with occasional closures due to gnarly weather, but the pass usually stays open year-round. While you're up there, don't miss the Ganter Bridge—a breathtaking span 150 meters above the valley—or the Simplon Hospice, a stunning 19th-century heritage site founded by Napoleon himself. Pro tip: charge your camera fully. You'll want to capture everything.
Where is it?
An iconic road to Passo del Sempione in the Swiss Alps is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 43.5706, 12.7684
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 42.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 150 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 43.5706, 12.7684
Related Roads in europe
hardThe Unpaved Road to Monte Corrasi in Sardinia Runs Through a Lunar Landscape
🇮🇹 Italy
# Monte Corrasi: Sardinia's Wild Mountain Drive Buckle up for one of the Mediterranean's most thrilling and remote adventures! Monte Corrasi rises to 1,463m (4,799ft) on the rugged eastern coast of Sardinia, nestled within the stunning Parco Nazionale del Golfo di Orosei e del Gennargentu in Nuoro province. The Strada del Monte Corrasi is seriously not for the faint of heart. This completely unpaved, wickedly narrow road climbs relentlessly with 25 hairpin turns that'll keep your knuckles white the entire way up. You'll need a high-clearance vehicle—there's no way around it. The route follows old forest roads and occasionally cuts across the switchbacks, making for an intense 6.2 km (3.85 miles) push upward with a brutal 751m elevation gain and an average gradient of 12.11%. Starting from Strada Provinciale 22 (SP-22), the road is drivable all the way to a parking area near the summit, where private vehicles have to call it a day. And the payoff? Absolutely worth it. The summit looks like you've landed on another planet—high winds have stripped it bare, creating a lunar landscape scattered with karst formations, caves, gullies, and dramatic rock pinnacles in wild shapes. The views down into the valley below? Utterly breathtaking. This is a bucket-list drive for serious road-trippers who crave remote, raw adventure.
hardHow to Get by Car to Hoces de Vegacervera Canyon in Leon?
🇪🇸 Spain
# Hoces de Vegacervera: Spain's Most Jaw-Dropping Canyon Drive If you're looking for one of the most stunning gorge drives in all of Spain, you've found it. Hoces de Vegacervera sits tucked away in León Province, in the heart of Spain's Castile and León region, and honestly? It's absolutely breathtaking. Here's what makes it special: the Torío River has spent centuries carving this incredible limestone canyon, creating walls that soar over 100 meters straight up. The valley gets so narrow in places that it's barely 15 meters wide—those sheer vertical cliffs looming overhead create this dramatic, almost otherworldly landscape that'll make your jaw drop. The drive itself runs along the fully paved LE-311 road, stretching about 7.3 km (4.53 miles) from Felmín to Matallana de Torío, hugging the river the whole way. But here's the thing: this isn't a leisurely cruise. The road is narrow and winding, cutting right through the heart of those imposing canyon walls. You'll definitely want to take it slow and keep your wits about you—rockslides are a real concern in this area, so stay alert. The most incredible part? As you wind through this natural masterpiece, you're surrounded by the raw power of water erosion and the pure beauty of nature doing its thing. It's the kind of drive that reminds you why Spain's northern regions are so spectacular.
hardWhere is Mount Ainos?
🇬🇷 Greece
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Ionian Islands in Greece, specifically Kefalonia, and you spot Mount Ainos rising up in the southeast. This isn't just any mountain; it's the island's tallest peak, clocking in at 1,615m (5,298ft)! The drive up is totally worth it. You'll wind your way up a fully paved road, clinging to the mountainside. Be ready for some twists and turns, and a few spots that get a little narrow and steep, so keep your speed in check. Starting near the village of , the paved climb is about 8.9 km (5.53 miles) with a 708-meter elevation gain. Once you reach the top, you'll find a parking lot and a bunch of TV and cell towers. But the real reward? Jaw-dropping panoramic views! On a clear day, you can see the whole of Kefalonia, most of Ithaka, bits of Zakynthos, Meganissi, and Levkas, and even the mainland coast. Now, here's a heads-up: on the east side of the summit, there's a rough track leading down to Arginia. Unless you're a pro off-roader, maybe skip it. Think major drops, potentially impassable conditions in winter, and a route that can really test your nerves. Stick to the paved road and soak in those incredible views!
hardNavigating the Rugged Slopes: Col de la Lezette Road Guide
🇫🇷 France
# Col de la Lézette Tucked away in the Savoie department of southeastern France, Col de la Lézette sits pretty at 1,786 meters (5,859 feet) above sea level in the heart of the Alps. This is the real deal for mountain pass enthusiasts. The Route des Crêtes is your ticket to the summit, and here's the good news: it's mostly unpaved but totally doable in a regular passenger car. Starting from Les Saisies via the D218B road, you're looking at a quick but punchy 1.8 km (1.11 miles) climb that'll get your adrenaline pumping. The elevation gain? A solid 126 meters with an average gradient of 7%—but heads up, some sections ramp up to a gnarly 13.4%, so take it at your own pace. The real rewards? Stunning alpine views that'll make every hairpin turn worth it. Once you reach the top, there's a generous parking lot and Le Benetton restaurant where you can refuel and catch your breath. If you're feeling extra adventurous, a minor gravel road continues beyond the pass toward Col de la Légette for those seeking even more exploration. This is quintessential French Alps driving—challenging enough to feel accomplished, accessible enough to actually enjoy the journey, and surrounded by some seriously gorgeous scenery the whole way up.