One thing is certain: you won't have the pass roads all to yourself on these days closed to motorists. In 2024, a record number of 14455 cyclists took advantage of the car-free day on the 2758-metre-high Stelvio Pass to make a pilgrimage up and down the famous 48 asphalt hairpin bends. So these won't be the days when you can clock up the best times on Strava - it's more about experiencing nature and the shared experience with like-minded people without exhaust fumes and car noise.
Albula Pass: Sunday, 7 September 2025
Military-historical fortifications and vertical rock faces decorate the asphalt hairpin bends up to the 2312 metre high Albula Pass. However, there is also an ascent aid here if you don't quite have enough strength: The Rhaetian Railway also jolts up to the pass via an exciting viaduct route (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Already passed: Stelvio / Umbrail Pass: Saturday, 30 August 2025
It is once again set to be one of the biggest cycling events in the Alps. The Stilfserjoch (2758 m) with a view of King Ortler and its 48 hairpin bends and 1848 metres of altitude difference, including the thinning air, is simply a must for every cyclist. Whether you're on a racing bike, mountain bike or trekking bike.
The 24.96 kilometre route will be closed from Trafoi, Sta. Maria and Bormio from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a 15 per cent gradient in between! There will also be a small cycling festival in Prad (South Tyrol side) on Sunday 31st August.
Lukmanier Pass: Sunday, 15 June 2025
The Lukmanier Alpine Brevet Pass (1917 m) between the two Swiss cantons of Graubünden and Ticino will kick off the event next Sunday, 15 June 2025: From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the car engines on the 22-kilometre-long and gently ascending pass road will come to a standstill. Cyclists can travel by Rhaetian Railway and PostBus to the two starting points of Fuorns or Campra. Cycle transport is possible on both modes of transport, but has recently become subject to reservation. However, the organisers have set up a shuttle for the bikes especially for this event. Registration and questions about transport: info@disentis-sedrun.ch
And the Splügen Pass: Sunday, 29 June 2025
At the end of June, you can look forward to a particularly winding experience with spectacular avalanche galleries on the 2114 metre-high Splügen Pass between the Grisons Rhine Forest and the Italian province of Sondrio. From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., you can crank up the 25.5-kilometre-long pass loops from both sides. On the Italian side, a final dip in Lake Como would be tempting.
The best way to get to the starting point is to take the Rhaetian Railway to Thusis and continue by postbus to Splügen. Important: A reservation via the SBB app is required for bike transport in the PostBus! You can return either under your own steam or by public transport after the pass has been closed. More information: info@viamala.ch
Information on participation
Participation in these events is free of charge, all Information about the 4 car-free pass days in Graubünden can be found here: graubuenden.ch
Gitta Beimfohr
Editor
