Nufenen Pass by motorbike.
By Edoardo · published October 29, 2026
In short
The Nufenen Pass (Passo della Novena, 2,478 m) links Ulrichen, in the canton of Valais, with the Bedretto valley and Airolo, in Ticino. It is the second highest Swiss pass with a paved road, after the Umbrail, and has been open to traffic since 1969.
Updated October 2026What it is like to ride.
From Valais you climb from Ulrichen, in the upper Rhône valley; from Ticino you ride the whole Bedretto valley up from Airolo. It is closed in winter. From Ulrichen it is only a few kilometres to Gletsch, where the Grimsel and Furka start: together they make a day of nothing but big passes.
What to see.
The river Ticino rises just east of the pass. From the top you see the Bernese Alps and the Finsteraarhorn to the north, and the Gries glacier to the south.
Useful links.
Links to official external sites, checked in October 2026.
On our routes.
It is not on one of our routes: you will find it, with the passes around it, in the Alpine passes atlas.
Frequently asked questions.
- How high is the Nufenen Pass?
- The Nufenen Pass lies at 2,478 metres and links Ulrichen (Valais) and the Bedretto valley towards Airolo (Ticino).
- Is the Nufenen Pass open in winter?
- No: it is closed in winter. Recent dates and the official sites for today's status are on the page Passes open and closed.
- Which routes cross the Nufenen Pass?
- It is not on one of our routes yet.
- Can you drive the Nufenen Pass by car?
- Yes: the road is paved and open to traffic. In summer, set off early in the morning to avoid traffic and cyclists.
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