Novena/Nufenen

Highest mountain pass with paved road in Switzerland, 2,478 m (8,130 ft) above the sea. It connects Ulrichen (Wallis/Valais) to Airolo (Ticino/Tessin). Open June-October.

Until the motorway was opened in 1969, there was only a footpath over the Nufenen, but the pass has been used since ancient times as a link between the Ticino and the Rhône Valley, for cattle trading and cheese exports.

On the Valais side, it passes through the Aeginental and, on the Ticino side, through the Val Bedretto, two very beautiful valleys. At the bottom of the Bedretto valley, it reaches Airolo, at the foot of the Gotthard pass. At the bottom of the Aeginental, it arrives in the Gomsertal, just a few kilometres from the Grimsel and Furka passes.

This pass is very popular with motorcyclists who enjoy road trips over several passes, so caution is advised, but it does not present any particular difficulties.

It opens in June and closes in October... in principle! Because of its altitude, the dates are flexible, and snow conditions can sometimes lead to extended closures.