The Passo dello Stelvio is one of the most famous Alpine passes, even for cyclists: We have put together the ideal tour here
Image gallery: Bike tour Stelvio Pass and Umbrail Pass
At 2,757 metres, the Passo dello Stelvio, or Stilfserjoch, is more than just a name - it is an inspiration and a challenge for cyclists! It is the highest paved mountain pass in Italy and the second highest in the Alps after the Col de l'Iseran. Ahead of us lie 48 hairpin bends, followed by the neighbouring Umbrail Pass to complete a memorable circular tour. We start in Glorenza.
From one of the smallest towns in the Alps we cycle along the SS 41 to Tubre, where we cross the Swiss border into Müstair. In the next village, Santa Maria, the turn-off on the left leads to the Umbrail Pass towards Bormio in the Italian province of Sondrio: At 2,501 metres, it is the highest paved road pass in Switzerland. A series of sharp hairpin bends takes us up to the Alpenrose mountain inn at 1,800 metres, before we continue through the Valle dell'Umbrail valley.
An unpaved but well-maintained section of about one and a half kilometres is still present here, but it is manageable on a road bike. The advantage of this route for the climb is the lack of traffic: Very few cars and motorbikes disturb the peace of the high-alpine landscape. At the Umbrail Pass, or Giogo di Santa Maria, at 2,501 metres, we cross back into Italy (Lombardy).
Shortly afterwards, the road joins the SS 38 (Statale dello Stelvio). Only another 260 metres of elevation gain to master, and we are right at the top of the Stelvio Pass. For a great view of the road, the mountains with the mighty Ortles, and the Stelvio National Park, the short detour to the Tibet Mountain Hut at 2,800 metres is well worth it. The descent is pure riding pleasure!
Bend by bend, we descend the famous road, passing the Franzenshöhe mountain inn and eventually reaching the tree line, riding past the village of Trafoi all'Ortles down to Prato allo Stelvio. Here, we turn left onto the road to Glorenza, and 20 minutes later we finish our loop - complete with memorable impressions and classic photos of and on the passes!
Author: AT
Experienced: September 2013
Last updated: 2026
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- Starting point:
- town centre of Glorenza (900 m a.s.l.)
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- Overall time:
- 04:45 h
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- Total route length:
- 62,9 km
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- Altitude:
- from 888 m to 2.757 m
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- Altitude difference (uphill | downhill):
- +2036 m | -2036 m
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- Route:
- Glorenza - Tubre in Val Monastero - Müstair - Santa Maria - Umbrail Valley - Umbrail Pass - Stelvio Pass - Trafoi all'Ortles - Prato allo Stelvio - Glorenza
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- Destination:
- pass height of the Umbrail Pass (2,501 m a.s.l.) and the Stelvio Pass (2,757 m a.s.l.)
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- Resting points:
- Umbrail Pass: Alpenrose inn in Plattatschas, Stelvio Pass: Tibet Hut, Franzenshöhe mountain inn (all three from May to October)
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- Track surface:
- asphalt, short section on gravel in the Valle dell'Umbrail (still suitable for road bikes)
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- Recommended time of year:
- Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
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- Download GPX track:
- Bike tour Stelvio Pass and Umbrail Pass
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- More information:
- The overall time shown above refers to the cycling time only, not including breaks or stops. As is usual with circular routes, any location along the route can be chosen as the start or finish. Don't forget your ID - there may be checks at the EU–Switzerland border crossing. The route can also be done in the opposite direction, although this is less recommended due to heavier traffic. The climb is challenging - a good level of fitness and training are essential.
We highly recommend checking the weather and trail conditions in advance and on site before starting this tour.
