Nufenen Pass

Nufenen Pass

View from the pass towards the Bernese Alps with the Finsteraarhorn (left) and Lauteraarhorn (right)
Elevation 2,478 m (8,130 ft)[1]
Traversed by Road
Location Ticino/Valais, Switzerland
Range Alps
Coordinates 46°28′41″N 08°23′35″E / 46.47806°N 8.39306°E / 46.47806; 8.39306Coordinates: 46°28′41″N 08°23′35″E / 46.47806°N 8.39306°E / 46.47806; 8.39306
Nufenen Pass

Location in Switzerland

Nufenen Pass (Italian: Passo della Novena, German: Nufenenpass) (el. 2478 m.) is the second highest mountain pass with a paved road within Switzerland - after Umbrailpass. It lies between the summits of Pizzo Gallina (north) and the Nufenestock (south).

The pass road from Ulrichen in canton of Valais leads to the Bedretto valley in the canton of Ticino, linking Brig to Airolo. It is not the lowest pass between the two valleys, as it is located one kilometre north of a slightly lower unnamed pass at 2,440 metres, which is traversed by a trail.

The pass is of relatively recent construction, having been opened to traffic only since September 1969.[2]

To the east of the top of the pass is the source of the Ticino River. Towards the north is a spectacular view of the Bernese Alps, notably the Finsteraarhorn while there is a view over the Gries Glacier to the south.

View of Griesgletscher from the pass
Another view from the pass

See also

Bibliography

Sources and further reading

  1. ↑ Retrieved from the Swisstopo topographic maps
  2. ↑ "News and Views: new Swiss Pass". Autocar. Vol. 131 (nbr 3834). 14 August 1969. p. 50.
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