Nufenenpass from Airolo

Difficulty points	973
Length	13.9 mi
Average gradient	5.9%
Steepest segment	10.1%
Total ascent	4344 ft

Reviews (10)

5.0

4.0

3.0

2.0

1.0

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PeterB53

8 Mo 4.0

Very easy start without any views. The steep part is fairly even, so you can get into a good rhythm. The further you climb, the better the views. The view at the top is fantastic, especially from the restaurant.
I will recommend the Road through Bedretto and Ronco instead of the main road as this side road has less traffic, more views and a fountain to refill bottles in Ronco. This road is a little longer but not easier as the there are multiple steeper parts.
There are some cars on the climb, but it is manageable.

Daphne88 ^premium

11 Mo 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

I rode this climb in autumn. Very little traffic, and what beautiful autumn colours! Both in the climb up from Airolo, and down towards Brig. Dress warmly at the top again, though!
The road is of good quality and goes up at reasonably (for Swiss standards) friendly percentages.

BonnyDresen

11 Mo 5.0 via the Climbfinder app

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Beautiful not too difficult climb from Airolo. Good weather for cycling, not as hugely crowded as the Stelvio making cycling more pleasant too. Excellent road surface.

GilMtb-Road

11 Mo 5.0 via the Climbfinder app

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Italian. Show original

Departure from riazzino and return so 200km in total, it was the toughest pass I have done so far, the road is nice and tidy, during the week it is not very busy, wonderful landscape. I absolutely recommend doing it!

RobertS ^premium

1 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

We had the unique opportunity to cycle here in mid-June 2024 when the pass was still closed, but there was still a lot of metre-high snow. Starting from Airolo, it was a special experience, because right from the first kilometre we encountered no one. Not a cyclist, not a car, nothing. Like cycling through a beautiful post-apocalyptic mountain landscape on a wide road. The high walls of snow, chamois on the road and the silence and tranquillity made for a 5-star experience. Without the snow and silence, I would only give it 4 stars, because in all honesty then it is not a hugely exciting or interesting pass on this side.

Yes, the climb is endless and strangely enough we found the stretch up to Airolo tougher than the pass, but it is a special bucket list experience to climb for so long.

eRVe ^premium

1 y 4.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Nice in the beginning easy ascent. The best part is in the 2nd half of the climb. There was not a lot of snow against the mountain sides, which made the climb all the more beautiful. Even the ibexes came up to the road to have a look when I passed them.

LauraTarchini78

1 y 5.0 02:18:00 (6 mph)

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Italian. Show original

Tough but wonderful climb. Starting in Airolo, you have 8km with little climbing along the Val Bedretto to warm up your legs. Then the gradient changes but the spectacle repays the effort, especially the walls of snow at the finish. Lots of marmots still half asleep, watching you from the road. It is worth going before the road is opened to cars.

survelo

2 y 4.0

Very enjoyable long climb from Airolo. I've heard others say it's ugly, but I would recommend going in late May or early June when there's still lots of snow and the road is not yet open to traffic. You will have this excellent road and the spectacular view towards the Bernese Oberland at the top all to yourself, and the descent will be uninterrupted by traffic and a lot of fun. A long grind but never a knee-breaker.
I've made a video of my climb at https://youtu.be/mwhMpY4Uv1s

Krasnal

3 y 4.0 02:29:00 (5.6 mph)

Very long and .. not so hard to ride. without rapid changes of slope. a little bit windy.
medium traffic

patrickbaert ^premium

5 y 4.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Was for me the last climb on the also by you recommended round Furka/Gotthard/Nufenen, cycled (in wise) on 30/08/2019.

The climb starts with a long and gentle uphill run, slightly turning from village to village, following the valley of the Ticino river, which we cross several times.
After half way the vegetation and habitation becomes more scarce and the steep climbing starts (strips +8％) with hairpin turns up against the rocks of the right valley flank. The fantastic mountain scenery is somewhat marred towards the end by high electricity pylons and wires, but they do give you an idea where the top is.
Last kilometer is a little less steep to reach the lake on the pass height and enjoy the 360° panorama including windmills on one of the highest Swiss mountain passes. There is catering and a souvenir shop.

Nice long top climb where dosing your strength is very important.
Remark: I have missed regular distance signs to the top (with bike info) but they are not yet established in Switzerland.

Climbing times

5 mph	02:47:19
7 mph	01:58:27
9 mph	01:32:19
12 mph	01:09:21

Road surface condition

80% 20% 0%

Based on 10 votes

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Traffic

55% 36% 9%

Based on 11 votes

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Frequently Asked Questions

Nufenenpass can be cycled from 2 sides. Nufenenpass from Ulrichen is the most popular side, but the summit can also be reached via Nufenenpass from Airolo.

You don't need special gearing for Nufenenpass from Airolo. The slope isn't long or steep enough to require much shifting down. You can conquer this climb on power alone. However, a compact gearing system with a smallest front chainring of 34 and largest rear sprocket of 28 or 30 is always nice if you enjoy cycling uphill. This helps maintain a smooth cadence.

Nufenenpass from Airolo belongs to the Hors Catégorie, the top category. These are legendary and very tough climbs. A solid cycling condition, experience, and a good climbing gear ratio are essential to maintain a smooth cadence and complete the climb comfortably.

Nufenenpass from Airolo is 13.9 mi long.

The average gradient of Nufenenpass from Airolo is 5.9%.

Nufenenpass from Airolo has a steepest segment with an average gradient of 10.1%.

The summit of Nufenenpass from Airolo is at 8133 ft.

At a slow pace of 5 mph, it takes about 02:47:19 to climb Nufenenpass from Airolo. At 7 mph the time is 01:58:27, and at 9 mph 01:32:19. For the fastest cyclists, 01:09:21 is an achievable time.

Nufenenpass from Airolo is located in the region Tessin in Switzerland.

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Short recap

Photos (45)

Reviews (10)

Climbing times

Road surface condition

Traffic

Frequently Asked Questions

Nufenenpass from Airolo

Statistics

Short recap

Photos (45)

Reviews (10)

Climbing times

Road surface condition

Traffic

Frequently Asked Questions

Which sides of the Nufenenpass can be cycled up?

What gearing is needed for Nufenenpass from Airolo?

How difficult is the Nufenenpass from Airolo?

How long is the climb up Nufenenpass from Airolo?

What is the gradient of Nufenenpass from Airolo?

What is the steepest part of Nufenenpass from Airolo?

How high is Nufenenpass from Airolo?

How long does it take to cycle up Nufenenpass from Airolo?

Where is Nufenenpass from Airolo located?