26.3
PDI
18.6 mi
DISTANCE
4,962 ft
GAINED
4.9 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
INTRO
Albulapass climbs 30.0 km (18.6 mi) out of Tiefencastel, in Switzerland's canton of Graubünden, gaining 1,513 m (4,962 ft) at a 4.9% average grade to reach the pass, which crests at roughly 2,312 m (7,585 ft) on the border between the Albula and Engadin valleys.
The road runs alongside, over, and under the Albula line of the Rhaetian Railway for much of the climb - a UNESCO World Heritage line since 2008, opened in 1904, that crosses the same terrain with 42 tunnels and 144 viaducts and bridges. Both the road and railway were 19th-century engineering feats in their own right: this road was built in two stages, from Tiefencastel to Bergün in 1855-58 and on to La Punt in 1864-66. Bergün, roughly a third of the way up, is worth a stop for the railway's famous spiral tunnels that lift the tracks above the village.
Every summer, a section of the pass between Filisur and La Punt closes to motor traffic for a day so cyclists have it to themselves - 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of this car-free event. Like most high Graubünden passes, Albulapass is closed by snow through the winter and typically only fully open from early summer into autumn, so check current conditions before planning a crossing outside peak season.
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
We've partnered with Sherpa-Map.com to bring you the best route planning tool. With a PRO Membership you can use this climb as a reference when creating your route. Albulapass gains 1,513 m (4,962 ft) over 30.0 km (18.6 mi) at a 4.9% average grade. It's a long climb rather than a brutally steep one - the steepest mile averages 10.6% and the steepest kilometer 11.0%, but most of the distance sits well below that, with the grade rolling and easing noticeably through Bergün partway up before resuming toward the pass.
Roadway: The road is paved the entire way, a well-engineered historic mountain road first built in the 1850s and 60s and since maintained to a good standard. It is closed by snow in winter, typically open from around early summer through mid-autumn depending on conditions - check Graubünden's pass status pages before planning a crossing outside peak season.
Traffic: Traffic is moderate in summer, since this is a scenic through-route connecting the Albula valley to the Engadin and sees a mix of touring cars, motorcycles, and cyclists. One day each summer, the Filisur-La Punt section closes to motor vehicles entirely for a dedicated car-free cycling day.
Parking: Tiefencastel, at the base, sits at the junction where the Albula and Julier routes split and has parking near the village center. It's a small village, so arrive early on summer weekends.
At over 2,300 m, the summit is noticeably colder and windier than Tiefencastel at the base - pack a real jacket even on a warm valley morning. The climb is long enough that it's worth planning a water/food stop in Bergün, roughly a third of the way up, since there's little else along the way.
Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.
Bergün, about a third of the way up, is worth building time around - the village is where the Rhaetian Railway's famous spiral tunnels lift the tracks through the mountainside to gain elevation, and the road and railway cross paths repeatedly through this stretch, including several of the line's UNESCO-listed stone viaducts visible right from the bike.
Tiefencastel is also the jumping-off point for the Julierpass, another classic Graubünden crossing a short ride away that many cyclists based here combine with Albulapass into a loop. Given the summit's altitude and exposure, it's worth checking current conditions with our Weather tool before setting out.
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