23
PDI
22.5 mi
DISTANCE
4,941 ft
GAINED
3.9 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
Page Contributor(s): Ard Oostra, Montreux, Switzerland
INTRO
Julierpass from Savognin is a long valley-and-pass ride in Switzerland's Graubünden canton, covering 36.3 km (22.5 mi) and gaining 1,506 m (4,941 ft) at a modest 3.9% average grade from the Albula valley near Tiefencastel to the 2,279 m (7,475 ft) summit of the Julier Pass.
Most of the distance is a long, gently rising ride south through the Surses region - much of it inside Parc Ela, Switzerland's largest nature park - passing through Savognin and on to Bivio, with the real pass climbing concentrated into the final kilometers below the summit. At the top, two weathered granite columns still stand from a Roman-era sanctuary excavated in the 1930s - the Julier has linked central Graubünden to the Engadin valley for roughly 2,000 years.
Unlike many high Alpine passes, the Julier is kept open essentially year-round as the primary road link to the Engadin and St. Moritz, part of Swiss route N29 and requiring no vignette.
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. From the Albula valley near Tiefencastel to the Julier Pass summit, the route covers 36.3 km (22.5 mi) and gains 1,506 m (4,941 ft) at a 3.9% average grade.
That mild average reflects the long, gentle valley approach through Savognin and Bivio before the real pass climbing begins - the steepest continuous 5 miles average 5.9%, and short ramps on the final push to the summit reach the 11-13% range, with the steepest quarter mile at 11.5% and the steepest 100 yards at 12.6%.
Roadway: Paved and well-maintained the entire way - this is a primary alpine route (Swiss national road N29) connecting central Graubünden to the Engadin, not a minor mountain lane, and it's kept open essentially year-round rather than closing for winter like most high Alpine passes. No vignette is required.
Traffic: Noticeably more traffic than a typical quiet Alpine climb, since this is the main road to St. Moritz and the Engadin valley. The lower valley sections through Savognin and the Parc Ela nature park are quieter; traffic picks up on the final approach to the summit and on the descent toward Silvaplana.
Parking: Tiefencastel or Savognin village centers both have ordinary street parking and make practical starting points for the climb.
At 36.3 km (22.5 mi), this is a long day even with a mild average grade - pace the flat-to-rolling valley kilometers through Savognin and Bivio conservatively and save energy for the steeper final push to the summit. Both villages along the way have shops and cafes, so it's not necessary to carry a full day's food and water from the start.
The summit sits above 2,200 m, so even on a warm valley morning, pack a layer for the descent - temperatures at the pass can be noticeably colder than down in Savognin.
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.
Savognin and Tiefencastel both offer lodging and full services for a multi-day base in the valley, with the wider Parc Ela nature park - Switzerland's largest - right along the route for anyone wanting to extend a visit with hiking or wildlife-watching.
At the summit, the Roman sanctuary columns are worth a stop - a tangible reminder that this crossing has been in continuous use for roughly two thousand years. Riders looking to extend the trip can continue over the descent into the Engadin valley toward Silvaplana and St. Moritz, or check our Routes in the Area tool for other climbs nearby.
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