Stilfserjoch

Stilfserjoch, also known as Passo dello Stelvio in Italian and Stilfesjoch in German, is a high mountain pass in the Ortler Alps on the border between Lombardy and South Tyrol in northern Italy. It links the Valtellina valley in Lombardy with the Adige valley in South Tyrol and lies near the Stelvio National Park. The pass summit sits at approximately 2,758 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest paved passes in the Alps. The route is designated Strada Statale 38 dello Stelvio (SS 38).

The pass road was constructed in the 1820s by the Austrian Empire as a military route and was opened in the mid-1820s. Since the 19th century it has developed into a major tourist and cycling destination. The southern ascent from Bormio is especially well known for its numerous switchbacks, with about 60 hairpin bends on the climb. The road is typically open only during the snow-free months and is closed in winter due to snow and avalanche risk.

Today Stilfserjoch attracts motorists, motorcyclists, cyclists, and hikers, and it frequently features in major races such as the Giro d'Italia. The pass lies within the Stelvio National Park, established in 1935, one of Italy’s early protected areas, and is part of a region renowned for its alpine scenery and biodiversity.