Driving the San Bernardino Pass this summer was a first for us – up until this year, we were only using the tunnel, to reach the south of Graubünden and the Lago Maggiore. And I have to admit – it has quickly become one of my favourite passes!
After passing the village Hinterrhein, we go up the mountain – instead of driving the swiss highway through the mountain. The ascent starts immediatly, there are quite a few hairpin curves to master. The northern side is much steeper than the south side of San Bernardino Pass.
As soon as this first, steep ascent has been climbed, the landscape opens itself up to a broad valley. The street follows the small creek Maseggbach and there are cows almost everywhere.
The road is curvy – the BMW M140i has quite some fun, and its 6 cylinder engine has no problem going up the moutain.
The landscape changes quickly – after green fields with cows, the (still green) fields become rocky, with stones reaching towards the sky. It looks almost alien.
The Laghetto Moesola with the Ospizio mark the highest point of the pass – a great opportunity for a small coffee break.
Right after the lake, the descent towards the southern valley begins. We cross old bridges, and there are a few point of views from which you can still discover the old pass road of the San Bernardino Pass.
The pass itself ends at the village of San Bernardino. From here, we can either take the highway or follow the b-road with more curves towards the south. No matter what we choose – both roads lead towards Lago Maggiore.
Facts about San Bernardino Pass:
- Start: Hinterrhein
- Destination: San Bernardino
- Length: about 16 Km
- Height: Starting at 1620 m above sea level up to 2067 m above sea level
- Special: Laghetto Moesola, Landscape
Where to next?
- Towards Lago Maggiore to take a swim 😉
- From Lago Maggiore over the Lukmanier Pass back to Graubünden
- From Lago Maggiore to Lake Como
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