Tight hairpins, glacier views, Tyrolean villages: the Alps are the dream playground for European bikers. Here is our selection of passes to ride at least once.
The Stelvio (Italy, 2,757 m)
The king of Alpine passes. The climb from Prato allo Stelvio lines up 48 numbered hairpins, as much a spectacle as a challenge. Set off early to avoid traffic, then carry on over the Umbrail Pass into Switzerland or the Gavia.
The Dolomites and the Sella Ronda
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Dolomites offer unique scenery of pale rock towers. The loop around the Sella massif links four legendary passes: Gardena, Sella, Pordoi and Campolongo. Add the Giau and Falzarego for an unforgettable day.
The Grossglockner High Alpine Road (Austria)
The Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse is a toll road climbing above 2,500 m facing Austria's highest peak and the Pasterze glacier. A perfect ribbon of tarmac, built for the pleasure of driving.
The Timmelsjoch (Austria-Italy, 2,474 m)
Less famous, this toll border pass links Austrian Tyrol with South Tyrol. Its bends and valley views make it a biker favourite.
The Swiss passes: Furka, Grimsel, Susten
In the heart of Switzerland, the three-pass loop of Furka, Grimsel and Susten can be ridden in a day, between reservoirs and glaciers. For motorways, a vignette is also required for motorcycles, in Switzerland as in Austria.
When to ride the Alps?
Most high passes are open from June to October, depending on snow. July and August are the busiest; June and September are a good compromise, with quieter roads.
Our Alpine motorcycle tours
Stelvio, Dolomites, Bavaria or Grossglockner: our Alpine motorcycle tours combine the finest passes with accommodation chosen for bikers. Contact us to build yours.
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