The Julier Pass in Switzerland is one of the many passes that you can visit throughout the year. These passes are usually connecting roads between locations that pass over the mountains, rather than with a tunnel that goes through it.
Officially there are 26 Scenic Alpine Passes In Switzerland, including the Julier Pass, that you can drive over. Some, if not all, also have public transportation options so that you can visit, hike and explore also by a local bus. Every scenic Switzerland pass has something unique to see, do or enjoy, so read on to see what makes Julier Pass unique from our experience during our Autumn drive.
Since we live in Lugano, Switzerland for more than 2 years now, we love taking scenic drives around Switzerland to explore every inch of this country – including the passes! It took us 2.5 hours to drive here, which we did via the north of Lake Como and Italy, before returning back into Italy towards St Moritz.
The Julier Pass is not the most popular pass, so when we got there it was quite quiet. This may have been also due to our visit being an afternoon on a Sunday. Regardless of this, it’s a great connection for the location as well as good to visit when wanting to enjoy an Autumn scenic drive in Switzerland.
Julier pass
HISTORY
The Julier Pass was once a place where goods and transportation took place here by two-wheeled carts. The actual road construction on the Julier took place between 1820 and 1826. During this phase of history, the Julier had the “upper hand” over the Septimer, another previous pass that was more used but that had more avalanches and issues in elevation.
The opening of the Albula line of the Rhaetian Railway in 1903 caused a lot of car traffic over the Julier to collapse. So back then the Federal Council put pressure on the Graubünden canton in 1923 to create a through route suitable for cars. From this, the canton decided on the Julier pass route to be improved. Between 1935 and 1940, the pass road was renovated and was the first Alpine crossing to be paved with asphalt.
Today, the pass is the most important northern access to the Engadine, open all year round. It is also a popular route for those passing through from Davos to St Moritz and Engadin.
FACTs ABOUT Julier PASS
Here are a few facts about the Julier Pass worth knowing:
- The total length of the Julier Pass is 16 km
- The highest point is at 2,284 m above sea level
- In Italian, the pass is called Passo del Giulia
- The Julier Pass lies between Piz Lagrev and Piz Julier
- The pass is one of the three paved road passes connecting the Engadin with the northern Grisons, the two other being the Albula Pass and the Flüela Pass
- The pass is near Parc Ela, the largest natural park in Switzerland.
Is the Julier Pass open?
Unlike some Switzerland passes that close in winter, the Julier Pass is open all year round. However snow chains may be required based on the snow and ice.
You can check the official status of the Julier Pass live here.
HOW TO GET THERE
The Julier Pass lies between in the Grisons canton. For visiting, make your way to the below address, which is the main viewpoint and restaurant peak area of the pass.
Google Maps Address: Julierpass 780, 7457 Surses
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Julier PASS In Autumn
As you can see from our photos, we have visited last during Autumn. The pass is quite bare in terms of foliage, but it’s still quite scenic. Due to its elevation, the trees and photogenic orange trees during Autumn are at the start and end of the pass, not so much at the top.
The temperature for our visit in October 2024 was around 10c only, but this was around 4-5pm on a Sunday with full clouds.
Julier pass RESTAURANT – Ospizio La Vedut
For our visit to the pass we stopped at the Ospizio La Veduta Restaurant at the mid point of the pass, which is at 2,233 meter elevation.
They had a special additional Autumn menu. If you ever get the chance to be here during this, you must try their homemade pumpkin soup. It was so tasty, filling and with the right amount of seasoning!
If you wish to stay the night, you can also book a room here. They have double rooms, a 4-bed room and a 6-bed dormitory with shared bathrooms. Check their official website for more information.
Get inspired with our other Switzerland Scenic Passes
Scenic Drive At The San Bernardino Pass In Switzerland
The Beauty Of The Nufenen Pass, Switzerland
The Iconic Alpine Drive At Simplon Pass
Swiss Scenic Drive At The Furka Pass
Scenic Exploring At Lukmanier Pass During Winter
An Alpine Scenic Drive: The San Gotthard Pass In Switzerland
SUMMARY
Overall, the pass drive is an enjoyable scenic road for anyone visiting Switzerland. We enjoyed multiple drives here passing though for day trips as well as simply enjoying a scenic Swiss pass drive!
The natural mountain beauty and scenic views make it a memorable experience for all ages. You can consider also hiking many routes within the Julier Pass, such as to one of the nearby lakes or mountain peaks.
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