Umbrail Pass
A GPX track over Umbrail Pass from the top (Giogo di Santa Maria) to Val Müstair, Switzerland’s highest border crossing with narrow hairpins right next to the Stelvio.
The Umbrail is technical and challenging, but surprisingly pleasant: quieter and just a touch more relaxed than its famous neighbor, the Stelvio.
While planning our second motorcycle trip, I wanted to give my fellow riders a glimpse of the Stelvio, even though they absolutely didn’t want to ride it themselves again. During my research I came across the Umbrail almost by accident, the neighbor that starts almost right at the Stelvio’s summit. I looked into how challenging this pass actually was, since you’re still at considerable altitude and the narrow road had me hesitating for a bit. In the end I added it to the route anyway, and I don’t regret it one bit.
Elevation profile
Stops & viewpoints
- 1Umbrail Pass summitThe highest paved mountain pass in Switzerland, right on the Italian-Swiss border.
- 2View over Val MüstairBeautiful panoramas over the Swiss Alps during the winding descent.
- 3Santa Maria Val MüstairA charming Swiss mountain village with traditional Engadine houses, the endpoint of the Umbrail Pass.
Based on the GPX track. Small deviations are normal.
Things to know about the Umbrail Pass
A back door to the Stelvio summit
Want to see the top of the Stelvio without actually riding it? The Umbrail sits right next to it, about 3 kilometers from the summit. A quiet neighbor of the Stelvio, without the crowds.
Switzerland’s highest paved pass
At 2,501 meters, the Umbrail Pass is the highest paved road pass in Switzerland. Switzerland Tourism names it as such explicitly.
Fully paved only since 2015
Until 2015 the Umbrail wasn’t fully paved: on the Swiss side, about a kilometer of road was still unsurfaced. That last stretch was only asphalted that year.
World’s smallest whisky bar
Santa Maria is also said to be home to the “Smallest Whisky Bar on Earth,” a Guinness World Record holder with over 300 whiskies. Haven’t seen it myself, but a fun fact for the road.
Practical info on the road
Best time
June to September is the best period. The pass normally closes in November.
No facilities on the pass
There’s nothing on the Umbrail itself, pure nature. Starting from the Stelvio summit? Grab a hot dog or sausage there before you take the turn-off.
View the Stelvio route →Resting in Santa Maria
On the Swiss side, the Umbrail ends in the small mountain village of Santa Maria Val Müstair. Among the narrow streets and typical Engadine houses you’ll find a handful of restaurants and cafés, a nice spot to rest after the descent.
Check your roaming before you leave
Switzerland isn’t covered by the EU’s mandatory roaming rates. Depending on your provider and plan, mobile data there can be a lot more expensive. Check beforehand whether Switzerland is included in your bundle, or turn off mobile data.
Cara's tip
Don’t let the narrow road put you off
I found the Umbrail technical and challenging, but surprisingly enjoyable to ride at the same time: it actually felt more pleasant to me than the Stelvio. Take your time with oncoming traffic and enjoy the much quieter surroundings.
On the road on the Umbrail Pass
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