Splügen Pass, Switzerland Sep 16, 2023

Splügen Pass, Switzerland

With their twists and turns, record heights and breathtaking vistas, mountain roads like Umling La and Pico de Veleta are steeped in history. One such route of the Lepontine Alps—Splügen Pass—is pictured here today. Located on the border of Switzerland and Italy, the 2114-metre-high pass is one of the highest paved roads in Europe. Although its modern form was built between 1818-1823, the Splügen Pass is rich in history with links to Roman times. The pass has been much quieter since the nearby San Bernardino road tunnel opened in 1967. The now quiet pass, which has 51 marked hairpin bends, remains closed during winter. So, if spectacular mountainside views and picturesque lakes tickle your fancy, you can enjoy this ascent between June and mid-October. Has your interest in a Swiss-sational time "peaked" yet?

© Roberto Moiola/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

Sep 16, 2024Wallabies at sunrise, Australia
Sep 16, 2025Nighttime view over the Gulf Coast

More Desktop Wallpapers:

May 4, 2024The ruins of an ancient monastery, Skellig Michael, Ireland
Oct 22, 2023Astoria-Megler Bridge, Oregon, USA
Jan 16, 2026Leopard at Etosha National Park, Namibia
Oct 31, 2024Edinburgh Castle, Scotland, United Kingdom
Oct 10, 2024Ancient town of Sorano, Tuscany, Italy
Nov 13, 2025Quiver trees, Namibia
Nov 8, 2025Bandon Beach in Bandon, Oregon, United States
Sep 10, 2023Walruses in Svalbard, Norway
Sep 7, 2023Camels in the desert, United Arab Emirates
Apr 30, 2025Iguazu Falls seen from Paraná, Brazil
Jan 28, 2025Short-eared owl
Jan 23, 2026Þorrablót, Icelandic midwinter festival
Sep 22, 2023Marsala salt pans, Italy
Nov 5, 2024Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil
Mar 8, 2026The Brocken, Harz National Park, Germany
Sep 16, 2023Splügen Pass, Switzerland
May 23, 2025Yellow-spotted river turtle, Amazon Region, Ecuador
Apr 1, 2024Mer de Glace, Chamonix, France
Jan 8, 2025Great Wall of China
Jul 14, 2025Young blue shark
Jan 23, 2024Maldives
Jul 22, 2025Badlands National Park, South Dakota, United States
Feb 8, 2025Medieval towers in Mestia, Upper Svaneti, Georgia
Jun 8, 2024Confluence of Easter Creek and Killik River, Alaska, USA
Oct 5, 2025Boreal owl
Jan 25, 2024Ynys Llanddwyn, Wales, United Kingdom
Aug 19, 2024Bufadero de la Garita, Gran Canaria, Spain
Jul 7, 2025Northern gannets, Shetland Islands, Scotland
Oct 25, 2024Mont Blanc in Chamonix, France
Mar 6, 2024Wahclella Falls, Oregon, USA