A mountain road in the Italian Alps has been named the world’s best driving route, thanks to its famous 48 hairpin bends and dramatic high-altitude scenery. Stelvio Pass, or Passo dello Stelvio, rises to 2,757 metres and has long been regarded as one of Europe’s most striking roads.
The route’s reputation comes from the north-side series of tight switchbacks that twist up the mountain in a zigzag pattern. The road is popular with drivers, motorcyclists and cyclists, but it is also seen as one of the most demanding climbs in Europe.
Top Gear, the motoring programme, described Stelvio as “the world’s best driving road”, a label that helped turn the pass into a bucket-list destination for road trip fans. The route is also a key stage in the Giro d’Italia, where it tests riders with its steep gradients and relentless corners.
The road sits in the heart of the Italian Alps and is known for its changing landscape as vehicles climb towards the summit. In summer, snow can still remain near the top, while the lower slopes show a different mix of mountain vegetation.
For travellers, timing is important. The pass is usually open from June until the beginning of October because of heavy snowfall, and road conditions can change quickly. Visitors are advised to check access before setting off.
Early morning is often the best time to drive it. In peak summer, the route can become busy with caravans, motorbikes and tour buses, reducing the sense of space that many travellers seek.
The descent is also part of the challenge. Drivers need to manage 48 sharp bends in both directions, and the article warns that constant braking can overheat brake pads. Using engine braking is recommended for a safer drive.
Stelvio Pass has a long history as well as a strong reputation among modern travellers. Its foundations were laid in the 1820s under the Austrian Empire, when engineers faced the challenge of building a complex mountain road on steep terrain.
That history, combined with its scenery and technical difficulty, has made the pass a symbol of road engineering in the Alps. For many visitors, it is as much a destination as a route from one place to another.
Travellers who tackle the pass are often drawn by the idea of completing one of the world’s most celebrated drives. But the article makes clear that this is not a road for complacent drivers, even for those who consider themselves confident behind the wheel.
Its appeal lies in the mix of views, altitude and precision driving. From above, the switchbacks resemble a giant maze cut into the mountainside, making the pass one of the most photographed roads in Europe.
