The Graubünden Climb: Albula Pass
Statistics: Albula Pass from Tiefencastel, Switzerland
Distance: 22,5 km / 14 miles
Elevation Gain: 1360 m / 4462 feet
Average Gradient: 6,1%
The Albula Pass sits in the heart of Switzerland's Graubünden Region connecting St. Moritz and the Engadin Valley to the Northern Grisons. The Albula is in my opinion the most beautiful Pass in the Graubünden Region. The Bernina, Maloja, and Julier Passes are without a doubt also breathtaking, but do not come close to the experience of the Albula. The Pass provides cyclists with some of the most incredible scenery I have ever experienced in the Alps. There are two ascents to the Summit of the Albula from both Tiefencastel and St. Moritz. However, if you're going to ride the Albula, ride it from Tiefencastel. The ascent from Tiefencastel and the descent into St. Moritz is what makes the climb famous.
The Albula Pass also has a rich history and heritage in cycling being featured regularly in the Tour de Suisse. It was on these very roads where the great Jan Ulrich was dropped and lost all chances of victory at the Tour de Suisse in the year 2000.
I first rode the Albula Pass in the late Autumn of 2025. A friend and I started in St. Moritz and made a loop of the Graubünden Region that included ascents of the Julier Pass and the Albula Pass. In my opinion, September to October is always the most beautiful time to go cycling in the Alps. The Engadin Valley and the Graubünden Region are no exception. The foliage is golden and the mountains are picturesque right before they are engulfed by the Winter's snow.
The start of the Albula is relatively relaxed as it traces its way along the Albula River. Use this section to warm the legs and enjoy the views. The first 5 kilometers of the Albula reminded me a lot of the famous Passo Stelvio from Bormio. Both climbs start in a long mountainous valley where the road sits above a flowing ravine before the climb properly kicks-off in the high mountains.
Once reaching the Swiss town of Bergün, the Albula maintains a steady gradient of 6,5 - 7 % to the Summit at 2315 m / 7595 ft. It is here at Bergün where you are now in the heart of the Mountains and the scenery becomes even more incredible. Some landmarks to look out for are the famous Albula Railway and Lai da Palpuogna. The Albula Railway is a Swiss engineering masterpiece connecting the mountains between Thusis and Saint Moritz. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that carves its way through the Albula Pass. The Lai da Palpuogna is a mountain Lake sitting at 1918 m / 6293 ft, which is widely regarded as the most beautiful Lake in Switzerland.
It is in the last 5 - 7 kilometers of the Albula where the climb really opens up to spectacular Alpine views. In this section, I remember my friend and I being so overwhelmed by the surrounding mountains that we could not stop taking pictures and agreeing that the Albula was the best Pass we'd ridden on our trip to the Engadin Valley. Once reaching the Summit, I highly recommend grabbing a bite to eat at the Hospice before descending into Saint Moritz. They have great cakes and mountain dishes that are well deserved after a 22 kilometer climb.
The Albula Pass is generally open for cyclists in between late May / early June to October depending on conditions. As mentioned before, I think the most beautiful time to come to the Engadin Valley and the Albula Pass is during the Autumn from September to October. During this time, the mountains and the nature in the Alps are almost golden and there is much less traffic on the roads than in the Summer. The hotels and accommodations in Saint Moritz are also surprisingly reasonable during this time!
