The pass was originally commissioned by the Austrian Emperor Francis I in the early 19th century to connect Lombardy to the rest of the Austrian Empire.
The 48 hairpin turns are numbered by stone markers descending toward Prato allo Stelvio.
The mountain range surrounding the pass was the site of intense high-altitude combat between Italian and Austro-Hungarian forces from 1915 to 1918.
The pass is the highest point reached by the Giro d'Italia race when included in the route.
Due to its high altitude, the road is buried under heavy snow and remains closed to motorized traffic for the majority of the year.
The glacier at the summit provides one of the few locations in the Alps where skiing is possible throughout the summer season.
Passo dello Stelvio is the highest paved mountain pass in the Eastern Alps, reaching an elevation of 2,757 meters above sea level. It connects the Valtellina valley in Lombardy with the Vinschgau valley in South Tyrol via the SS38 road. The route is internationally recognized for its 48 hairpin turns on the northern ramp, which rise 1,871 meters in vertical elevation. It serves as a major destination for road cyclists and motorcyclists navigating the challenging switchbacks. The area borders the Stelvio National Park, one of the largest protected wilderness areas in Europe. In summer, the pass serves as a base for high-altitude glacier skiing on the Stelvio Glacier. The summit area contains various mountain huts, shops, and war memorials from the Italian Front of World War I. Weather conditions are volatile, with snow possible even during the summer months.
The elevated vantage points near the Dreisprachenspitze, which offer a panoramic view of the entire 48-hairpin descent.
Check road status reports immediately before departure, as sudden snowfall can trigger temporary closures even in summer.
Dress in layered clothing, including windproof jackets, as summit temperatures are significantly lower than in the valley.
Use low gears when driving or cycling to prevent brake overheating or physical exhaustion on the steep ascent.
Attempting the ascent in vehicles without reliable brakes or with limited fuel; driving in dense fog or after heavy rain when road visibility drops.
Open strictly during the summer season; usually closed from late autumn through late spring due to heavy snowfall.
Cyclists should stay to the right, and motorists must yield to uphill traffic in accordance with local mountain driving customs.
