Linking the Engadin to central Graubünden, Julierpass ranks among the oldest known alpine crossings, used since antiquity to cross the range between north and south.
A long climb that stays mostly rolling
From Tiefencastel, the road climbs 35.7 km for around 1,500 m of elevation gain, at a moderate 4.2% average, up to the pass summit at 2,284 m. While one isolated stretch climbs to 15%, most of the route stays rolling, letting riders fully take in the open landscapes of the Grisons high plateau rather than focusing solely on the effort.
A crossing inherited from antiquity
Julierpass ranks among the oldest documented alpine passes, used as a crossing route since Roman times to link the north and south of the range. This millennia-old history makes it far more than a simple mountain road: it’s one of the Alps’ oldest circulation routes, still ridden today by cyclists heading toward the Engadin.
Getting the ride right
A compact or triple crankset still helps on the steepest section, even though most of the climb poses no major difficulty. Insulated bottles are recommended on such a long ascent, exposed to wind on the high plateau.
When to go
June to September, as the road is generally clear during this window despite the summit’s altitude. July and August offer the most stable conditions to fully enjoy the views over the Engadin.
Good to know
St. Moritz and Silvaplana, near the summit on the Engadin side, give convenient access to other major Graubünden passes such as the Albulapass, for extending a pass-hunting stay in the region.
