From Ulrichen (4,416 ft / 1,346 m) to the Nufenenpass (8,130 ft / 2,478 m) it’s 8.9 miles (14.3 km) at an average of 7.9%, with 3,717 ft (1,133 m) of climbing, according to CyclingCols. salite.ch gives 8.3 miles (13.3 km) and 3,714 ft (1,132 m) at 8.5%; Climbfinder, 8.5 miles (13.7 km) at 8.3%; and quäldich, 8.7 miles (14 km) at 8.1%. The elevation gain is the same in all of them; what changes is the starting point.
What the climb is like
It’s harder than it looks on the map, because there are almost no flat stretches:
- First miles. You leave Ulrichen in the upper Rhône valley (Goms) and cross into the side valley of the Ägene. The grade quickly settles at 8%.
- Middle section. The road climbs the valley with few bends and a gradient that hardly ever drops: CyclingCols counts 4.8 miles (7.8 km) above 10% in 100 m segments, and its hardest 5 km average 9.5%.
- Finish. Above 6,500 ft (2,000 m) the landscape is rock and pasture; the last miles wind up toward the pass.
CyclingCols gives a maximum of 12.5% and Climbfinder 11.6% over 100 m.
History
The Nufenen (Passo della Novena in Italian) links Valais with Ticino via the Bedretto valley. The road is recent: it opened to motor traffic in September 1969. At 8,130 ft (2,478 m) it’s one of the highest road passes in Switzerland, but it gets much less traffic than its neighbors, the Furka and the Gotthard.
When to go, water and traffic
It’s a high pass that closes in winter; the season runs from June to September. Traffic is light. Fill your bottles in Ulrichen: there are no villages on the climb.
What gearing to use
At 3 W/kg (watts per kilo of body weight) and 159 lb (72 kg), you’ll ride about 6.8 mph (11 km/h) on 8%; with a 34x30 that’s about 77 rpm, and with a 34x32, 82 rpm. For more than an hour with no letup, a 34x32 is the comfortable choice. Compare options in the gear calculator.
Tips
- Leave Ulrichen with all the water and food you need.
- Bring warm clothes: at the top, close to 8,200 ft (2,500 m), it’s cold and windy.
- Pair it with the Gotthard Pass via the Tremola, on the other side of Airolo.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb the Nufenen Pass from Ulrichen?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 1 h 17 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 1 h 32 min at 2.5 W/kg and 59 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
Which side of the Nufenen is harder?
The Ulrichen side, at 8.9 miles (14.3 km) and 7.9%. From Airolo it's about 14.3-14.9 miles (23-24 km) at 5.5-5.9%, with a bit more climbing.
Since when can you drive over the Nufenen?
Since September 1969, when the road opened to motor traffic.