Julier Pass

The Julier Pass links Bivio with Silvaplana in the Upper Engadine, in the canton of Graubünden. The summit is at 2,284 m and the pass road between Bivio and Silvaplana is 16 km, with a maximum gradient of 12%. It is open all year and is the main northern road into the Engadine.

Remains of Roman columns and Roman coins have been found at the top, showing the pass was in use in Roman times, when the steeper Septimer Pass to the west was its rival.

A road over the pass was built between 1820 and 1826, the first road project the canton paid for itself. When the federal government pushed for a pass road fit for motor traffic, Graubünden chose the Julier, and the road built between 1935 and 1940 was the first Alpine crossing surfaced with asphalt.

• From Bivio the road climbs 9 km at an average of 6% to the 2,284 m summit.
• The east side drops 7 km at an average of 6.6% to Silvaplana and its lake in the Upper Engadine.
• Best way to experience it: drive or ride it yourself, in your own car or bike or a hire vehicle.

• The Julier is open all year. In winter, winter equipment is compulsory, snow chains can be ordered for short periods and the pass can close. The Alpenpässe status page posts the current state.
• Heavy vehicles may tow trailers between Tiefencastel and Silvaplana only from 15 April to 15 November.
• There is no restaurant at the summit.

• Last verified: 3 November 2026
• Official link: https://alpen-paesse.ch/en/alpenpaesse/julierpass