Surviving the Stelvio Pass

At 2757 meters, the Stelvio Pass is the second highest paved mountain pass in the Alps. It has been described as the "Greatest driving road in the world". Of course, this made it a challenge that Graham could not resist! I was not so sure that it was a good idea...


The pass features 60 hairpin switchbacks - 48 of them on the northern side. This image was stitched together from 6 photographs. Click the image for a bigger view...

Of course we made it. I think I look relieved in this picture, since at times during the ascent I had my doubts...

To celebrate our success - and to let the engine of the car cool down - we stopped for a picnic at the summit. On top of the hill you can see the "Three Languages Peak", flying the flags of Italy, Switzerland, and Austria. It was named this because the Stelvio Pass is considered the area where the German, Italian, and Romansh languages meet.

As we drove towards Venice, we stopped at this roadside stand where Audrey was able to buy four different types of apples from the farmer who grew them. We drove through the most important apple growing area of Italy.

We stopped overnight at a somewhat rundown - but clearly high potential - hotel on a lake. Before we left I took this panoramic image of the lake in front of the hotel.

Next stop - Venice!