Top 20 Mountain Passes around Bivio
Best mountain passes around Bivio are situated in the Graubünden canton of Switzerland, a region characterized by its high alpine landscape and historical significance as a transit point. Bivio itself is a small village located at the foot of the Julier Pass, serving as a gateway to various mountain routes. The area features a rugged natural environment with prominent peaks, deep valleys, and clear alpine lakes. It offers a diverse range of mountain passes, from historic routes to challenging trails,…
Last updated: July 23, 2026
Val Bever Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Fuorcla Surlej
Highlight • Mountain Pass
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Julier Pass
Highlight • Mountain Pass
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Val Suvretta Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Final Hairpin Bends of the Maloja Pass
Highlight (Segment) • Mountain Pass
Ascent that from Chiavenna presents a …
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more mountain passes around Bivio.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Bivio
Alpine Passes Trail – hiking 700km across Switzerland
Quiet villages, proud passes, impressive history – the Via Sett
Snowshoe Safari – snowshoe trails through Graubünden
Parc Ela Trek – 17 days of trekking in the heart of Europe
Haute Route Graubünden – From Julier Pass to Klosters
The Colors of Engadin - Senda Segantini
Long-distance hiking in the Grisons — 3 routes in Switzerland
Cycling around Bivio
MTB Trails around Bivio
Hiking around Bivio
Other adventures around Bivio
Tips from the Community
Julier Pass, History (Pass height 2284 m above sea level) The column remnants exactly at the summit of the Julier Pass and the finds of Roman coins nearby point to a very early use of this Alpine crossing. The Septimer Pass, a few kilometers to the west, which was however steeper and more avalanche-prone, can certainly be considered a competitor. What is certain is that both were used intensively in Roman times. The Julier even with two-wheeled carts. In the age of packhorse trains, the Julier increasingly lost importance because the topography at the Septimer Pass was hardly a factor and, moreover, the detour via the Engadin was not necessary. With the construction of a cart track over the Septimer (1387), the Julier was definitively left behind. The Julier remained important for access to the Upper Engadin and the Bernina Pass. The actual road construction over the Julier took place between 1820 and 1826. In this phase of history, the Julier retained "the upper hand" over the Septimer. On the one hand, topographical reasons were decisive, and on the other hand, the canton could not afford to ignore the Engadin. This was the first road construction project in which the canton acted as the client. In the second half of the 19th century, various route adjustments followed, which became necessary due to the increasing feeder traffic for the Upper Engadin health resorts. The opening of the Albula Line of the Rhaetian Railway in 1903 caused car traffic over the Julier to collapse again. When the Federal Council put pressure on the Graubünden government in 1923 for a car-suitable transit route, the canton opted for the Julier route. Between 1935 and 1940, the pass road was renovated and was the first Alpine crossing to receive an asphalt surface. Today, the Julier is the most important, year-round open, northern access to the Engadin. Text / Source: Interessengemeinschaft Alpenpässe IAP, Postfach 11, Realp https://www.alpen-paesse.ch/de/alpenpaesse/julierpass/
3
0
Already in the Roman Empire around 2,000 years ago Already in the Roman Empire around 2,000 years ago, the Julier Pass was of great importance. At the pass summit, two columns of a Roman sanctuary still stand today. Today, the pass road over the Julier is the most important road connection to the Engadin and is passable all year round. In the vicinity of the Julier, you will find numerous hiking and biking routes on which the landscape can be ideally explored. From the Julierhospitz (pass summit 2284 m above sea level), the exploration tour or hike to the clear mountain lake Leg Grevasalvas begins. Text / Source: Graubünden Ferien, Alexanderstrasse 24, Chur https://www.graubuenden.ch/de/ausflugsziele/julierpass
3
0
At least 2 km with the bike on your shoulder
0
0
Very nice long high alpine trail in a beautiful mountain environment.
1
0
A beautiful and easy flow trail in a rough alpine mountain landscape that will make your biker's heart beat faster.
5
0
Perfect serpentines that make racing cyclists' hearts beat faster.
0
0
Here you have a wonderful view of the Graubünden ice giants
2
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular mountain passes and trails to explore around Bivio?
The region offers a variety of highly-rated options. For spectacular panoramas of the Alps, including Piz Bernina, consider Fuorcla Surlej. If you're looking for a flowing descent through a rough alpine landscape, the Val Bever Trail is a great choice. Another significant pass is the Julier Pass, known for its consistent winter accessibility and the unique red theater structure.
Are there challenging mountain passes or trails for experienced hikers and bikers?
Yes, Bivio is known for its challenging mountain passes and trails with significant climbs. For instance, the Fuorcla Surlej is rated as challenging. Similarly, the Val Suvretta Trail offers a fantastic high mountain valley experience that can be quite demanding, especially starting from Piz Nair.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around the mountain passes near Bivio?
The Bivio region, situated in the Graubünden canton, is characterized by a rugged high alpine landscape. You'll encounter prominent peaks, deep valleys, and clear alpine lakes. Many passes, like Fuorcla Surlej, offer vast arenas of ice and rock, with visible signs of the last ice age and impressive glaciers.
Are there any historical or cultural points of interest on these mountain passes?
The Julier Pass is notable not only as a main traffic artery but also for its historical significance as a transit point. It features the spectacular 30-meter-high red theater built by Giovanni Netzer, adding a unique cultural element to the alpine landscape.
What outdoor activities can I do near these mountain passes?
Beyond exploring the passes themselves, the Bivio area is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, MTB trails, and gravel biking. Popular hiking routes include the Bivio Village Centre – Alp Natons loop, while mountain bikers can enjoy trails like the Lake St. Moritz – Lake Silvaplana loop.
When is the best time to visit the mountain passes around Bivio?
The best time to visit largely depends on your desired activity. For hiking and biking, late spring to early autumn (June to September) generally offers the most favorable weather conditions. However, passes like the Julier Pass are known for their consistent winter accessibility, making them suitable for winter activities as well.
Are there any viewpoints offering particularly scenic panoramas?
Absolutely. Fuorcla Surlej is renowned for one of the most spectacular panoramas of the Alps, offering views of Piz Bernina and its famous Biancograt. Many trails, including the Val Suvretta Trail, also provide postcard-worthy views of the high mountain landscape.
What do visitors enjoy most about the mountain passes around Bivio?
Komoot users frequently praise the spectacular panoramas, the natural beauty of the alpine landscapes, and the quality of the trails. Many appreciate the flowing descents on trails like the Val Bever Trail and the unique experience of passes like the Julier Pass with its cultural elements.
Are there any less crowded mountain trails or passes for a quieter experience?
While specific 'less crowded' highlights aren't explicitly listed, exploring some of the longer or more challenging routes, such as those found in the hiking or MTB guides for the area, might lead you to more secluded spots away from the main thoroughfares. Early mornings or weekdays are generally good times to find quieter trails.
Can I find intermediate trails suitable for various skill levels?
Yes, several intermediate options are available. The Val Bever Trail is described as an intermediate trail suitable for various skill levels, offering a beautiful and flowing experience. The Julier Pass is also categorized as intermediate, making it accessible for many.
What is the Maloja Pass known for?
The Maloja Pass is a beautiful border pass between Italy and Switzerland, known for its distinctive series of hairpin bends, especially on the ascent from Chiavenna. It offers a scenic entry into the valley with a splendid river view and is considered one of the symbolic climbs of the area.
Are there any circular walks or loops around the mountain passes?
Yes, the region offers several circular routes. For instance, the hiking guide for Bivio includes loops like the 'Bivio Village Centre – Alp Natons loop'. Similarly, the gravel biking guide features loops such as 'Lake St. Moritz – Lake Silvaplana loop'.
Most popular routes around Bivio
Most popular attractions around Bivio
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
See even more epic mountain passes by checking out these guides around Bivio:
