San Bernardino pass

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San Bernardino Pass, at an elevation of 2.065m (6,775ft) above the sea level, is a high mountain pass in the Swiss Alps connecting the Hinterrhein and the Mesolcina (Misox) valleys between Thusis (Graubünden) and Bellinzona (Ticino).

The pass road is only open in summer, but it can be closed anytime when the access is not cleared of snow. The pass has been in use since Roman times. The route first became important as a mule track in the fifteenth century. A road for wheeled vehicles was opened in 1770; this road was significantly improved between 1821 and 1823. Traffic flow was much facilitated when in 1967, the San Bernardino road tunnel was completed, since then vehicle traffic on the pass has been reduced, benefiting those taking the time to avoid the tunnel. It’s a real challenging road and a true test of your vehicle and your stamina because the road abounds in twists and turns. The pass takes its present name from San Bernardino of Siena, who is said to have preached here in the early 15th C.

SKU: PSS-bernandino Category: Tags: ,