Italy (Lombardy, South Tyrol) · Switzerland (Graubünden)
Published on 14 October 2025
A one-day ride across the Alps between Lombardy and Switzerland: Lake Como at dawn, perfect bends, turquoise lakes, the Swiss National Park and the hairpins of the Stelvio and Gavia passes.
A one-day motorcycle itinerary from Lombardy that becomes legendary for anyone who rides it: Lake Como at dawn, the Acquafraggia waterfalls, the Maloja Pass hairpins, the Swiss National Park along the Ofen Pass, the medieval town of Glorenza, the 48 hairpins of the Stelvio and the descent from the Gavia Pass. A loop between Italy and Switzerland made of perfect bends, turquoise lakes and wind among the peaks: the ride you will dream of doing again.
The first stop is in Piuro, just above Chiavenna. The Acquafraggia waterfalls drop in a double cascade of more than 170 metres and were already mentioned by Leonardo da Vinci in his writings.
They impress with the power of the water and their natural setting of green woods and rock walls: on hot days they are the perfect place to cool off.
The Maloja Pass links the Val Bregaglia with the Engadine via an iconic road, famous for its hairpins snaking up from the valley. For centuries it has been a strategic route between Italy and Switzerland: the Romans already used it and in the Middle Ages it was travelled by merchants and pilgrims.
Today it is one of the Alpine roads riders love most, thanks to its flawless tarmac and views ranging from the Engadine lakes to the great peaks of the Alps.
After the lakes of Sils, Silvaplana and St. Moritz you head for Zernez and from there to the Ofen Pass, Passo del Forno in Italian. The pass crosses the wild heart of the Swiss National Park and links the Engadine with the Val Müstair through forests, deep silence and high-mountain scents.
Since ancient times it has been a vital route for trade and pilgrimage. Today it wins over riders and travellers with its winding road among the larches and untouched landscapes: at every bend nature takes centre stage, with hidden valleys, wildlife and views that stay with you.
Beyond the pass you reach Santa Maria, near the monastery of St John, a thousand-year-old gem set in unspoilt nature. Founded more than 1,200 years ago, this Benedictine complex has preserved history, art and spirituality since Carolingian times.
Every stone and fresco tells of centuries of monastic life. I recommend the guided tour: it lasts about an hour and a half and costs 12 Swiss francs.
From the monastery you continue to Glorenza, a medieval gem of South Tyrol where time seems to have stopped among perfectly preserved walls, towers, ancient gates and quiet squares.
Walking through Glorenza feels like stepping into a timeless story: the perfect break between history and nature before the big Alpine climbs.
Leaving Glorenza you head for Trafoi, the small village that opens the door to mountain scenery of rare beauty: here you get your first real views of the Ortler-Cevedale group, its glaciers sparkling in the sun.
Then the Stelvio Pass rises ahead at 2,757 metres: a legendary challenge for every rider, 48 iconic hairpins where the white of the glaciers blends with the green of Alpine meadows. Up there, between wind and sky, the joy of riding becomes an unforgettable memory.
After a break in Bormio you set off again towards the Gavia Pass, which links Valtellina with Valcamonica. The climb from Bormio is about 25 km long, with demanding gradients and tight hairpins that test anyone who loves mountain riding.
The view opens onto peaks such as the Ortler and the Adamello, with the Lago Bianco enchanting you just before the summit at 2,618 metres. The road is narrow in places and in some stretches has no guardrail: a mix of adrenaline and wonder.
After the thrill of the Gavia, the last stage is the Aprica Pass, with gentler bends for a relaxed ride back through woods and mountain views.
The Aprica is the bridge between high altitude and everyday life, the final embrace that closes this loop between Italy and Switzerland. From here the descent takes you back to Lecco, with the memory of an intense journey full of emotion, challenge and beauty.
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Insta360
360° footage up to 8K even in difficult light, FlowState stabilisation for smooth shots on the roughest roads, modes such as Pure Video and AdaptiveTone, and the invisible selfie stick for “drone-like” shots without a drone.
GPXItaly · Switzerland — Lombardy, Graubünden
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GPXItaly · Switzerland — Lombardy, Graubünden
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GPXItaly — Lombardy
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