Winding road of Julier Pass, Switzerland
© Westend61/Getty Image
The climb is calling. Winding road of Julier Pass, Switzerland
Some mountain roads become destinations in their own right, and Julier Pass is one of them. This Swiss mountain pass rises to 2,284 metres and has linked Alpine valleys along a route used for nearly 2,000 years. Its story began long before modern traffic. No guardrails, no pavement—just a route used by Roman travellers, merchants and messengers. Archaeological finds near the summit, including countless coins and two Roman soapstone columns, suggest there was once a sanctuary or stopping place for those tackling the climb.
The road seen in today's image was built between 1820 and 1828. From 1935 to 1940, the pass became the first Swiss alpine road to be paved with asphalt. Today, roughly 3,000 vehicles cross Julier Pass every day. In winter, drivers may need snow chains when conditions are severe. Every switchback comes with another spectacular view, making the drive as memorable as the destination. If you had the keys, would you take the scenic route?
Related Images
Wildflowers in bloom at Lost Dutchman State Park in Arizona
Lake Dobson in Mount Field National Park of Tasmania
Circular agricultural fields in Morgan County, Colorado
Blossoming cherry trees at a tea plantation in Longyan, China
Water wheel in the Tashkurgan Grassland, Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County, Xinjiang, China
Leopard snoozing in a tree in Namibia for National Nap Day
An old farm in the Shetland Islands, Scotland
For International Beaver Day a beaver swimming in Grand Teton National Park
Bing Today Images
