First time Stelvio pass...
Discussion
Planning a little European trip for July, which already includes the B500 through the Black Forrest, and then a few of the nice passes (Grimsel, Furka, Gotthard & Nuefen) before a few nights at the lakes (Como & Garda).
When leaving lake Garda I wanna do the Stelvio pass, and looking for some recommendations on where to Stay nearby and which direction to do it.
I thought about staying in Bormio the night before and then heading up the pass towards Gomagio, as that might be easier on the brakes, but also read somewhere about doing it from Balzano down to Bormio.
Also read good things about this st. Bernardino pass, so might try and combine both, as in drive that pass on the way to stay somewhere near the start of the Stelvio, or do that afterwards.
From Stelvio we got to Stuttgart for a few days so if there's anything else on the way up that's worth it I be keen in hearing about that to.
West to East is the better direction to drive the Stelvio - as hillclimbs are generally more fun than descents especially the Stelvio where you need to brake every 10 seconds and never get out of second gear.
Bear in mind that despite its fame it's a poor driving road unless you love lots of switchback hairpins. Hopefully your car has a decent turning circle - some cars literally have to do three-point turns on some of the corners. The views at the top are spectacular though and it's worth doing once.
The B500 is another road which may disappoint, at least the northern 2/3 which is so busy that unless you hit it at dawn you simply won't enjoy it properly in a car (its fame is built on bikers). The section south of the Titisee is much less busy. If you must drive via the northern Black Forest pick the smaller roads not the B500 which is a major transport route.
Personally I'd be heading to Andermatt via the scenic Ardennes in Belgium and the N10 on the Lux/German border south to Trier (fabulous road that follows the Moselle river), cut south via the French Vosges taking in the Schlumpf Museum in Mulhouse, then to the Swiss Alps via Basel and Lucerne. Take in the southern Black Forest on your way up to Stuttgart - much better for drivers than the crowded northern part, especially in July when it will be rammed.
Bear in mind that despite its fame it's a poor driving road unless you love lots of switchback hairpins. Hopefully your car has a decent turning circle - some cars literally have to do three-point turns on some of the corners. The views at the top are spectacular though and it's worth doing once.
The B500 is another road which may disappoint, at least the northern 2/3 which is so busy that unless you hit it at dawn you simply won't enjoy it properly in a car (its fame is built on bikers). The section south of the Titisee is much less busy. If you must drive via the northern Black Forest pick the smaller roads not the B500 which is a major transport route.
Personally I'd be heading to Andermatt via the scenic Ardennes in Belgium and the N10 on the Lux/German border south to Trier (fabulous road that follows the Moselle river), cut south via the French Vosges taking in the Schlumpf Museum in Mulhouse, then to the Swiss Alps via Basel and Lucerne. Take in the southern Black Forest on your way up to Stuttgart - much better for drivers than the crowded northern part, especially in July when it will be rammed.
Plenty seems to know what he is talking about.
Yes, the Stelvio is the highest pass in the Alps (if you don't count the additional loop on La Bonette), but altitude isn't everything. Stelvio will be busy in July...
There are so many passes in the Alps and each one has a different character. One of my favourites is Lukmanier. It isn't on the main drag, there are few tourists or bikers, and it shows the contrast between the northern German alps and the southern Italian like no other.
If you have the capacity, then I would recommend a western tour on the way down via the Jura then cross country around Geneva, keeping Grenoble to the west, (D'Isoard, Galibier, Del Agnello, La Bonette, Lombarde from Isola), then head east in Italy, north of Turin via the lakes.
Central passes, Nufenen is good, maybe drive to the top of Furka and then head back via Nufanen, Gottard is very wide..very fast if you have the right car, then Oberalp, Lukmanier, San Benardino, Splugen, Julier, Albula...will bring you to the Engadine (avoid St Moritz), from which you can head to the Dolomites via the Stelvio (although Ofen pass could be better option in my opinion).
I agree, the Black Forest south of Freiburg is beautiful. Personally I would recommend a stay in Frieburg, then cut back across the Vosges and stick to rural roads in France (avoid trunk roads). Decent progress can be made across rural France, but you need a map in order to fight the sat nav, which will put you on tedious trunk roads. Either do rural roads or peage in France, that is my experience anyway.
Hope that helps...!
Yes, the Stelvio is the highest pass in the Alps (if you don't count the additional loop on La Bonette), but altitude isn't everything. Stelvio will be busy in July...
There are so many passes in the Alps and each one has a different character. One of my favourites is Lukmanier. It isn't on the main drag, there are few tourists or bikers, and it shows the contrast between the northern German alps and the southern Italian like no other.
If you have the capacity, then I would recommend a western tour on the way down via the Jura then cross country around Geneva, keeping Grenoble to the west, (D'Isoard, Galibier, Del Agnello, La Bonette, Lombarde from Isola), then head east in Italy, north of Turin via the lakes.
Central passes, Nufenen is good, maybe drive to the top of Furka and then head back via Nufanen, Gottard is very wide..very fast if you have the right car, then Oberalp, Lukmanier, San Benardino, Splugen, Julier, Albula...will bring you to the Engadine (avoid St Moritz), from which you can head to the Dolomites via the Stelvio (although Ofen pass could be better option in my opinion).
I agree, the Black Forest south of Freiburg is beautiful. Personally I would recommend a stay in Frieburg, then cut back across the Vosges and stick to rural roads in France (avoid trunk roads). Decent progress can be made across rural France, but you need a map in order to fight the sat nav, which will put you on tedious trunk roads. Either do rural roads or peage in France, that is my experience anyway.
Hope that helps...!
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