The Julierpass reaches almost 2,300 meters above sea level at its highest, which means that cars lose more than 20% of its power and handling suffers due to decreased tire pressure in the cold and high altitude. It is open year round so you are welcome to take on its dozens of serpentine turns even in the snow.
On the northern portion of the route, you will pass the Lai de Marmorera, a dammed lake used for powering trains in the region with renewable energy. Reservoirs and lakes in the middle of the Alps are common in Switzerland as over 95% of the electricity used to power its trains come fro hydropower.
Near the peak, there is a rest station that gives awesome views to the Rhein side of the watershed. When you keep travelling south and cross over the peak you’ll find yourself in the Danube watershed. At the southernmost end of the Julierpass is Silvaplana in the middle of the famous Engadine Valley, where the herbs for Ricola candy are grown.
Lai de Marmorera Albula
Difficulty: 3/5, the road is easy to drive but mechanically challenging for the car