Breathtaking Roads Through the Alps Quiz

Answer: Italy

Located in the Italian Alps, the Stelvio Pass connects the regions of Lombardy and South Tyrol. With a length of approximately 24 kilometres (15 miles) and 48 hairpin bends, the road leading to the pass was opened in 1825 and is one of the highest paved roads in Europe, reaching an altitude of 2,757 metres (9,045 feet). The pass offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and is famous for its challenging hairpin bends. It is usually closed from late October to early June due to heavy snowfall.

The Stelvio Pass is well known for its role in cycling events such as the Giro d'Italia and is a popular destination for cyclists looking for a challenging climb. It has been featured in numerous films and television programmes.

Answer: Austria

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road traverses the Hohe Tauern National Park in Austria, linking the regions of Salzburg and Carinthia. Opened in 1935, it is approximately 48 kilometres (30 miles) long with 36 bends and winds through the heart of the Austrian Alps, offering breathtaking views of the Grossglockner, Austria's highest peak. The road is open from late April to early November, weather permitting.

As well as being a scenic drive, the Grossglockner High Alpine Road is a hub for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing and wildlife watching. There are several visitor centres and viewpoints where travellers can learn about the flora, fauna and geology of the park.

Answer: Switzerland

The Furka Pass crosses the Swiss Alps, linking the cantons of Uri and Valais. The pass road, which is about 40 kilometres (25 miles) long and has numerous hairpin bends, was opened in 1867 and reaches an elevation of 2,429 metres (7,969 feet), offering stunning views of the Rhone Glacier. The road is closed in winter due to heavy snowfall, but is usually open from late May to early November.

In addition to its scenic beauty, the Furka Pass is famous for its appearance in the James Bond film "Goldfinger", where it featured in a memorable car chase scene. Visitors can learn about the history of the pass and its role in the development of the region at the nearby Furka Pass Museum.

Answer: France

The Col du Galibier is a mountain pass in the French Alps, linking the departments of Savoie and Hautes-Alpes. The road to the pass is approximately 11.2 miles (18.1 kilometres) long and has 21 hairpin bends and was opened in 1876 and is one of the highest paved mountain passes in the French Alps, reaching an elevation of 8,678 feet (2,645 metres). The pass is usually open from June to October, depending on weather conditions.

The Col du Galibier has a rich cycling history and is a regular feature of the Tour de France. It has challenged cyclists for decades with its steep gradients and high altitude, earning it a reputation as one of the most iconic climbs in professional cycling.

Answer: Switzerland

The Susten Pass in the Swiss Alps links the cantons of Uri and Bern. A road of approximately 45 kilometres (28 miles) and 26 hairpin bends leads to the Susten Pass and reaches an elevation of 2,224 metres (7,297 feet). It was opened in 1945 and offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks. The pass is open from June to October, weather permitting.

The Susten Pass route is not only a scenic route, but also provides access to several walking trails and alpine attractions. Travellers can stop at the Sustenbrüggli Suspension Bridge, the Stein Glacier or the Susten Hospice to enjoy the natural beauty and learn about the history of the area.

Answer: Switzerland

The San Bernardino Pass crosses the Swiss-Italian border and links the cantons of Graubünden and Ticino in Switzerland. With a length of approximately 64 kilometres (40 miles) and numerous bends, the road was opened for wheeled vehicles in 1770 and reaches an altitude of 2,066 metres (6,778 feet). The pass is open all year round, although it may close temporarily in the event of heavy snowfall.

In addition to its role as an important transport route, the San Bernardino Pass route has historical significance as an ancient trade route dating back to Roman times. Travellers can explore the cultural heritage by visiting nearby villages, churches and archaeological sites.

Answer: Italy/Austria

The Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road, also known as the Timmelsjoch Pass Road, links the Ötztal Valley in Austria with the Passeier Valley in Italy. Opened in 1968, it is approximately 40 kilometres (25 miles) long, has 60 bends, reaches an elevation of 2,509 metres (8,231 feet) and offers panoramic views of the Ötztal Alps. The road is usually open from late May to early November.

The Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road is not only a scenic drive but also a cultural experience. Travellers can visit the Timmelsjoch Experience Museum to learn about the history of the pass, its geology and the lives of the people who once crossed it.

Answer: Switzerland/Italy

The Simplon Pass road crosses the Swiss-Italian border, linking the canton of Valais in Switzerland with the Piedmont region of Italy. With a length of approximately 42 kilometres (26 miles) and 34 bends, it was opened in 1805 and reaches an elevation of 2,005 metres (6,578 feet), offering scenic views of the surrounding Alps. The pass itself in in Switzerland and is open all year round, although it may close temporarily during winter storms.

The Simplon Pass has a rich history dating back to ancient times when it was used as a trade route between the Mediterranean and northern Europe. In the early 19th century, Napoleon Bonaparte ordered the construction of the Simplon Road to improve transport between France and Italy. The pass was later extended with the construction of the Simplon Tunnel, which opened in 1906 and provided a railway link between Switzerland and Italy.

Answer: Switzerland

The Flüela Pass is located in the Swiss Alps in the canton of Graubünden. With a length of approximately 26 kilometres (16 miles) and numerous hairpin bends, the pass road was opened in 1865 and reaches an elevation of 2,383 metres (7,818 feet). The Flüela Pass is open from late spring to early autumn, usually from May to November, depending on weather conditions.

The Flüela Pass has a rich history as an important trade route dating back to Roman times, when it was used to connect the Engadin Valley with other regions of Switzerland. In the 19th century, the pass became a vital transport link for the region's economy, facilitating trade and travel between different parts of the country.

Answer: Switzerland

Located in the Swiss Alps in the canton of Graubünden, the Julier Pass has been an important mountain pass for centuries, providing a strategic route through the Alps. The pass was opened in Roman times and has since played a crucial role in connecting northern and southern Switzerland.

The Julier Pass reaches an altitude of 2,284 metres and offers stunning panoramic views of the Engadine valley and surrounding mountain peaks. It has a rich history as part of the historic Via Claudia Augusta, an ancient Roman road linking Italy with the Danube region.

Today, the Julier Pass is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its scenic beauty and opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and skiing. The pass is open all year round, although it may be temporarily closed during severe winter weather conditions, particularly from late autumn to early spring.