With their twists and turns, record heights and breathtaking vistas, mountain roads like Umling La and Pico de Veleta are steeped in history. One such route of the Lepontine Alps—Splügen Pass—is pictured here today. Located on the border of Switzerland and Italy, over 2,114-metre-high pass is one of the highest paved roads in Europe. Although its modern form was built between 1818-1823, the Splügen Pass is rich in history with links to Roman times. The pass has been much quieter since the nearby San Bernardino road tunnel opened in 1967. The now quiet pass, which has 51 marked hairpin bends, remains closed during winter. So, if spectacular mountainside views and picturesque lakes tickle your fancy, you can enjoy this ascent between June and mid-October. Has your interest in a Swiss-sational time "peaked" yet?
Splügen Pass, Switzerland
Today in History
More Desktop Wallpapers:
-
The city of Osaka at night, Japan
-
World Rivers Day
-
Wind River, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska, USA
-
Want to hang about?
-
Whats blooming so brightly?
-
The citadel in Bonifacio, Southern Corsica, France
-
An architectural masterpiece fit for a king
-
Kinder Scout, England
-
National Moth Week
-
The Painted Hills, Oregon, USA
-
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
-
Grandparents Day
-
Black History Month
-
World Otter Day
-
King of the jungle? Nope
-
Autumn equinox
-
Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington, USA
-
Discovery Day in Yukon, Canada
-
Saint Paul Winter Carnival
-
International Day for Biosphere Reserves
-
Serene waters on a trembling earth
-
Vancouver Coastal Sea wolves in the Great Bear Rainforest, Canada
-
A bevy of buzzers
-
Happy International Day of Forests!
-
West Cornwall Covered Bridge, Connecticut, USA
-
Museum Night in Berlin
-
Rainbow River, Rainbow Springs State Park, Florida, United States
-
This lake is no mirage
-
Germanys green heart
-
Notting Hill Carnival