Stelvio Pass (Italy)

Stelvio Pass ascends to 9,045 feet via 48 numbered hairpin turns on its north side, offering the most concentrated series of switchbacks on any paved Alpine road. Built from 1820–1825 by the Austrian Empire, it was voted the world's best driving road by Top Gear, yet #1 Nürburgring Nordschleife remains a more demanding lap for pure speed. The gradients here are brutal—averaging 7.1% with sections exceeding 12%—and the turns are so tight that drivers must frequently perform three-point turns in standard cars. Open only June through October, the road delivers breathtaking views of the Ortler Alps from every corner. Its historical significance and sheer density of hairpins make it a pilgrimage for enthusiasts seeking a scenic challenge.