Trafoi
By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 26 November 2023
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The village of Trafoi is situated within the Province of South Tyrol, at an elevation of 1,570 metres above sea level. It's located 91 kilometres west of Bolzano, the provincial capital of South Tyrol, and has a population of around 120 inhabitants.
Nearby places of interest include the Stelvio National Park, Prato allo Stelvio and Glorenza. |
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From Trafoi to the Stelvio Pass
If heading south from Glorenza, Trafoi is one of the final villages you pass before you start the incredible ascent up the Passo allo Stelvio, the precipitous climb to the heights of the Stelvio National Park.
Although it may sound over-cautious, it's worth making sure everything is in working order in your vehicle (or yourself if cycling!) before embarking on this ascent. There are almost 50 hairpin turns (48 to be exact) on the slopes of the pass and the mountain road is quite narrow in places. There's never a good place to break down but this is really one of the worst, so a quick pit-stop in Trafoi is usually a good idea.
When you reach the top of the Stelvio Pass, the views are quite spectacular and it's really a must to just stop and take it all in once you get there. You'll find a mixture of cyclists, bikers and regular tourists congregating at the summit (2,757 metres above sea level) and some outlets where you can get refreshments.
Although it may sound over-cautious, it's worth making sure everything is in working order in your vehicle (or yourself if cycling!) before embarking on this ascent. There are almost 50 hairpin turns (48 to be exact) on the slopes of the pass and the mountain road is quite narrow in places. There's never a good place to break down but this is really one of the worst, so a quick pit-stop in Trafoi is usually a good idea.
When you reach the top of the Stelvio Pass, the views are quite spectacular and it's really a must to just stop and take it all in once you get there. You'll find a mixture of cyclists, bikers and regular tourists congregating at the summit (2,757 metres above sea level) and some outlets where you can get refreshments.
The scenic side of the Pass
In my opinion, the Trentino Alto-Adige South Tyrol side (to the east), offers the slightly more memorable scenery but it's still a beautiful drive once you cross into Lombardy and make your descent towards the ski resort of Bormio.
The Stelvio Pass is only open in the warmer months of the year by the way, and even on dates when it should officially be open (usually between late May and September), it's always a good idea to check the latest news as it can be closed at any time if the weather conditions on the Alpine slopes become dangerous.
If you need to stop overnight in Trafoi there's a handful of accommodation options to choose from, and one of those, the Hotel Madatsch, comes highly recommended.
The Stelvio Pass is only open in the warmer months of the year by the way, and even on dates when it should officially be open (usually between late May and September), it's always a good idea to check the latest news as it can be closed at any time if the weather conditions on the Alpine slopes become dangerous.
If you need to stop overnight in Trafoi there's a handful of accommodation options to choose from, and one of those, the Hotel Madatsch, comes highly recommended.
Trafoi - frazione di Stelvio
Province: Bolzano
Region: Trentino Alto Adige South Tyrol Comune: Stelvio Elevation: 1,570 metres Close by: Stelvio National Park, Prato allo Stelvio, Glorenza Recommended accommodation: Hotel Madatsch |