Today's route (click the map)
Hotel → mountain pass → viewpoint → today's hotel.
- Distance: approx. 160 km
- Pure driving time: approx. 3 h 30 min
- Recommended departure: 08:00
From Zell am See in Austria to Chur in Switzerland via some of Europe's finest mountain roads
A complete driving plan for a Porsche road trip through the Alps
🇦🇹
🇮🇹
🇨đź‡
This website is designed as a practical guide for a five-day Porsche road trip through the Alps, from Zell am See in Austria to Chur in Switzerland. It contains planned driving routes, maps, hotels, mountain passes, driving distances and useful links for each day.
Participants will meet in Zell am See at an agreed time. Travel to Zell am See is planned and organised individually. Each participant can choose the route that suits them best, for example via the Kiel ferry, Larvik–Hirtshals, Kristiansand–Hirtshals or Oslo–Copenhagen.
Any overnight stays on the way to Zell am See must be booked and organised individually. The same applies to the journey home from Chur and any overnight stops on the return trip.
From Zell am See, five shared driving days follow through Austria, Italy and Switzerland. The route crosses some of Europe's finest mountain roads and ends in Chur. This website therefore focuses mainly on the five shared days in the Alps.
The trip is intended as a small, private friends' road trip with a maximum of 5–6 cars in total. Porsche enthusiasts who think this sounds interesting can register their interest below. Ferries and hotels should still be booked well in advance.
If this sounds interesting, please use the registration form below. This keeps all expressions of interest in one place.
The guide can be used both during planning and while travelling. Each driving day has its own section with the day's stage, maps, navigation links, hotel, planned stops and practical advice.
Alpine Trip 2027
Register interest in a small Porsche friends' road trip
The plan is a small and informal friends' road trip through the Alps with a maximum of 5–6 cars in total.
Private friends' trip:
This is not a commercially organised tour or event.
We are a small group of Porsche enthusiasts planning and driving the trip together.
Each participant is responsible for their own car, driving, insurance, hotel bookings,
meals, ferries, tolls, other costs and personal travel decisions.
The preliminary plan is to meet in Zell am See on Sunday 5 September 2027, with the first shared driving day on Monday 6 September. The dates are provisional.
- Group size: Maximum 5–6 cars in total
- Type of trip: Private and informal friends' road trip
- Preliminary meeting: Zell am See, Sunday 5 September 2027
- Preliminary first driving day: Monday 6 September 2027
- Participants: Solo travellers and couples are welcome
Registration is non-binding and is only intended to collect interest and make further planning easier. Once the group is becoming settled, WhatsApp can be used for practical communication between those who actually plan to join.
About the trip and the driver
My name is Ian Braastad and I am a member of Porsche Club Norway, Vestre Viken – Asker and Bærum chapter.
The Porsche road trip is planned to combine enjoyable driving stages, famous mountain passes, spectacular scenery and comfortable overnight stays with secure parking.
This trip is a tribute to the Porsche 996 Turbo and to world-class driving experiences. The aim is to enjoy some of the finest roads in the Alps, share memorable experiences with fellow Porsche enthusiasts and make the most of five rewarding driving days from Zell am See to Chur.
Welcome to a Porsche road trip through the Alps!
Ian Braastad
The car
The trip will be driven in a 2001 Porsche 996 Turbo with a manual gearbox and all-wheel drive.
- Model: Porsche 911 Turbo, 996
- Model year: 2001
- Colour: Basalt Black metallic
- Engine: 3.6-litre twin-turbo flat-six
- Gearbox: 6-speed manual
- Drive: All-wheel drive
The car is well suited to a trip combining long transport stages with fast, winding and demanding mountain roads.
The complete route
The map shows the five driving stages from Zell am See to Chur. The elevation profiles show the distance, ascent, descent and principal mountain passes for each day.
Itinerary
Select a day to go directly to the route, hotel and practical information for that stage.
Once everyone has met in Zell am See for the first driving day, agreed the practical details and checked that hotel bookings and everything else are in place, we set off. We will need to agree procedures, the day's lead driver, stops and communications. Maps and routes for each day will continue to be refined and made available in Google Maps, Mapy.com and as GPX files.
Day 1
First day on Alpine mountain roads: Zell am See → Grossglockner → Franz-Josefs-Höhe → Kals
Approx. 140 km · Approx. 2 h 34 min
This is the first pure Alpine driving day, heading south from Zell am See over the Grossglockner High Alpine Road.
View key figures, detailed map and elevation information for Day 1
140.3 kmDistance
2 h 34 minDriving time
3,430 mTotal ascent
2,891 mTotal descent
2,510 mHighest point
660 mLowest point
The stage starts at Hotel Berner in Zell am See and heads south over the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, including the detour to Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe.
The route then continues via Heiligenblut, Großkirchheim, Mörtschach, Winklern and Huben to Gasthof Ködnitzhof in Kals am Großglockner.
Although pure driving time is under three hours, this should be treated as a full-day stage with plenty of time for viewpoints, photography, breaks and changing weather conditions.
Photos from today's route
Planned hotel
- Hotel: Gasthof Ködnitzhof
- Address: Ködnitz 16, 9981 Kals am Großglockner, Austria
Day 2
Mountain passes and panoramic roads: Kals → Staller Sattel → Tre Cime → Giau → Fedaia → Sella Pass → Selva
Approx. 217 km · Approx. 5 h 12 min
This will be a full and varied driving day through East Tyrol and the Dolomites, featuring several of the trip's best-known passes and panoramic roads. From Kals the route crosses Staller Sattel, where traffic is controlled in one direction at a time, before entering Italy and heading towards the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
From there, the route takes in the excellent bends of Passo di Giau, views towards Marmolada at Fedaia and a spectacular finish over Sella Pass to Selva di Val Gardena. Start early and allow the whole day for viewpoints, photography and short stops.
View key figures, detailed map and elevation information for Day 2
217 kmDistance
5 h 01 minDriving time
5,720 mTotal ascent
5,479 mTotal descent
2,370 mHighest mountain pass
813 mLowest point
The stage starts at Gasthof Ködnitzhof in Kals am Großglockner and first crosses Staller Sattel at 2,052 m. Parts of the mountain road are narrow and use timed one-way traffic.
The route then continues to Tre Cime di Lavaredo and over Forcella di Giau at 2,370 m. It passes Lake Fedaia beneath Marmolada and crosses Sella Pass at 2,218 m before finishing in SĂ«lva di Val Gardena.
Pure driving time is about five hours, but the stage should be treated as a full day of at least eight to ten hours. Allow plenty of time for traffic control at Staller Sattel, access and parking at Tre Cime, viewpoints, photography, meals and changing weather.
Photos from today's route
Today's route (click the map)
Kals → Staller Sattel → Tre Cime → Passo di Giau → Fedaia → Sella Pass → Selva.
- Distance: approx. 217 km
- Pure driving time: approx. 5 h 12 min
- Recommended departure: 08:00
Planned hotel
The hotel is centrally located in Selva di Val Gardena at the end of the day's mountain stage.
- Hotel: Hotel Flora
- Location: Selva di Val Gardena, Italy
- Address: Str. Meisules 127, 39048 Selva di Val Gardena, Italy
Day 3
A major Alpine stage: Selva → Mendel Pass → Tonale Pass → Gavia Pass → Bormio
Approx. 195 km · Approx. 3 h 50 min
This is one of the trip's most important and varied driving stages, running from the Dolomites to Bormio in Lombardy. From Selva the route heads west towards Bolzano and climbs the excellent hairpins to Mendel Pass before continuing through the mountains towards Tonale Pass.
The highlight of the day is Gavia Pass, known for its narrow road, steep mountainsides and dramatic high-Alpine scenery. Drive carefully and be prepared for oncoming traffic on the narrowest sections. After descending from Gavia, the day ends in the historic mountain town of Bormio.
View key figures, detailed map and elevation information for Day 3
192.3 kmDistance
3 h 51 minDriving time
3,824 mTotal ascent
4,164 mTotal descent
2,610 mHighest point
250 mLowest point
The stage starts at Hotel Flora in Selva di Val Gardena and heads west through the Dolomites towards Bolzano. After descending to the day's lowest point, the route climbs the hairpins towards Mendel Pass.
The route continues west to Tonale Pass at around 1,880 m and then on to Gavia Pass, whose narrow roads and dramatic high-mountain landscape form the highlight of the day at around 2,610 m.
After Gavia there is a long and demanding descent to Bormio, where the stage ends at Albergo Silene. Although the pure driving time is under four hours, allow plenty of time for viewpoints, photography, breaks and careful driving on the narrowest sections.
Photos from today's route
Today's route (click the map)
Selva → Mendel Pass → Tonale Pass → Gavia Pass → Bormio.
- Distance: approx. 195 km
- Pure driving time: approx. 4 h 11 min
- Departure: 08:00
Planned hotel
The hotel is centrally located in Bormio and provides a good starting point for Stelvio Pass the following morning.
- Hotel: Albergo Silene
- Location: Bormio, Italy
- Address: Via Roma 121, 23032 Bormio SO, Italy
Practical information
- Check fuel level before entering the mountain roads.
- Check weather and road status.
- Allow plenty of time for breaks and photo stops.
Day 4
Classic Alpine roads: Bormio → Stelvio → Franzenshöhe → Bormio → Tirano → Bernina → Samedan
Approx. 150 km · Approx. 2 h 50 min
This day is devoted to some of the most famous mountain roads in the Alps. From Bormio the route climbs to Stelvio Pass and continues down the iconic hairpins towards Prato allo Stelvio. The route then returns via the Stelvio area before heading south through Bormio to Tirano.
From Tirano the road climbs back into Switzerland and over Bernina Pass, with views of Lago Bianco, glaciers and the Bernina massif. The day ends in Samedan. Allow plenty of time for photography, breaks and possible traffic around Stelvio – this is a day to enjoy rather than rush.
View key figures, detailed map and elevation information for Day 4
149.2 kmDistance
2 h 46 minDriving time
4,064 mTotal ascent
3,542 mTotal descent
2,760 mHighest point
430 mLowest point
The stage starts at Albergo Silene in Bormio and climbs the western side of Stelvio Pass. After the summit at around 2,758 m, the route continues down the spectacular eastern side to Berghotel Franzenshöhe.
Franzenshöhe is the turning point. After a break, the route heads back over Stelvio Pass and descends to Bormio. From there it continues south to Tirano before climbing again into the high-Alpine landscape via Poschiavo and Bernina Pass.
The day ends at Hotel Terminus in Samedan. Although pure driving time is under three hours, allow approximately five to six hours including stops on Stelvio, a break at Franzenshöhe, photography, traffic and changing weather.
Photos from today's route
Today's route (click the map)
Bormio → Stelvio → Prato allo Stelvio → Umbrail → Bormio → Tirano → Bernina → Samedan.
- Distance: approx. 177 km
- Pure driving time: approx. 3 h 38 min
- Departure: 08:00
Planned hotel
The hotel is in Samedan, close to Pontresina and the start of the next day's mountain stage.
- Hotel: Hotel Terminus
- Location: Samedan, Switzerland
- Address: Via Retica 24, 7503 Samedan, Switzerland
Day 5
Final day in the Alps: Samedan → Flüela → Davos → Albula → Maloja → Splügen → Viamala → Chur
Approx. 280 km · Approx. 4 h 20 min
The final day in the Alps is a long and varied stage through some of Switzerland's most beautiful mountain regions. From Samedan the route heads north over FlĂĽela Pass and towards Davos before turning south again across Albula Pass and Maloja.
From there the route continues via Chiavenna and the impressive hairpins of SplĂĽgen Pass back into Switzerland. A stop at the dramatic Viamala Gorge provides a fitting finale before the road continues north to Chur. Start early and allow extra time for stops, photography and changing conditions.
View key figures, detailed map and elevation information for Day 5
278.2 kmDistance
4 h 18 minDriving time
4,561 mTotal ascent
5,704 mTotal descent
2,383 mHighest point
324 mLowest point
The final Alpine stage starts at Hotel Terminus in Samedan. The route first heads north to FlĂĽela Pass at 2,383 m and continues towards Davos before turning south again towards Albula Pass at 2,312 m.
From Albula the route continues through the Engadin and over Maloja Pass. After the long descent towards Chiavenna, another major climb begins to SplĂĽgen Pass at 2,113 m before the route returns to Switzerland.
The final section passes through the dramatic Viamala Gorge and continues north to ibis Chur. With several mountain passes, large elevation changes and many natural stopping points, this should be planned as a full day of approximately eight to ten hours.
Photos from today's route
Today's route (click the map)
Samedan → Albula → Flüela → Maloja → Splügen → Viamala → Chur.
- Distance: approx. 252 km
- Driving time: approx. 4 h 35 min
Planned hotel
The hotel is conveniently located for the transport stage north the following day.
- Hotel: ibis Chur
- Location: Chur, Switzerland
- Address: Richtstrasse 19, 7000 Chur, Switzerland
Optional Day 6
Six classic Swiss mountain passes: Chur → Oberalp → Furka → Grimsel → Susten → Klausen → Glarus
Approx. 294 km · Approx. 3 h 56 min
Optional extra drive after arrival in Chur
Participants who would like one more driving day can extend the trip with a spectacular route through central Switzerland. From Chur the route crosses Oberalp Pass, Furka Pass, Grimsel Pass and Susten Pass before continuing via Altdorf and Klausen Pass to Glarus.
This is a long and demanding high-mountain stage with six well-known passes, large elevation changes and some of Switzerland's finest Alpine scenery. The route combines open high mountain landscapes, glaciers, reservoirs, hairpins, tunnels and deep Alpine valleys.
The calculated driving time is around four hours without stops, but the route should be treated as a full driving day. Allow plenty of time for breaks, photography, traffic and changing weather.
The optional stage finishes in Glarus. Participants must therefore organise their own overnight stay in the area and onward journey home. The route should only be driven if all the mountain passes are open and weather conditions are suitable.
293.6 kmDistance
3 h 56 minDriving time
6,370 mTotal ascent
6,481 mTotal descent
2,429 mHighest point
Oberalp Pass
The first major climb from Chur, through GraubĂĽnden and west towards Andermatt.
2,044 mFurka Pass
One of Switzerland's most famous mountain passes and the highest point of the optional stage.
2,429 mGrimsel Pass
A dramatic high-mountain road surrounded by mountains, reservoirs and rugged scenery.
2,164 mSusten Pass
A superb mountain road with long bends, tunnels and views towards glaciers and Alpine valleys.
2,224 mAltdorf
A natural stop in the valley before the final major climb over Klausen Pass.
Approx. 455 mKlausen Pass
The final mountain pass of the day, with narrow sections, large elevation changes and excellent views on the way to Glarus.
1,948 m
Important before departure
- Check that all mountain passes are open.
- Check the weather, temperature, fog and any risk of snow.
- Start early and allow the whole day for the stage.
- Fill up before the longest mountain sections.
- Allow extra time for breaks, photography and traffic.
- Plan an overnight stay in or around Glarus in advance.
- Have an alternative route available in case one or more passes are closed.
Budget
Estimated budget for the trip
Approx. 1,000 km · 5 days
Budget estimate
- Ferry: Not included
- Hotels: approx. 5 Ă— NOK 3,000 = NOK 15,000 in the Alps
- Fuel: approx. 1,000 km = NOK 3,000 in the Alps
- Meals: approx. 5 Ă— NOK 1,000 = NOK 5,000 in the Alps
- Tolls and road charges: approx. NOK 3,000
- Spending money: approx. NOK 2,000
- Miscellaneous: approx. NOK 3,000
- Total: approx. NOK 31,000 – roughly the cost of a moderate package holiday
Dates in 2027
Suggested timing for the trip in 2027
September 2027
In my view, the best time for the trip is the first half of September 2027. Most mountain passes are normally still open, while traffic and tourist numbers are often lower than in July and August.
A good plan would be to meet in Zell am See on Sunday evening and start the Alpine tour on Monday morning. This places the most popular mountain sections on weekdays, when there is generally less traffic on Grossglockner, in the Dolomites and over Stelvio.
Recommended periods
Option 1: Sunday 5 September to Friday 10 September 2027
Option 2: Sunday 12 September to Friday 17 September 2027
Why September?
- Normally less traffic than in July and August
- Often lower hotel prices than in peak season
- Usually good driving conditions and clear early-autumn air
- The main mountain passes are generally still open
- Better opportunities for parking and quieter stops
Weather and driving conditions
Weather in the Alps can vary considerably, even within the same day. Temperatures can be mild in the valleys while conditions are cold, windy and wet on the highest passes. Temperatures drop quickly with altitude, and some mornings may be only a few degrees above freezing on Grossglockner, Gavia, Stelvio and the Swiss passes.
September often brings clear days, good visibility and less heat than midsummer. At the same time, the days become shorter and the risk of heavy rain, fog and early snow increases as the month progresses. Driving days should therefore start early and the final route should be adapted to the forecast and pass conditions.
Warm clothing and rain gear are recommended even if the weather looks good at departure. In snow, ice, dense fog or heavy rain, demanding mountain passes should be avoided and a lower-level alternative route used instead.
Hotels should preferably be booked with free cancellation. This provides flexibility if weather or road conditions make it necessary to adjust individual stages.
Downloads
Download GPX files and trip material
GPX
Here you can download the GPX files for the Alpine trip and choose an individual driving day. The files can be used in compatible navigation apps and GPS devices.
Always check the route in your navigation software before departure. Roads, mountain passes and driving conditions can change, and some passes may be temporarily closed.
Day 1
Zell am See → Grossglockner → Kals
Download GPXDay 2
Kals → Dolomites → Selva
Download GPXDay 3
Selva → Mendel → Tonale → Gavia → Bormio
Download GPXDay 4
Bormio → Stelvio → Bernina → Samedan
Download GPXDay 5
Samedan → Albula → Flüela → Maloja → Splügen → Chur
Download GPX
Insurance
Insurance, roadside assistance and travel insurance
September 2027
With If comprehensive insurance and membership of AMCAR and Porsche Club Norway, I already have a good starting point. Before departure, however, I should confirm exactly what the insurance covers if the car is damaged or breaks down abroad.
1. Points to clarify with If
If states that roadside assistance is included with comprehensive insurance and applies throughout Europe. The car insurance normally applies in the countries on the route, but the individual policy and any optional cover should be checked before departure.
- Will the car be transported to the nearest workshop, nearest Porsche workshop or back to Norway?
- What happens if the car cannot be repaired within two or three days?
- Are hotel costs, onward travel or travel home covered while the car is at a workshop?
- Does the policy include a rental car, and for how long?
- Can a rental car be driven between the countries on the route?
- Are tyres, wheels, front spoiler and underbody damage covered?
- What are the deductibles for roadside assistance, glass damage, collision, theft and vandalism?
- Is the insured value correct for a Porsche 996 Turbo?
- Are modifications, upgrades and expensive optional equipment registered?
- Can the car be repaired at an authorised Porsche workshop if specialist expertise is required?
Rental-car cover may be an optional part of If comprehensive insurance, so this should be confirmed in the individual insurance certificate.
2. Green Card
The Green Card documents that the car has valid third-party liability insurance. It is normally not required when crossing borders within the EEA and Switzerland, but it can make documentation easier after a traffic accident.
The Green Card should be downloaded from If's customer pages, printed and kept with the other vehicle documents.
3. AMCAR Roadside Assistance
AMCAR states that members have roadside assistance without a deductible for vehicles they own or privately lease. For normal everyday vehicles, transport normally applies to the nearest workshop.
Home transport is described particularly for veteran and enthusiast-insured vehicles that cannot be repaired locally. It should therefore be clarified how my Porsche is classified:
- Normal everyday car
- Hobby car
- Enthusiast car
I should also obtain confirmation that AMCAR can arrange transport back to Norway when the vehicle insurance itself is with If.
In the event of a breakdown or accident, I should choose one assistance provider and follow its instructions. Recovery or long-distance transport should not be ordered privately before If or AMCAR has approved the solution.
4. Porsche Club Norway
Membership of Porsche Club Norway is useful for experience, contacts and recommendations regarding Porsche workshops. I should not, however, treat membership as a separate insurance or roadside assistance arrangement without explicit confirmation from the club.
Before departure it may be useful to prepare a list of recommended Porsche workshops in or near:
- Bolzano and the Dolomites
- Bormio and northern Italy
- Engadin, Pontresina and Chur
- Southern Germany
5. Travel insurance
The car's comprehensive insurance covers the vehicle, but not necessarily every consequence for driver and passengers. Everyone taking part should therefore have valid annual travel insurance covering Europe.
Travel insurance should cover:
- Acute illness and accidents
- Medical treatment
- Ambulance and necessary rescue
- Pre-approved repatriation
- Interrupted travel and additional accommodation
- Luggage and personal belongings
- Theft from the car
- Deductible for damage to a rental car
It is particularly important to check the limits for luggage stored in the car. Cameras, phones, computers, watches and other valuables may have separate value limits and storage requirements.
6. European Health Insurance Card
All participants should carry a valid physical European Health Insurance Card. It applies in, among other countries, Denmark, Germany, Austria, Italy and Switzerland.
The card gives access to necessary treatment in the public healthcare system on the same terms as residents of the country. It does not necessarily cover all patient charges, private treatment or repatriation. Travel insurance is therefore still necessary.
7. Documents to carry in the car
Documents should be carried both on paper and as digital copies. Digital copies can be stored securely on a phone or in cloud storage.
- Driving licence
- Passport or national ID card
- Original vehicle registration certificate
- Insurance certificate
- Green Card
- European Accident Statement
- AMCAR membership number
- Contact details for If and AMCAR
- List of relevant Porsche workshops
- Documentation for expensive optional equipment and modifications
Before departure, the car should be photographed from all sides. The photos may provide useful documentation in the event of parking damage, vandalism or other damage during the trip.
This information is a practical checklist and does not replace the terms of the individual insurance policy. Current cover must be confirmed by the insurer before departure.