Lukmanier Pass, or Passo del Lucomagno, is a beautiful alpine pass between the Medel Valley in Graubünden and the Blenio Valley in Ticino. It used to be the most important north-south connection from the Swiss Alps to Italy. This role was lost to the Gotthard and Splügen Passes, which were also used for north-south travel.
The Lukmanier Pass is 1,916 meters high.
Overview: Lukmanier Pass
| Pass Height (meters above sea level) | 1,916 meters |
| North of the Pass | Disentis, Graubünden |
| South of the Pass | Biasca, Ticino |
| Length (kilometers) | 39 kilometers |
| Open | Entire year, check opening times |
Route of Lukmanier Pass
The Lukmanier Pass road starts in Disentis and goes through Medel Valley in Graubünden. After that, it passes the Lai da Sontga Maria dam before it gets to Hospezi Santa Maria.
This scenic spot has a hospice Hospezi Santa Maria, a small chapel Caplutta Hospezi Sontga Maria, views of the lake, as well as the border between Graubünden and Ticino.
The Pizzo dell’Uomo (2,663 meters) overlooks the lake Lai da Sontga Maria on the southern side.
You can reach Pizzo dell’Uomo southwest of Passo del Lucomagno. It’s possible to walk around or climb Pizzo dell’Uomo. It’s best to go up the northeast and down the northwest; the southern side’s too steep. Most visitors still try to climb to the top even though there are no trails.
The following European Watersheds run across the Lukmanier Pass:
- Rein da Medel, which is the longest source river of the Rhine
- Brenno and Ticino rivers flow into the Po River, Italy’s longest
Leaving the hospice, the pass will slowly wind through a sun-drenched valley in Ticino, Valle del Sole, or Blenio Valley.
Our Experience: Lukmanier Pass
Getting across mountain passes is always a dream for motorcycle riders and car drivers. It’s a slow and beautiful journey that takes you through the most beautiful and natural landscapes. With dense forests, wide open fields with cows grazing, and rugged mountains and rocky slabs, it is an enjoyable drive.
While Lukmanier Pass is open all year, we only got to see it in summer. Even so, it was a smooth drive with not a lot of traffic.
Lukmanier Pass is a beautiful road from Graubünden to Ticino. A scenic mountain backdrop makes it an unforgettable ride. Thankfully, unlike other passes with so many sharp hairpin bends, this one is really easy and not so curvy; it’s perfect for people who get motion sickness.
From the top, you’ve got an amazing view. Our only stop was the hospice with the chapel. Be sure to check if the restaurant is open. The place was open when we were there, but I know they’re closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
In the area, the Selvasecca nature park is also worth a visit, as are the Lai da Sontga Maria lake and the Pizzo dell’Uomo mountain.
How to Get to Lukmanier Pass
Lukmanier Pass is reachable by hiking from Acquacalda, Curaglia, Campo Blenio, or Sogn Gions. But you can also choose to come by car or bus.
How to Get to Lukmanier Pass By Car
The Lukmanier Pass is open year-round, though it closes in winter evenings. Winter car equipment is required during the winter months. Depending on the circumstances, snow chains can also be ordered for a limited time.
You can check if Lukmanier Pass is open at this site: http://www.strassen.gr.ch./sites/strassenzustand/karte.html. Typically, it is open 24 hours per day in summer, and during the day (8:00 AM to 6:00 PM) in winter. In spring, it typically opens between 7:00/9:00 PM and 11:00 AM.
How to Get to Lukmanier Pass By Bus
To get to Lukmanier Pass by bus from Disentis, you can catch the it from Disentis/Mustér, staziun/posta. The bus then goes via the following stops before reaching Lukmanier Pass:
- Curaglia, posta
- Platta, vitg
- Fuorns (Medel)
- Pardatsch
To get to Lukmanier Pass by bus from Olivone, you can catch the it from Olivone, Petullo. The bus then goes via the following stops before reaching Lukmanier Pass:
- Larescia
- Camperio (Pianezza, Ospizio, Alta, Piera, Monte di Sacco)
- Campra (Bivio, centro nordico)
- Piansecco
- Pian Segno
- Acquacalda
- Alpe Casaccia
The bus ride from Olivone is a few minutes shorter than from Disentis, but there are more bus connections from Disentis. More info on the bus schedules can be found at https://www.sbb.ch/.
Resources
- Live Road Information (Graubünden): http://www.strassen.gr.ch./sites/strassenzustand/karte.html
- Bus Schedule from Disentis: https://www.fahrplanfelder.ch/fileadmin/fap_pdf_fields/2022/90.481.pdf