The Penser Joch (Passo di Pennes, 2211 m) carries the SS508 over the ridge that separates the Wipptal at Sterzing from the Sarntal leading down to Bolzano. The northern climb from Sterzing runs about 15.5 km and gains roughly 1272 m at an 8.2% average; the first 2.5 km to Elzenbaum are gentle before the road settles into a sustained 9% with little respite. Unlike most high passes it has few switchbacks, winding instead around the flank of the ridge, which makes for long straight ramps rather than serpentines. A restaurant sits at the summit, and despite some widening the road remains fairly narrow.
Penser Joch
2211 m · Italy
Also: Passo di Pennes
Closed in winter; usually open June–OctoberRoad SS 508
Open on the map →The side
| From | Length | Gain | Avg | Max | Cat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sterzing Vipiteno | 14.4 km | +1277 m | 8.9% | ≈12.5% | HC |
From Sterzing Vipiteno
Hors catégorie≈8 hairpin bendsfaces N
0–4%4–7%7–10%10–12%12%+
