Book presentation "Das Stilfser Joch im 20. Jahrhundert - Die Geschichte eines spektakulären Alpenpasses"

In 2025, the Stelvio Pass road will celebrate its 200th anniversary. Built in record time (1820–1825), this significant alpine pass experienced a turbulent history in the 20th century. The author recounts the early beginnings of tourism with horse-drawn carriages as well as a notable murder on the road, which made headlines across Europe and unexpectedly attracted travelers. 

The tourism and economic boom was further accelerated by the rise of motorized traffic and events such as the Coppa delle Alpi, the Stelvio Pass races, the Staffetta dello Stelvio, and numerous cycling competitions. Whether it’s summer skiing, planned but never realized tunnels, water supply issues, or spectacular snow clearing, the history of Stelvio Pass is fascinating, and the author has much to tell. 

About the Author 

Arthur Gfrei, former owner of a hotel at Stelvio Pass, is one of the foremost experts on the construction history of the Stelvio Pass road. After selling the hotel in 1997, Gfrei dedicated his life to learning everything about the history, planning, and construction of the road. He conducted research trips to the most important archives. His documentation now comprises around 12,000 pages, including 20 work folders and 27 volumes of 350 pages each of photographed documents, primarily sourced from archives in Milan, Sondrio, Innsbruck, Vienna, and various municipal archives. 

Public Book Presentation 

"Das Stilfser Joch im 20. Jahrhundert - Die Geschichte eines spektakulären Alpenpasses"

 Wednesday, 01.10.2025, 19:15 

Merano, Touriseum 

Program: 

Welcome by Leo Andergassen, Director of Touriseum 

Presentation by author Arthur Gfrei

Refreshments

The event is public and free of charge.