St. Luzisteig Pass

St. Luzisteig Pass is a mountain pass in the Alps between the canton of Graubünden in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The area contains the St. Luzisteig Fortress, a country inn, and a church (Steigkirche (St. Luzisteig)).

It connects Maienfeld in Graubünden and Balzers in Liechtenstein. The pass was economically and strategically important, as it was the only route between Graubünden and Vorarlberg (and thus also Southern Germany) until the opening of the Chur–Rorschach railway line in 1858. It played an important role during the Swabian War (1499), the Thirty Years' War (1618–1648), and the Coalition Wars (1792–1809). Near the pass are fortifications (St. Luzisteig Fortress) that were partially destroyed several times: in 1499, 1620–1622, and 1799 (by General André Masséna). They were rebuilt in 1622, but most of their current form was constructed between 1850 and 1860. The fortress has a caserne (barracks) and canteens. Since 1834, a Swiss Army training area has existed in the pass.

The pass road has a maximum grade of 12 percent.