Susten–Grimsel–Furka Loop
Switzerland
The most concentrated Alpine pass loop on Earth, three legendary roads in a single circuit. The Susten crosses a granite wilderness, the Grimsel skirts black glacial reservoirs, and the Furka passes the Rhône Glacier, where Bond once drove an Aston Martin.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Andermatt
Junction of four major Alpine passes at 1444m. Start early to catch clear light on the summits before afternoon cloud builds.
- Furka Pass
2429m. The Rhone Glacier spills below the road; Bond chased a car across these hairpins in Goldfinger. The Hotel Belvedere faces the ice.
- Grimsel Pass
2165m. The Grimselsee and Raterichsbodensee sit black in a granite moonscape scraped bare by ice, more Icelandic than Swiss.
- Meiringen
Claimed birthplace of meringue and home of Reichenbach Falls, where Conan Doyle sent Sherlock Holmes plunging to his death.
- Susten Pass
2224m, the youngest of the three passes, opened 1945. Clear sections reveal the Stein Glacier at its most photogenic before the tunnel descent.
- Andermatt
The loop closes back in the village. Three passes, three geological zones, 120km of the finest concentrated Alpine driving on the continent.
Where to Eat
- Hotel Restaurant Alpenrösli GrimselpassSwiss
Enjoy traditional Swiss dishes with panoramic mountain views at this cozy restaurant atop Grimsel Pass.
- Hotel Grimsel PasshöheSwiss
Savor authentic Swiss cuisine in a historic setting overlooking the stunning Grimsel Pass.
- Hotel BelvédèreSwiss
Dine on classic Swiss fare while taking in breathtaking views of the Rhône Glacier.
Things to Do
- Rhone Glacier Ice GrottoNatural Attraction
Explore a fascinating ice cave carved into the Rhône Glacier, offering a unique glimpse into glacial formations.
- Gelmerbahn FunicularScenic Railway
Ride Europe's steepest funicular to Gelmer Lake, enjoying thrilling views of the surrounding mountains.
- Grimsel HospizHistoric Site
Visit Switzerland's first electric hotel, perched atop Grimsel Pass, offering insights into alpine history.
Travel advisory
All three passes are closed in winter, typically from October to late May, and exact opening dates vary each year; check the Swiss Federal Roads Office before travelling. The Furka in particular has long exposed sections where afternoon ice can form, and the loop is best driven anticlockwise to keep the outer edge away from sheer drops.