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Susten–Grimsel–Furka Loop — Switzerland — Mountain
Europe

Susten–Grimsel–Furka Loop

Switzerland

In short: Susten–Grimsel–Furka Loop is a 120 km mountain road trip in Switzerland, typically driven over 1 day, best in Jun–Oct. Highlights: Andermatt, Furka Pass, Grimsel Pass.

Distance
120 km
Duration
1 day
Best Season
Jun–Oct
LegendaryModerateMountainEV-friendly

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.

Practical notes
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.
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Stops along the route

Andermatt — Departure — Susten–Grimsel–Furka Loop — Switzerland
Departure
Andermatt
Junction of four major Alpine passes at 1444m. Start early to catch clear light on the summits before afternoon cloud builds.
Hotels
Meiringen — City — Susten–Grimsel–Furka Loop — Switzerland
City
Meiringen
Claimed birthplace of meringue and home of Reichenbach Falls, where Conan Doyle sent Sherlock Holmes plunging to his death.
Hotels
Andermatt — Arrival — Susten–Grimsel–Furka Loop — Switzerland
Arrival
Andermatt
The loop closes back in the village. Three passes, three geological zones, 120km of the finest concentrated Alpine driving on the continent.
Hotels

Things to Do

Furka Pass — Nature — Susten–Grimsel–Furka Loop — Switzerland
Nature
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 — Landmark — Susten–Grimsel–Furka Loop — Switzerland
Landmark
Grimsel Pass
2165m. The Grimselsee and Raterichsbodensee sit black in a granite moonscape scraped bare by ice, more Icelandic than Swiss.
Susten Pass — Landmark — Susten–Grimsel–Furka Loop — Switzerland
Landmark
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.
Rhone Glacier Ice Grotto — Natural Attraction — Susten–Grimsel–Furka Loop — Switzerland
Natural Attraction
Rhone Glacier Ice Grotto
Explore a fascinating ice cave carved into the Rhône Glacier, offering a unique glimpse into glacial formations.
Gelmerbahn Funicular — Scenic Railway — Susten–Grimsel–Furka Loop — Switzerland
Scenic Railway
Gelmerbahn Funicular
Ride Europe's steepest funicular to Gelmer Lake, enjoying thrilling views of the surrounding mountains.
Grimsel Hospiz — Historic Site — Susten–Grimsel–Furka Loop — Switzerland
Historic Site
Grimsel Hospiz
Visit Switzerland's first electric hotel, perched atop Grimsel Pass, offering insights into alpine history.

Where to Eat

Hotel Restaurant Alpenrösli Grimselpass — Swiss — Susten–Grimsel–Furka Loop — Switzerland
Swiss
Hotel Restaurant Alpenrösli Grimselpass
Enjoy traditional Swiss dishes with panoramic mountain views at this cozy restaurant atop Grimsel Pass.
Hotel Grimsel Passhöhe — Swiss — Susten–Grimsel–Furka Loop — Switzerland
Swiss
Hotel Grimsel Passhöhe
Savor authentic Swiss cuisine in a historic setting overlooking the stunning Grimsel Pass.
Hotel Belvédère — Swiss — Susten–Grimsel–Furka Loop — Switzerland
Swiss
Hotel Belvédère
Dine on classic Swiss fare while taking in breathtaking views of the Rhône Glacier.

Explore related routes

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Susten–Grimsel–Furka Loop drive?

The Susten–Grimsel–Furka Loop covers 120 km from start to finish.

How long does the Susten–Grimsel–Furka Loop take to drive?

Most travellers spend 1 day on the Susten–Grimsel–Furka Loop, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Susten–Grimsel–Furka Loop?

The recommended season for the Susten–Grimsel–Furka Loop is Jun–Oct.

What are the main stops on the Susten–Grimsel–Furka Loop?

The Susten–Grimsel–Furka Loop passes through Andermatt, Furka Pass, Grimsel Pass.

Can I drive the Susten–Grimsel–Furka Loop in a regular car?

Yes — the Susten–Grimsel–Furka Loop is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

Is the Susten–Grimsel–Furka Loop EV friendly?

Yes — the Susten–Grimsel–Furka Loop has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.

Is the Susten–Grimsel–Furka Loop safe to drive?

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.

What scenic tier is the Susten–Grimsel–Furka Loop?

The Susten–Grimsel–Furka Loop is a legendary drive — The world's most extraordinary drives — once-in-a-lifetime road trips with cinematic scenery, legendary roads, and unmatched cultural depth.