RoadAtlas
Swiss Alpine Passes — Switzerland — Mountain
Europe

Swiss Alpine Passes

Switzerland

In short: Swiss Alpine Passes is a 600 km mountain road trip in Switzerland, typically driven over 4–6 days, best in Jun–Oct. Highlights: Lucerne, Meiringen, Susten Pass.

Distance
600 km
Duration
4–6 days
Best Season
Jun–Oct
LegendaryModerateMountainEV-friendly

Switzerland's greatest road trip connects its most legendary Alpine passes, the Grimsel, Furka, Gotthard, and Susten, through glaciers, electric-blue lakes, and mountain villages where the only sounds are cowbells and wind.

~1 refuel
~2 charges
Practical notes
All four passes are closed from approximately November to May; exact dates vary by year and snowfall. Purchase a Swiss motorway vignette before entering and check real-time pass status via the Swiss Federal Roads Office website before each day's drive.
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Plan this trip

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Stops along the route

Lucerne — Departure — Swiss Alpine Passes — Switzerland
Departure
Lucerne
The classic Swiss gateway. Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument, and Lake Lucerne framed by Pilatus and Rigi.
Hotels
Meiringen — City — Swiss Alpine Passes — Switzerland
City
Meiringen
Famous for inventing meringue and for Reichenbach Falls above the town, where Conan Doyle killed off Sherlock Holmes.
Hotels
Andermatt — City — Swiss Alpine Passes — Switzerland
City
Andermatt
A crossroads village where four major Alpine passes converge. Old Swiss character survives alongside new resort development.
Hotels
Zermatt — Arrival — Swiss Alpine Passes — Switzerland
Arrival
Zermatt
Cars banned, electric taxis only. The Matterhorn is unreasonable in its perfection. Gornergrat railway reaches 3,089m above the glacier.
Hotels

Things to Do

Susten Pass — Nature — Swiss Alpine Passes — Switzerland
Nature
Susten Pass
At 2,224m, one of Switzerland's most dramatic passes, with a glacier viewpoint and long sweeping curves through bare rock.
Grimsel Pass — Nature — Swiss Alpine Passes — Switzerland
Nature
Grimsel Pass
At 2,165m the road cuts between two granite reservoirs. The Aletsch Glacier is visible south, the landscape more Iceland than Alps.
Furka Pass — Nature — Swiss Alpine Passes — Switzerland
Nature
Furka Pass
At 2,429m, the Aston Martin chase from Goldfinger was filmed on these switchbacks. The Rhône Glacier spills into the valley below.
Gotthard Pass — Nature — Swiss Alpine Passes — Switzerland
Nature
Gotthard Pass
The historic north-south divide of Europe at 2,106m. The cobblestone old road is summer-only; views into Ticino are the reward.
Rhone Glacier Ice Grotto — Natural Attraction — Swiss Alpine Passes — Switzerland
Natural Attraction
Rhone Glacier Ice Grotto
Explore the mesmerizing ice cave carved into the Rhone Glacier near the Furka Pass.
Trift Bridge — Hike — Swiss Alpine Passes — Switzerland
Hike
Trift Bridge
Experience the thrill of crossing one of the longest pedestrian suspension bridges in the Alps.
Matterhorn Museum — Museum — Swiss Alpine Passes — Switzerland
Museum
Matterhorn Museum
Discover the history and culture of Zermatt and the Matterhorn at this engaging museum.
Furka Cogwheel Steam Railway — Historic Train Ride — Swiss Alpine Passes — Switzerland
Historic Train Ride
Furka Cogwheel Steam Railway
Ride a historic steam train through the scenic landscapes between Realp and Oberwald.

Where to Eat

Restaurant Belvédère — Swiss — Swiss Alpine Passes — Switzerland
Swiss
Restaurant Belvédère
Enjoy traditional Swiss dishes with panoramic views of the Rhone Glacier at this historic spot.
Gasthaus Skiklub — Swiss — Swiss Alpine Passes — Switzerland
Swiss
Gasthaus Skiklub
Cozy eatery in Andermatt offering hearty Swiss meals and a warm atmosphere.
Restaurant Bahnhof — Swiss — Swiss Alpine Passes — Switzerland
Swiss
Restaurant Bahnhof
Located in Zermatt, this restaurant serves local specialties in a rustic setting.
Hotel Grimsel Hospiz Restaurant — Swiss — Swiss Alpine Passes — Switzerland
Swiss
Hotel Grimsel Hospiz Restaurant
Historic restaurant at Grimsel Pass offering gourmet Swiss cuisine with stunning mountain views.

Explore related routes

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Swiss Alpine Passes drive?

The Swiss Alpine Passes covers 600 km from start to finish.

How long does the Swiss Alpine Passes take to drive?

Most travellers spend 4–6 days on the Swiss Alpine Passes, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Swiss Alpine Passes?

The recommended season for the Swiss Alpine Passes is Jun–Oct.

Where does the Swiss Alpine Passes start and end?

The Swiss Alpine Passes runs from Lucerne to Zermatt.

What are the main stops on the Swiss Alpine Passes?

The Swiss Alpine Passes passes through Lucerne, Meiringen, Susten Pass.

Can I drive the Swiss Alpine Passes in a regular car?

Yes — the Swiss Alpine Passes is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Swiss Alpine Passes?

Plan around 1 refuels (or about 2 EV charges) along the Swiss Alpine Passes, based on its 600 km length.

Is the Swiss Alpine Passes EV friendly?

Yes — the Swiss Alpine Passes has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.

Is the Swiss Alpine Passes safe to drive?

All four passes are closed from approximately November to May; exact dates vary by year and snowfall. Purchase a Swiss motorway vignette before entering and check real-time pass status via the Swiss Federal Roads Office website before each day's drive.

What scenic tier is the Swiss Alpine Passes?

The Swiss Alpine Passes 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.