Swiss Alpine Passes
Switzerland
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.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Lucerne
The classic Swiss gateway. Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument, and Lake Lucerne framed by Pilatus and Rigi.
- Meiringen
Famous for inventing meringue and for Reichenbach Falls above the town, where Conan Doyle killed off Sherlock Holmes.
- 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
At 2,165m the road cuts between two granite reservoirs. The Aletsch Glacier is visible south, the landscape more Iceland than Alps.
- Furka Pass
At 2,429m, the Aston Martin chase from Goldfinger was filmed on these switchbacks. The Rhône Glacier spills into the valley below.
- Andermatt
A crossroads village where four major Alpine passes converge. Old Swiss character survives alongside new resort development.
- 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.
- Zermatt
Cars banned, electric taxis only. The Matterhorn is unreasonable in its perfection. Gornergrat railway reaches 3,089m above the glacier.
Where to Eat
- Restaurant BelvédèreSwiss
Enjoy traditional Swiss dishes with panoramic views of the Rhone Glacier at this historic spot.
- Gasthaus SkiklubSwiss
Cozy eatery in Andermatt offering hearty Swiss meals and a warm atmosphere.
- Restaurant BahnhofSwiss
Located in Zermatt, this restaurant serves local specialties in a rustic setting.
- Hotel Grimsel Hospiz RestaurantSwiss
Historic restaurant at Grimsel Pass offering gourmet Swiss cuisine with stunning mountain views.
Things to Do
- Rhone Glacier Ice GrottoNatural Attraction
Explore the mesmerizing ice cave carved into the Rhone Glacier near the Furka Pass.
- Trift BridgeHike
Experience the thrill of crossing one of the longest pedestrian suspension bridges in the Alps.
- Matterhorn MuseumMuseum
Discover the history and culture of Zermatt and the Matterhorn at this engaging museum.
- Furka Cogwheel Steam RailwayHistoric Train Ride
Ride a historic steam train through the scenic landscapes between Realp and Oberwald.
Travel advisory
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.