Grimsel Pass
Switzerland, europe
38 km
2,164 m
moderate
June to October
# Grimsel Pass: Where Alpine Drama Meets Turquoise Waters
Want to experience some of Switzerland's most otherworldly scenery? The Grimsel Pass is your answer. Sitting at 2,164 meters, this 38-kilometer route connects the Hasli Valley in the Bernese Oberland with the upper Rhone Valley down in Valais—basically bridging the German-speaking and French-speaking sides of the country, a role it's been pulling off since the Middle Ages.
What makes Grimsel genuinely special is how different it feels from your typical Alpine pass. Forget lush meadows—instead, you're treated to a stark, almost alien landscape of smooth granite slabs (thank ancient glaciers for that polishing job) and virtually zero vegetation at the higher elevations. The whole vibe is moody and dramatic, like you've landed on another planet.
The showstopper? Those impossibly turquoise reservoirs. The Grimselsee and Raterichsbodensee are held back by massive concrete dams and look absolutely stunning against the grey granite. It's the kind of contrast that makes your camera work overtime.
There's also serious history here—the Grimsel Hospiz has been welcoming travelers at the summit for centuries, and the road itself is part of a legendary Swiss loop. Combine Grimsel with the Susten and Furka passes, and you've got what many consider the best day's drive in all of Switzerland. Whether that's true or not, this route definitely deserves a spot on your bucket list.
Where is it?
Grimsel Pass is located in Bernese Oberland / Valais, Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 46.5718, 8.3382
Driving Tips
# Road Trip Tips for Swiss Alpine Driving
The season runs from June through October, so plan your visit during those months when everything's accessible and open.
While you're out here, definitely pull over at the reservoir viewpoints—they're seriously gorgeous and worth taking a few minutes to check out.
If you really want to make a day of it, string together the Susten and Furka passes with this route. You'll get an incredible alpine driving loop that hits all the best stuff. It's the kind of drive you'll be thinking about for a while.
One heads up: weekends get pretty busy with motorcycle riders who love these roads. Just stay alert and give them space. They're usually having fun but moving fast, so a little extra caution goes a long way.
Road Surface
Paved asphalt
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Region
- Bernese Oberland / Valais
- Length
- 38 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,164 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Surface
- Paved asphalt
- Best Season
- June to October
- Coordinates
- 46.5718, 8.3382
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