The challenging old road to Grimsel Pass

The challenging old road to Grimsel Pass

Switzerland, europe

Length

1.2 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

# Grimsel Pass Old Road

Want to experience a slice of Swiss alpine history? The charming Grimsel Pass Old Road winds through the stunning Bernese Alps in Switzerland's canton of Bern. This authentic cobblestone route was originally built back in the 1900s as part of the region's first road to the famous Grimsel Pass.

The short but scenic 1.2km (0.74 mile) stretch hugs the dramatic Haaggen gorge, mixing stretches of smooth pavement with rustic cobblestone sections that'll have you feeling like you've stepped back in time. Starting from a convenient parking lot, it's a bite-sized adventure that packs serious mountain character—until a modern tunnel eventually took over as the main route.

Fair warning though: this atmospheric road gets serious about winter. Deep snow makes it completely impassable from October straight through to late June, so you'll want to time your visit for the brief summer window. And when conditions do clear up, keep your wits about you—sheer drop-offs and the occasional falling rock are very real hazards up here at altitude. It's a beautiful stretch, but respect the mountains and drive carefully.

Where is it?

The challenging old road to Grimsel Pass is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 46.8241, 8.5674

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Road Details

Country
Switzerland
Continent
europe
Length
1.2 km
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
46.8241, 8.5674

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