The iconic road to Oberalp Pass in the Swiss Alps
Switzerland, europe
32 km
2,000 m
moderate
Year-round
# Oberalp Pass: A Swiss Alpine Classic
Want to experience one of Switzerland's most iconic mountain passes? The Oberalp Pass (Route 19) sits pretty at 2,048 meters (6,719 feet) on the border between Graubünden and Uri cantons, and it's absolutely worth the drive.
This fully paved 32-kilometer route stretches from Disentis to Andermatt, and here's the thing – it's way less crowded than other Alpine passes in the region. Built way back in 1862/63, this road has serious heritage. Fair warning though: you'll encounter some gnarly 10% gradients along the way, so take it easy and enjoy the ride.
Summer is prime time here. The summit becomes a lively hub where motorcyclists, road-trippers, and hikers converge to soak in the views and grab a break. It's energetic and fun, but expect company.
The landscape is quintessentially Swiss Alps – dramatic, beautiful, and utterly scenic. One quirky highlight? There's a 14-meter lighthouse perched at the summit that's actually the twin of Rotterdam's famous Hoek van Holland lighthouse. Pretty cool, right? It stands symbolically at the source of the Rhine.
One heads-up: the pass closes from late October through April (sometimes not reopening until mid-May), so plan your trip accordingly if you're visiting in winter. But during the warmer months? This is an absolute gem for anyone who loves mountain driving.
Where is it?
The iconic road to Oberalp Pass in the Swiss Alps is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 46.3663, 8.0444
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 32 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,000 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 46.3663, 8.0444
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