Switzerland is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, and one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the country’s natural beauty is by hitting the road on a drive to one of its many alpine passes.
With its winding mountain roads, picturesque villages, and stunning alpine views, Switzerland offers some of the most unforgettable drives in Europe that will leave you in awe. But, which are the best drives to add to your road trip? That is what we are about to find out.
Whether you’re a driving enthusiast or simply looking to explore the country’s majestic scenery, here are some of the best scenic drives in Switzerland to add to your road trip around the stunningly beautiful landscape of this amazing country.
Before we get started, just bear in mind that driving the Alps is not for the faint-hearted and it should not be done in winter as a lot of the passes will be closed.
Table of Contents
Furka Pass
The Furka Pass is a legendary alpine road that connects the cantons of Uri, Valais, and Graubünden in the Alps of south-central Switzerland.
It is a beautiful drive that takes you through magnificent alpine landscapes, including snow-capped peaks, lush meadows, and charming mountain villages.
As you ascend the pass, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Rhône Glacier and the surrounding mountain range with its many mountain peaks.
The road of the Furka Pass is also known for its hairpin bends and steep gradients, adding an element of excitement to the drive. The Furka Pass has also gained fame as one of the filming locations for the iconic James Bond movie “Goldfinger.”
- Location: Uri, Valais, and Graubünden cantons
- Distance: Approximately 40 kilometers
- Time to Drive: Around 1 hour and 30 minutes
Simplon Pass
The Simplon Pass is a historic mountain pass that has been used for centuries as a trade route between Switzerland and Italy since the middle ages and is a scenic drive that you should certainly add to your road trip.
This drive takes you through picturesque valleys, scenic forested areas, and delightful alpine meadows filled with wildflowers (spring/summer) as you traverse the pass.
Along the way, you will also have the opportunity to marvel at stunning views of the surrounding peaks, including the towering Monte Leone.
The Simplon Pass is also renowned for its engineering marvels, such as the Simplon Tunnel, which was the longest railway tunnel in the world when it was completed in the early 20th century.
- Location: Valais and Piedmont (Italy)
- Distance: Approximately 65 kilometers
- Time to Drive: About 1 hour and 45 minutes
Grimsel Pass
The Grimsel Pass is a breathtaking mountain pass located between the Bern and Valais cantons. This drive offers a feast for the eyes, with its rugged landscapes, glacial lakes, and cascading waterfalls.
As you wind your way up the pass, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the Grimsel reservoirs and the surrounding mountain peaks, including the iconic Finsteraarhorn.
The road itself is a marvel of engineering, featuring numerous hairpin bends and steep inclines. The Grimsel Pass is also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with ample opportunities for hiking and mountaineering in the area.
- Location: Bern and Valais cantons
- Distance: Approximately 26 kilometers
- Time to Drive: Around 1 hour
Great St. Bernard Pass
The Great St. Bernard Pass is a stunning drive and a historic route that has been used since ancient times and was of significant national importance.
This mountain pass connects Switzerland with the Aosta Valley in Italy and offers spectacular mountain views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
As you drive along the pass, you’ll have the chance to admire the impressive Hospice du Grand-Saint-Bernard, a hospice that has provided shelter and aid to travelers since the 11th century.
The road is a mix of sweeping curves and straight sections, making it a delight to drive. The Great St. Bernard Pass is also famous for its St. Bernard dogs, historically bred by the hospice monks.
- Location: Valais and Aosta Valley (Italy)
- Distance: Approximately 50 kilometers
- Time to Drive: About 1 hour and 30 minutes
Gotthard Pass
The Gotthard Pass is one of Switzerland’s most iconic mountain passes, offering a spectacular drive through the heart of the Swiss Alps.
This historic route has been a crucial trade and transit route for centuries. As you drive along the pass, you’ll be surrounded by towering peaks, deep valleys, and charming alpine villages.
The road features a series of tunnels and viaducts, including the famous Gotthard Tunnel, one of the longest road tunnels in the world. The Gotthard Pass is also home to the impressive Gotthard Base Tunnel, the longest railway tunnel in the world.
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- Location: Uri and Ticino cantons
- Distance: Approximately 75 kilometers
- Time to Drive: Around 2 hours
Bernina Pass
The Bernina Pass is a drive through the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Bernina Range. This mountain pass connects the Swiss town of St. Moritz with the Italian town of Tirano.
As you ascend the pass, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks, shimmering lakes, and alpine meadows.
The famous Bernina Railway makes the drive even more special, which runs parallel to the road and offers a unique perspective of the surrounding scenery.
The Bernina Pass is also home to the Bernina Express, a panoramic train journey that is considered one of the most beautiful train rides in the world, so the drive through this iconic location must be pretty spectacular, right?!
- Location: Graubünden and Lombardy (Italy)
- Distance: Approximately 50 kilometers
- Time to Drive: About 1 hour and 30 minutes
Susten Pass
The Susten Pass is a scenic mountain pass that offers a thrilling and picturesque drive. This road takes you through stunning alpine landscapes, including rugged cliffs, deep valleys, and breathtaking waterfalls.
As you wind your way up the pass, you’ll be rewarded with magnificent views of the Susten Glacier and the surrounding peaks.
The pass road features numerous hairpin bends and offers plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the awe-inspiring scenery. The Susten Pass is also a popular destination for outdoor activities, with several hiking trails and climbing routes in the area which you can combine with your drive.
- Location: Uri and Bern cantons
- Distance: Approximately 45 kilometers
- Time to Drive: Around 1 hour and 30 minutes
Klausen Pass
The Klausen Pass is a stunning route that winds through the heart of the Swiss Alps, offering breathtaking views and a thrilling driving experience.
This mountain pass connects the cantons of Uri and Glarus and takes you past towering peaks, deep gorges, and picturesque meadows.
As you drive along the pass, you’ll marvel at the Klausen Passhöhe, a mountain pass summit offering panoramic views of the craggy mountaintops. The road is well-maintained and features a series of hairpin bends, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts.
- Location: Uri and Glarus cantons
- Distance: Approximately 46 kilometers
- Time to Drive: About 1 hour and 30 minutes
Julier Pass
The Julier Pass is a drive that offers a beautiful journey through the Graubünden canton of southeastern Switzerland. The pass road connects the towns of Thusis and Silvaplana across its rather windswept terrain.
The pass road takes you through magical alpine landscapes, including verdant valleys, crystal-clear lakes, and alpine villages.
As you ascend the pass, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Engadine Valley and the surrounding mountains.
The road is well-maintained and offers a smooth and enjoyable driving experience. The Julier Pass is also a popular destination for hiking, mountain biking, and water sports, so it is well worth stopping off and exploring the area’s beauty in other modes of transport.
- Location: Graubünden canton
- Distance: Approximately 42 kilometers
- Time to Drive: Around 1 hour
Oberalp Pass
The Oberalp Pass is a drive that takes you through some of the most picturesque landscapes in Switzerland.
This mountain pass connects the cantons of Graubünden and Uri and offers stunning views of the Alps.
As you drive along the pass road, you’ll have the chance to admire snow-capped peaks, pristine mountain lakes, alpine meadows, and lots more.
The road itself is well-maintained and features a series of switchbacks and curves, which make the drive entertaining and beautiful.
- Location: Graubünden and Uri cantons
- Distance: Approximately 60 kilometers
- Time to Drive: About 1 hour and 30 minutes
Winding Up
Embarking on a mountain pass drive in Switzerland is one of the best ways to experience the country’s natural beauty and immerse yourself in its incredible landscapes.
It is something you simply can not do with public transport and the great thing is that you can enjoy all the activities that come with the passes too.
It is pretty hard to beat driving through some of the most beautiful parts of the world only to stop off and hike to a waterfall or stroll around an alpine lake and have a quick dip.
