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Switzerland · Central Alps · Uri · Valais · Ticino

Central Switzerland Four Passes

Four Swiss passes above 2,000 m in a compact loop from Andermatt. Furka, Grimsel, Susten, and Gotthard.

Route plate for Central Switzerland Four Passes
Elevation © NASA SRTM · Roads © OpenStreetMap contributors

Four passes, all above 2,000 m, all in central Switzerland, connected by some of the best-maintained roads in Europe. Furka, Grimsel, Susten, and Gotthard form a compact loop that crosses three cantonal borders and two language regions in a single day.

Road surfaces are immaculate throughout, the gradients are legal-speed-friendly, and the corners are wide enough to enjoy without drama. Base in Andermatt and you can reach every summit before lunch.

The route

  1. Start

    Andermatt

  2. Furka Pass

    2429 m · Switzerland

  3. Hotel Belvédère

    Iconic abandoned Belle Époque hotel at the Rhône hairpin

  4. Rhône Glacier viewpoint

    Short walk from the summit

  5. Stop

    Gletsch

    Tiny hamlet where Furka and Grimsel roads split

  6. Grimsel Pass

    2164 m · Switzerland

  7. Grimsel Hospiz

    Historic hotel above the reservoir

  8. Totensee

    Lake at the summit

  9. Gelmerbahn funicular

    Steepest open funicular in Europe

  10. Stop

    Innertkirchen

    Junction at the Bernese foot

  11. Susten Pass

    2224 m · Switzerland

  12. Steingletscher viewpoint

    Small hanging glacier above the road

  13. Stein lake

    Glacial tarn on the Bernese side

  14. Stop

    Wassen

    Descent through the Reuss valley

  15. Gotthard Tremola

    2106 m · Switzerland

  16. Gotthard Hospiz

    Medieval hospice at the summit

  17. National St. Gotthard Museum

    History of the pass

  18. Tremola cobblestones

    8 km of uneven stone on the south descent

  19. Finish

    Andermatt

Who it's for

  • Cyclists: the Swiss bucket-list day, very hard but achievable for experienced riders in good form.
  • Motorcyclists: one of the best days of riding in Europe, with pristine pavement and touring-friendly corners.
  • Drivers: as close to a proper driving holiday as the Alps offer, with no seriously technical sections.

Practical notes

  • Base: Andermatt, central to all four passes with hotel options at every price point.
  • Season: the higher passes (Furka, Susten) open in mid-June. Grimsel and Gotthard open in late May. PostBus runs daily pass buses between 20 June and 4 October 2026.
  • Fuel: Andermatt, Gletsch, Innertkirchen, and Airolo. Nothing on the passes themselves.
  • Variant: the Gotthard road tunnel is open year-round and offers a reliable fallback if weather closes the Tremola cobblestones.

Passes on this route

Central Switzerland Four Passes — quick answers

How long is the Central Switzerland Four Passes?
150 km with 4,200 metres of climbing.
How long does the Central Switzerland Four Passes take?
1–2 days. Cyclists, motorcyclists and drivers pace it differently; the route itself is designed around that timeframe.
How hard is the Central Switzerland Four Passes?
Difficulty: Hard. The rating reflects cycling effort. For motor vehicles it is a purely scenic drive.
Which passes does the Central Switzerland Four Passes include?
Furka Pass, Grimsel Pass, Susten Pass, Gotthard Tremola.
When is the best time to ride the Central Switzerland Four Passes?
Mid-June to early October. High passes carry snow into early summer; confirm opening dates close to your trip.
Is the Central Switzerland Four Passes paved?
Yes, the Central Switzerland Four Passes runs entirely on paved roads.