Europe · Central Switzerland
Five verified stages across Furka, Grimsel, Susten, Gotthard and Klausen.
215 miles · 4-5 Days · 5 rally points
The route
This verified circuit begins in Lucerne and links Furka, Grimsel, Susten and Gotthard passes before returning by Altdorf and Klausen Pass. Each named pass is represented in the exact road geometry.
High passes are seasonal and can close for snow, ice, rockfall or maintenance. Tunnels and alternatives do not guarantee the scenic road is open.
June to September is the normal touring window. Check Switzerland Tourism pass information and ASTRA notices immediately before every stage.
“The great Swiss passes reward precision, early starts and respect for the weather.”
This complete edition includes the practical tools, considered places and editorial context listed below.
Buy this Drive Pack · $39The complete route, every rally point and sequential navigation links ready to open in Google Maps.
A day-by-day sequence with distances, driving time and the stops that shape the journey.
Surface notes, corner character, suggested departure windows and the stretches that demand attention.
A premium PDF edition of the complete Drive Pack, designed for print and reliable offline use.
Interactive and printable checks for the car, fuel, bookings, weather and offline navigation.
Official road-condition links and practical departure checks gathered in one place.
Curated accommodation, restaurants, wineries and worthwhile pauses matched to the route.
Relevant journal guides and deeper reads for the places, people and driving culture along the way.
Route map
The shaded area shows the landscape of the drive. Members receive the verified road, sequence and navigation.
Explore the route regionDay 1
Day 2
Days 2–3 · Member Drive Pack
Day by day
01Day 1
Gateway to the Alps
Begin in Lucerne, where the Chapel Bridge spans the Reuss River and Mount Pilatus looms above the lake. This is Switzerland's most picturesque city , medieval old town, lakeside promenades, and the Swiss Transport Museum for car enthusiasts. Take a lake cruise or ride the world's steepest cogwheel railway to Pilatus before the passes begin.
Complete Drive Pack
The complete itinerary includes exact timings, road character, every stop and the downloadable roadbook.
Beyond the road
Places selected because they belong to the journey, not because they happened to be nearby.
Susten Pass
Traditional Swiss mountain inn at the foot of the Stone Glacier. Rösti, raclette, and homemade apple strudel.
Airolo (Gotthard)
Cross the Gotthard and you're in Italian-speaking Switzerland. Polenta, risotto, and Merlot del Ticino.
Lake Lucerne
Perched 500 m above Lake Lucerne. The Alpine Spa, Hammetschwand Lift (Europe's highest outdoor elevator), and infinity pool are world-class.
Andermatt
Jean-Michel Gathy-designed alpine luxury. The hub for the Furka, Gotthard, and Oberalp passes. Cheese fondue by the fireplace.
Beckenried
Charming family-run hotel on Lake Lucerne. Private beach, mountain views, and genuine Swiss hospitality.
Before departure
Right-hand traffic
Motorway 120 km/h, Rural 80 km/h, Urban 50 km/h
CHF 40 annual motorway vignette required. Passes are toll-free.
Fill up in Lucerne and Andermatt. Limited fuel on passes.
Typically June to October. Furka and Susten close earliest (October).
Summit temperatures 5-15°C in summer. Weather changes rapidly. Bring layers.
Swiss emergency number: 112 or 117 (police), 144 (ambulance)
From the journal
Food & Wine
Food & WineContinue exploring
Algarve
CampaniaThe complete journey
