Swiss Alpine Passes Grand Tour
Five legendary passes in four days — Furka, Grimsel, Susten, Gotthard, and Klausen — through the heart of the Swiss Alps.
Swiss Alpine Passes Grand Tour
Switzerland's mountain passes are the gold standard of European driving. Immaculately maintained, perfectly cambered, and set against scenery that borders on the absurd, they represent the pinnacle of what a driving road can be. This route links five of the greatest in a grand loop through Central Switzerland.
The Furka Pass (2,429 m) is the star — its sweeping hairpins above the Rhône Glacier were immortalised in the James Bond film Goldfinger. The Grimsel Pass (2,165 m) crosses a lunar landscape of granite and reservoirs. The Susten Pass (2,224 m) is considered the most beautiful in Switzerland, with its perfect curves descending past waterfalls. The old Gotthard Pass (2,106 m) — not the tunnel — follows the original cobblestone road over the Alps. And the Klausen Pass (1,948 m) offers a quieter, more pastoral finale.
Between the passes, there are chocolate shops, cheese dairies, lakeside promenades, and mountain railways. Switzerland does not do things by halves, and this route is no exception.
""In Switzerland, the passes are not obstacles. They are invitations." — Hans Stuck"
The Stable
Quick Facts
248 Miles, 5 Rally Points
A curated driving experience through some of the most beautiful roads in the region.
Discover the Swiss Alpine Passes Grand Tour Route
This route pack includes 5 expertly curated rally points across 248 miles of stunning driving roads. Become a member to unlock the full interactive route map and detailed driving notes.
See What's Inside
Explore a sample of the Swiss Alpine Passes Grand Tour route pack. The first 2 Rally Points are fully visible — become a member to unlock all 5 segments plus insider tips for every stop.
What You Get
Trip Planning Essentials
Route-specific logistics to help you plan ahead. Fuel stops, cell coverage, reservation requirements, and recommended apps for this drive.
Lucerne
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.
City and lakeside driving. Smooth and well-signed.
Furka Pass
2,429 m — The James Bond Road
The Furka Pass is the most famous mountain road in Switzerland. Its sweeping hairpins climb from Andermatt through alpine meadows to the Rhône Glacier — the birthplace of the Rhône River. This is where Sean Connery's Aston Martin DB5 was pursued in Goldfinger. The Hotel Belvédère, perched at the glacier's edge, is one of the most photographed buildings in the Alps.
Classic alpine hairpins. Wide, well-maintained, and thrilling. Moderate traffic in summer.
Route Segment Locked
Detailed driving directions included
This segment includes curated driving notes, suggested timing, road character details, and pacing guidance for the best experience.
Route Segment Locked
Detailed driving directions included
This segment includes curated driving notes, suggested timing, road character details, and pacing guidance for the best experience.
Route Segment Locked
Detailed driving directions included
This segment includes curated driving notes, suggested timing, road character details, and pacing guidance for the best experience.
Unlock the Complete Swiss Alpine Passes Grand Tour
Get the full route pack with all 5 Rally Points, detailed driving notes, plus 7 curated stops with insider tips, parking notes, and reservation guidance.
Food, Wine & Experiences
Restaurant Bam Bou
Lucerne
Lakeside fine dining with Asian-Swiss fusion cuisine. The terrace overlooks the Chapel Bridge and Mount Pilatus.
Curated Stop
Location included in route pack
Insider tips, what to order, parking notes, and reservation guidance included in the full route pack.
Curated Stop
Location included in route pack
Insider tips, what to order, parking notes, and reservation guidance included in the full route pack.
Curated Stop
Location included in route pack
Insider tips, what to order, parking notes, and reservation guidance included in the full route pack.
Accommodation
Bürgenstock Resort
Lake Lucerne
Perched 500 m above Lake Lucerne. The Alpine Spa, Hammetschwand Lift (Europe's highest outdoor elevator), and infinity pool are world-class.
Handpicked Stay
Location included in route pack
Parking details, insider tips, and booking recommendations included in the full route pack.
Handpicked Stay
Location included in route pack
Parking details, insider tips, and booking recommendations included in the full route pack.
Unlock the full Swiss Alpine Passes Grand Tour
Reviews & Ratings
2 reviews
Switzerland's greatest hits
Furka, Grimsel, Susten, Klausen — this route connects Switzerland's most spectacular passes into one epic tour. The Stable's timing advice helped us avoid the tour buses and the mountain hotel recommendations were outstanding.
Alpine perfection
The Swiss passes are engineering marvels and driving them is pure joy. The Stable found connecting valley roads that were almost as good as the passes themselves. The fondue stop at a mountain chalet was the cherry on top.
Everything You Need
Downloadable Roadbook
Offline-ready PDF with route notes, maps, and curated stops for use without signal.
Link Hub Access
Mobile-first navigation with tap-to-drive Rally Points, designed for in-car use.
Restaurant Recommendations
Curated dining with parking notes, reservation tips, and what to order.
Hotel Suggestions
Car-forward accommodations with valet, secure parking, and character.
Winery & Experience Access
Tasting room details with appointment guidance and parking notes.
Ongoing Updates
Routes are continuously updated with new stops, seasonal tips, and community feedback.
Save 30% with annual billing
$99/year for Global access — only 100 of 100 spots left
Pre-Drive Checklist
Get your car, gear, and documents ready with a checklist tailored to this route.
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Where to Eat and Stay: Swiss Alpine Passes Grand Tour
The best dining and accommodation for drivers tackling the Swiss Alpine Passes Grand Tour. From Europe restaurants to car-friendly stays, here's where The Stable recommends you stop along the way.
Hotel Belvédère: The James Bond Hotel at the Heart of the Furka Pass
The iconic pink hotel on the Furka Pass, famous from the James Bond film Goldfinger, is a must-see for any driving enthusiast. While the hotel is closed, its restaurant offers simple alpine fare with incredible views of the Rhône Glacier.
Gasthaus Steingletscher: A Historic Stop on the Susten Pass
A traditional mountain inn at the foot of the Stein Glacier on the Susten Pass, serving hearty Swiss dishes to drivers and hikers since the 1800s.
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""In Switzerland, the passes are not obstacles. They are invitations." — Hans Stuck"
The Stable